When
March 01, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
What
Austin Parks Foundation’s (APF) biannual It’s My Park Day (IMPD) returns Saturday, March 1, with volunteer registration now open. For over 20 years, this citywide event has brought Austinites together to enhance local parks, trails and greenbelts. Volunteers can choose from various projects, including trash pickup at Georgian Acres, nature play mulching at Sanchez School Park and invasive species removal at Armadillo Neighborhood Park and the Spyglass Trailhead. Many sites will feature additional activities beyond the volunteer work, such as ice cream trucks, Zumba classes and live music. Visit austinparks.org/impd for a complete list of projects and hours.
In an effort to create more balanced volunteer distribution across Austin, APF has launched an IMPD Park Picker. Through this system, APF will assign volunteers to projects needing additional support one week before the event.
“The impact of It’s My Park Day extends well beyond a Saturday morning in the park,” says Colin Wallis, CEO of Austin Parks Foundation. “This community-led day of service is an integral part of both our city’s collective commitment to public green spaces and our organization’s dedication to supporting parks in every district. Each March and November, thousands of Austinites gather on the first Saturday to improve our parks for everyone. We’re thrilled to see our community coming together across more than 88 parks on March 1.”
Beyond the on-site volunteers, many Austin businesses have become valued IMPD giveback partners over the years. Pre-registered volunteers receive an IMPD T-shirt and sticker, which provide access to special discounts and freebies at local establishments. These perks allow volunteers to enjoy complimentary coffee, beer and treats after their shifts. Participating businesses include Brew & Brew, Cosmic Coffee + Beer, Zilker Brewing Co., Easy Tiger, Rosen’s Bagel Company and Spokesman Coffee. The complete list of giveback partners can be found at austinparks.org/impd.
“Last fall, more than 3,000 volunteers removed 34,000 pounds of trash and spread 713 cubic yards of mulch,” says Barry Rivera, senior programs manager of Austin Parks Foundation. “We are grateful to everyone who takes part in the event—from project leaders and volunteers to our giveback partners.”
IMPD was established in 2003. The event generates the equivalent of $650,000 in volunteer labor on average each year, saving Austin’s underfunded Parks & Recreation Department time and money. For more information on the Austin Parks Foundation, please visit austinparks.org and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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