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forester in a treeAustin’s urban forest is a vital part of the city's infrastructure, providing environmental, economic, and social benefits to residents. The Forestry Team at the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) plays a crucial role in maintaining this resource, caring for the more than 300,000 trees on developed parkland including continuing to plant trees to enhance a thriving urban canopy.  

PARD Forestry has a team of 35 Arborists and support staff that are responsible for planting, watering and maintaining trees across all of Aust…

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Black History Month

Join the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural, and Genealogy Center at 1165 Angelina St. to commemorate Black History Month in February 2025 with exciting, educational, and free programs that highlight this year’s theme, “African Americans and Labor.” Black History Month themes are developed by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, an organization that was founded by the Father of Black History Month Carter G. Woodson.  

Carver’s Black History Month k…

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Let's Play on Planet-Yellow

Peelander-Yellow: Let's Play on Planet-Yellow!!!

On Exhibit NOW through April 5, 2025
AARC, 8401 Cameron Rd.

Acknowledging diversity in society and finding solidarity beyond our differences and disagreements is an important skill to learn on Earth as well as on Planet-Yellow. I would like to invite everyone to Planet-Yellow (home to several non-human-like peoples) to explore how all these people live together. The residents of Planet Yellow look very different from humans and an…

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Varsity Generation

Did you know that Austinites are aging at a faster rate than many of our peer cities, according to the city demographer?  

While Austin remains young at heart, people 65 and older are the fastest growing age group in the city.  

Our Varsity Generation facilities and senior centers offer programs like themed activities, games, entertainment, and food at monthly get togethers for people aged 55 and older.

Since their inception, these "Bringing Seniors Together" events have steadily grown in popularity with over 900 people atten…

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Children engaged in nature play

 

The Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN) initiative is transforming the way children in Austin experience the natural world. In partnership with the National League of Cities and the Children and Nature Network, this initiative seeks to provide equitable access to nature for all children, especially those from underserved communities. With a focus on breaking…

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arial photo of lady bird lake

Apart from being a live music capital and tech industry hub, Austin is known for its abundance of green spaces. Whether you're looking to take a hike, play sports or just relax in nature, before you head downtown, try some of Austin's less-traveled parks!

  1. Mayfield Park
    3805 W. 35th St., Austin, Texas 78703
    If you're looking for a peaceful escape, Mayfield Park is a must-visit. Located near the heart of Aus…
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Our Parks, Our Future Long Range Plan

Did you know that the Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) has a 10-year plan for the City of Austin's parks system, aiming to guide its development and expansion? 

Adopted by the Austin City Council on November 14, 2019, the plan, titled Our Parks, Our Future, sets a strategic direction for land acquisition, facility improvements, and the creation of new…

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Jesus Aguirre Headshot

The City of Austin has selected Jesús Aguirre as its new Director of the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD), effective January 13, 2025. With over 25 years of experience in public parks, nonprofit leadership, and public education, Aguirre brings a wealth of expertise to Austin. He has previously led parks and recreation departments in Washington, D.C., and Seattle, where he developed innovative strategic visions and achieved notable successes in both cities. 

Aguirre’s appointment comes after a national search and commu…

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Kids playing soccer at rec center

Léalo en español.

Soccer is now one of the most popular youth sports in the U.S., with millions of children participating in organized leagues and tournaments. The sport not only promotes health and physical fitness, it instills valuable life skills such as discipline, perseverance, and resilience. It brings people together from diverse backgrounds, fostering inclusivity, understanding, and mutual respect.

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kids playing socccer

Read it in English.

El fútbol es ahora uno de los deportes juveniles más populares en los EE. UU., con millones de niños participando en ligas y torneos organizados. El deporte no solo promueve la salud y la aptitud física, sino que también inculca valiosas habilidades para la vida, como la disciplina, la perseverancia y la resiliencia. Reúne a personas de diversos orígenes, fomentando la inclusión, la comprensión y el respeto mutuo.