What would we do without our neighborhood parks? As a vital part of our community for playtime, exercise, a place to make friendships and so much more, parks have been our refuge over the past 8 months! We’re grateful that these green spaces have provided a place to safely get outdoors to feel connected to the community during this rather isolating time.

Every November, Austin Parks Foundation hosts a huge city-wide volunteering event where thousands of volunteers (including kids) work to improve parks and greenbelts throughout the city, and this year the event just happens to have a slightly different twist. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s event is called It’s My Park Day – At A Distance, with activities taking place between November 7-14, 2020.

This year’s It’s My Park Day is more important than ever due to budget shortfalls, decreased volunteer labor and tight social distancing restrictions that prevent the usual 4,000+ Austinites from helping with park maintenance, clean-ups and restoration.

Austinites will have the chance to engage with, learn about, and give back to local parks from the comfort of their homes as well as to complete safe, outdoor park cleanups and activities on their own. It’s a great chance to get the whole family involved in giving back! Participants have the chance to get an It’s My Park Day t-shirt or koozie through their volunteerism or by making a donation of $25 or more.

How will it work? First, you’re encouraged to sign up to participate online here. Then on, Saturday, Nov. 7, It’s My Park Day – At A Distance will kick off as a virtual event where you can watch a video featuring special guests and learn about all of this year’s available volunteer activities. Throughout the week, APF will share a lot of engaging content, run contests and encourage you to complete activities in a socially distanced way. You’ll be asked to document your work with photos, and share them at austinparks.org/IMPD by November 14. For those who have completed their projects, there will be a contact-less Pick-up Party on Saturday, December 5 to get your It’s My Park Day gear.

For more information and to register to participate, please visit austinparks.org/IMPD. Thanks for all of your help keeping our community spaces clean and beautiful!