30 episodes

Welcome to the Austin ParksCast by Austin Parks Foundation. If you're passionate about the parks, trails and green spaces in Austin, Texas, you're in the right place. We tackle important topics and talk about all things parks!

Season 3 will begin mid-February 2022! All 26 episodes from Seasons 1 and 2 are available now on your favorite podcast platforms. Leave us a voice message at anchor.fm/austinparkscast. We might even play your message on the show!

Learn more about Austin Parks Foundation and the work we do to improve parks for every Austinite at austinparks.org!

Austin ParksCast Austin Parks Foundation

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 2 Ratings

Welcome to the Austin ParksCast by Austin Parks Foundation. If you're passionate about the parks, trails and green spaces in Austin, Texas, you're in the right place. We tackle important topics and talk about all things parks!

Season 3 will begin mid-February 2022! All 26 episodes from Seasons 1 and 2 are available now on your favorite podcast platforms. Leave us a voice message at anchor.fm/austinparkscast. We might even play your message on the show!

Learn more about Austin Parks Foundation and the work we do to improve parks for every Austinite at austinparks.org!

    S3E3 Parks In Perspective: A Conversation with Javier Wallace from Black Austin Tours

    S3E3 Parks In Perspective: A Conversation with Javier Wallace from Black Austin Tours

    Welcome back to the Austin ParksCast! Our guest for today’s episode is Javier Wallace. Javier is a native Austinite with deep roots in Central Texas. His family has been here since the early 1830s - that’s almost 200 years of stories and lived experiences!

    He completed his Doctorate in Philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin in 2019 and is the founder of Black Austin Tours. He is also the co-founder of AfroLatinx Travel and Black Packas. He’s been featured on ESPN’s Longhorn Network, Travel + Leisure magazine, the Travel Channel, received the highest reviews for “best storytelling” in Austin through Air BnB experiences, and more.

    Javier founded Black Austin Tours in 2019 out of his love for history and storytelling. He offers folks the opportunity to learn about the vibrant history of Austin’s Black community through seasonal and virtual tours.

    His tours highlight historical landmarks, Black-owned businesses, and the People of African descent who played an integral part in Austin’s development since the establishment of the city in 1839 and before. Our conversation is centered on how parks and public spaces have played an important role in the history of Austin’s Black community. It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to listen and learn from Javier, and I’m excited for y’all to be able to do the same.

    • 1 hr 9 min
    S3E2 Zilker Vision Plan: An Inside Look at the Future of Austin's Most Popular Park (Part 2)

    S3E2 Zilker Vision Plan: An Inside Look at the Future of Austin's Most Popular Park (Part 2)

    The Zilker Metropolitan Park Vision Plan is a community-driven planning process to establish a guiding framework for the restoration and future development of Zilker Metropolitan Park. It is the first comprehensive planning initiative to encompass the park’s 350 acres and associated facilities. 

    In this episode, we'll be hosting our second conversation about the planning process, now focusing on the plan concepts that have been created through the process thus far. We will hear from Greg Montes, Program Manager for PARD Planning, Claire Hempel and Kurt Culbertson, Principals from Design Workshop who are working with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department to deliver the final Vision Plan, and Rich DePalma, Co-chair of the Parks Board.

    • 31 min
    S3E1 Reflections of You: A Conversation with Zilker Eagle Mural Artists Ian Ingram & Becky Wittsche

    S3E1 Reflections of You: A Conversation with Zilker Eagle Mural Artists Ian Ingram & Becky Wittsche

    Welcome to Season 3 of the Austin ParksCast! We’re excited to bring you stories of park champions, host some tough but important conversations, and give you an inside look at Austin’s parks system. From the whole team at Austin Parks Foundation, we’re really grateful for your support. Thanks for tuning in!

    Seasons 1 and 2 of the ParksCast are available on your favorite podcast platforms! There are 26 episodes available now, and you can always listen to each episode and read the show notes at parkscast.org.

    As you may know, Austin Parks Foundation is in the process of restoring the mini train at Zilker Park. While we’re making a lot of progress, there are still a few steps to complete before the train is ready for everyone to enjoy. You can get the latest news and updates for the mini train at zilkertrain.org/construction or by following the Zilker Eagle on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

    In today’s episode, you’ll hear my conversation with Ian Ingram and Becky Wittsche - the local artists that created the new tunnel mural for the Zilker Eagle! We talk about their journey as artists, what public art means to them, their creative process for the new mural, and much more. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did!

