Austin Parks Launches Kids' Volunteer Project

AUSTIN, TX — Austin Park Foundation’s Little Hummingbird Society is helping to create the next generation of park lovers with a new back-to-school volunteer project helping to clean up recreational space, officials said Wednesday.

The effort gives children a chance to learn about giving back to the Austin community while instilling them with knowledge on the importance of parks, trails and green spaces with a new back to school volunteer project. During this project, a park leader will guide volunteers on a nature walk through of the park while picking up trash along the way, officials described.

"Then, the day will culminate in well-deserved romp at the splash pad to beat the heat," parks officials said. APF will provide snacks, water sunscreen, gloves and trash grabbers and incorporate play breaks throughout the day. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own hats, reusable water bottles and closed toe shoes.

Little Hummingbird Society describes its mission as one offering parents an opportunity to engage with their community and have fun with their kids while promoting a healthy lifestyle, volunteerism and advocacy for your youngest park-goers. For more information and to register, visit: www.givepulse.com/event/115030.

DETAILS

When: Saturday, Aug. 24 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Where: Bartholomew Park, 5201 Berkman Dr., Austin, TX 78723.

Membership: While this volunteer project is open to all, little ones and their parents are encouraged to sign up for memberships. Membership features benefits like exclusive merchandise, volunteer events, and seasonal activity booklets. LHS membership is $10 per month for the first child, and $5 per month for each additional child enrolled. Membership fees directly support the work APF is doing to improve and enhance Austin’s 300+ parks, and provide access to great parks for every Austinite.

ABOUT AUSTIN PARKS FOUNDATION

Founded in 1992, Austin Parks Foundation (APF) is dedicated to partnering with our community to enhance people’s lives by making our public parks, trails and green spaces better through volunteerism, innovative programming, advocacy, and financial support. APF is focused on creating equitable access to great parks for all Austinites and helps fill the City’s funding and resource gap in order to develop and maintain Austin’s 300+ parks. APF fosters unique public/private partnerships and, since 2006, has given over $3 million in community-initiated grants in service to the greater Austin community. APF is known for its annual flagship volunteer event, It’s My Park Day, and is a presenting partner and beneficiary of the popular Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Metropolitan Park. For more information, please visit www.austinparks.org.