Austin Parks Foundation is encouraging residents to keep their New Year’s resolutions by making use of the city’s parks. The organization highlights a range of local parks and facilities that can support common goals such as exercising more, spending time with family and friends, picking up new hobbies, enjoying time with pets, and unplugging from screens.
For those looking to increase physical activity, several parks offer outdoor fitness equipment, including Dove Springs District Park in Southeast Austin and Pease District Park in Central Austin. Trails for walking and biking are available at locations like Onion Creek Metropolitan Park, which is set to become home to an All Abilities Playground in the future.
The foundation points out that “a 2019 study found that spending 120 minutes in nature a week can significantly improve your overall feelings of health and well-being.” It recommends parks such as Emma Long Metropolitan Park and Bull Creek District Park for hiking opportunities. Play areas for children are available at Kendra Page Park and Parque Zaragoza Neighborhood Park.
Residents interested in trying new activities can visit Pan American Neighborhood Park or South Austin Neighborhood Park for pickleball courts, or Bartholomew District Park for disc golf. Sports fields are featured at Tanglewood Park and Garrison District Park, among others.
Pet owners have options such as Zilker Metropolitan Park and Shoal Creek Greenbelt for off-leash areas where dogs can play freely. For those wanting to disconnect from digital devices, scenic spots like Red Bluff Neighborhood Park and Blunn Creek Preserve offer quiet settings for relaxation.
The foundation invites community members to share their park experiences on social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok (@austinparksfdn), and Facebook under “Austin Parks Foundation.”
