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Building Community: Austin Park Activation Guide
Empowering Austin communities to activate parks, transform spaces, and shape their neighborhoods.
Parks Powered by People.
Every park has a story waiting to be told. For too long, some of Austin’s green spaces have sat quiet and underused. But what if neighbors could be the ones to bring them to life? That’s the vision behind the Austin Park Activation Toolkit, a resource created to put the power of transformation directly into the hands of the community. With this toolkit, community members can come together, share ideas, and turn overlooked spaces into vibrant gathering places that reflect the unique spirit of their neighborhood. And the best part? Change doesn’t have to wait. With simple, accessible tools, this transformation has already begun.
Why This Matters
Parks aren’t just open spaces—they’re stages for connection, play, creativity, learning, wellness, and belonging. Yet not every community has felt represented in how these spaces are designed or used.
The toolkit flips that script by focusing on:
Resource clarity
so communities can easily translate ideas into actions.
True participation
so the neighborhood leads the way in shaping their parks.
Active listening
to make sure every voice is heard.
By addressing inequities and elevating local stories, this initiative ensures every Austinite has a say in the future of their parks.
What it Unlocks
Community Empowerment
Neighbors take the lead in shaping their shared spaces.
Sustainability
A framework that ensures momentum doesn’t stop after the first event.
Vibrant Programming
From clock parties to cultural festivals, parks become dynamic places filled with activity.
Our Vision
We believe parks should be places people are proud of, spaces that celebrate culture, invite joy, and connect communities. With this toolkit, Austin’s neighborhoods can create more than just activated parks. They can create belonging.