    They created a truly unique experience for riders as the mini train passes under the Barton Springs Road bridge. We can’t wait for y’all to see it in person, and we’re excited for Austinites and visitors to enjoy the mural for years to come.

    Music & transitions provided by Honey Son. Check out his music on Spotify and YouTube!

    The Austin ParksCast is a production of Austin Parks Foundation. More information about the work we do to improve parks, trails and green spaces for every Austinite at austinparks.org.

    • 42 min
    S2E18 Zilker Vision Plan: An Inside Look at the Future of Austin's Most Popular Park (Part 1)

    S2E18 Zilker Vision Plan: An Inside Look at the Future of Austin's Most Popular Park (Part 1)

    The Zilker Metropolitan Park Vision Plan is a community-driven planning process to establish a guiding framework for the restoration and future development of Zilker Metropolitan Park. It is the first comprehensive planning initiative to encompass the park’s 350 acres and associated facilities. 

    In today's episode, we host the first of 3 conversations about the planning process of Austin’s oldest Metropolitan Park. We initially focus on the background, community engagement process, and how all Austinites can get involved. We will hear from Ricardo Soliz, the Division Manager for PARD Planning, Greg Montes, Program Manager for PARD Planning, and Claire Hempel and Kurt Culbertson, Principals from Design Workshop who are working with PARD to deliver the final Vision Plan.

    Be sure to check out parkscast.org for the full show notes, announcements and more! 

    Music & transitions provided by Honey Son. Check out his music on Spotify and YouTube!

    The Austin ParksCast is a production of Austin Parks Foundation. More information about the work we do to improve parks, trails and green spaces for every Austinite at austinparks.org.

    • 44 min
    S2E17 Giving Tuesday 2021: A Conversation with Alyssa Clark from YNPN Austin

    S2E17 Giving Tuesday 2021: A Conversation with Alyssa Clark from YNPN Austin

    With Giving Tuesday happening on November 30th, we thought it would be a great time to talk with the President of YNPN Austin, Alyssa Clark! Grant spoke with Alyssa about young donors and trends they’re seeing in the way people give their time, money, and expertise in Austin, TX.

    We talk about the networking and professional development opportunities that YNPN offers to young non-profit professionals. Alyssa also gives some advice on how anyone can engage with local organizations that are doing work that speaks to them. You can learn more about YNPN’s mission and programs at ynpnaustin.org.

    Whether you’re listening to this on Giving Tuesday or any old day, it’s always a great time to learn about how you can help non-profits in Austin, TX. If you’d like to support Austin Parks Foundation, head to austinparks.org to see how you can help local parks, trails and green spaces. If you'd like to give the week of Giving Tuesday, head to austinparks.org/give/ today! Your support means the world to us! Well, that’s all for the intro. Let’s dive into the episode!

    As always, head to parkscast.org if you'd for more information and announcements for each episode. Thanks so much for tuning in!

    Music & transitions provided by Honey Son. Check out his music on Spotify and YouTube!

    The Austin ParksCast is a production of Austin Parks Foundation. More information about the work we do to improve parks, trails and green spaces for every Austinite at austinparks.org.

    • 26 min
    S2E16 Día de los Muertos: A Conversation with Laura Esparza from the Austin Parks and Recreation Department

    S2E16 Día de los Muertos: A Conversation with Laura Esparza from the Austin Parks and Recreation Department

    Did you know the Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is also responsible for some of our historic cemeteries, museums and cultural centers? In today’s episode, Kathleen talks with Laura Esparza, the Division Manager of the Museums and Cultural Programs Division for PARD.

    Laura will tell us about some colorful history, details about important events around town, and a few ways we can stay engaged with our historic cemeteries and cultural programs year round.

    Don't forget to check out parkscast.org for the latest announcements and show notes! 

    Music & transitions provided by Honey Son. Check out his music on Spotify and YouTube!

    The Austin ParksCast is a production of Austin Parks Foundation. More information about the work we do to improve parks, trails and green spaces for every Austinite at austinparks.org.

    • 35 min

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