Austin ParksCast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In today's episode, you’ll hear interviews with two of our Golden Shovel award winners: Chuck Foster (Park Adopter at Springwoods Park) and Andrea Harrington (Friends of Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt). Each year, these awards are given to people and organizations that have made a big impact on Austin’s parks. We recognize our winners at Party for the Parks, our biggest fundraising event of the year. Be sure to check out parkscast.org for more information and important announcements!

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.

In today’s episode, Austin Parks Foundation’s CEO Colin Wallis talks with Emmett Beliveau, the Chief Operating Officer of C3 Presents. In case you didn’t know, C3 creates, markets and produces live experiences, concerts, and events across the globe. This includes world-renowned music festivals like Austin’s own ACL Music Festival, Lollapalooza in Chicago, Bonnaroo in Tennessee and many more.

For over 15 years, C3 Presents and Austin Parks Foundation have worked together to bring ACL Music Festival to Zilker Park. ACL Fest fans have generated over $41.6M for Austin’s drastically underfunded parks system. With these dollars, APF is able to fund community-initiated renovation projects in parks, trails and green spaces across our city.

Colin and Emmett talk about the history of our partnership as well as some memories, including the infamous Dillo Dirt incident. They talk about the challenges presented by a global pandemic and the steps taken to ensure festival-goers are safe moving forward.

Announcements:

1. Tickets are on sale NOW for Party for the Parks at ACL Music Festival! Help us raise $300,000 for Austin's parks, trails and green spaces. Did we mention that the Black Pumas are performing? Get your tickets and more information at party.austinparks.org!
2. Volunteer events are back! Check out Austin Parks Foundation’s event calendar for available volunteer opportunities in a park near you. We can’t wait to help our parks with y’all!
3. Did you know APF has a merch store? Visit shop.austinparks.org to get some awesome gear or apparel for your next park adventure!
4. Want to help shape the future of Zilker Park? Your opinion matters! Check out the Zilker Vision Plan and let your voice be heard.

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.

Our guests for this discussion are Daryl Horton, Chair of the African American Quality of Life Commission, Kathryn Gonzalez, Chair of the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission, and Kirk Yoshida, Chair of the Asian American Quality of Life Commission. You can stay informed about and engaged in their work through austintexas.gov/department/quality-life, where you can find useful updates and directly contact members.

Announcements:

1. We have created a blog for our podcast and show notes! Check out parkscast.org today to get a deeper dive into each episode.
2. Volunteer events are back! Check out Austin Parks Foundation's event calendar for available volunteer opportunities in a park near you. We can't wait to help our parks with y'all!
3. Did you know APF has a merch store? Visit shop.austinparks.org to get some awesome gear or apparel for your next park adventure!
4. Want to help shape the future of Zilker Park? Your opinion matters! Check out the Zilker Vision Plan and let your voice be heard.

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.

In this episode, we are so pleased to bring you a conversation with John Aquino, Community Engagement Co-Chair for the Human Rights Campaign’s Austin Chapter (HRC ATX). The Human Rights Campaign and HRC Foundation together serve as America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve LGBTQ equality. “​​By inspiring and engaging individuals and communities, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

The Human Rights Campaign envisions a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people are ensured equality and embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.” The Austin chapter is a volunteer-led organization that engages in local and state legislative issues that affect the LGBTQ Community.

Be sure to follow HRC ATX on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to learn more about how to get involved!

Announcements:

1. We have created a blog for our podcast and show notes! Check out parkscast.org today to get a deeper dive into each episode.
   
2. Volunteer events are back! Check out Austin Parks Foundation's event calendar for available volunteer opportunities in a park near you. We can't wait to help parks in-person with y'all!
   
3. Did you know APF has a merch store? Visit shop.austinparks.org to get some awesome gear or apparel for your next park adventure!
   
4. We need your help to secure up to a $100,000 grant for the new mini train at Zilker Park! Help us reach our crowdfunding goal of $6,000 before August 13th by making a donation here. We must reach our goal in order to qualify for the grant!

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.

Howdy, y’all! In today's episode, we've got a super fun interview with Texas two-step instructor Beth Coffey! You can find Beth at The White Horse, the infamous East Austin honky tonk, on Thursday nights teaching Austinites and visitors alike the art of two-stepping.

Beth is an 8th generation Texan, born and raised in San Angelo. She was brought up in a big Czech and Irish family and learned to two-step at a young age. She loves parks and the outdoors but specifically spending time near Walnut Creek and Lady Bird Lake.

Her journey with dance has taken her to some really exciting places, including being the Smithsonian’s official ambassador of Texas and dancing with NASA pilots! We talk about how music and dance bring people together, and the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beth is also our Two-Step instructor for our final Fitness in the Park class, which will air Saturday, August 7th at 10 am. She also offers private lessons for weddings, company parties and much more through her business Dancin' Austin, so be sure to check it out!

We also want to give a shoutout to country music artist, Weldon Hensen. He's a Texas country artist that can be found touring the historic dance halls across the state! Beth's husband is in Weldon's band, and she highly recommends giving their music a listen.

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.

In today’s episode, Grant interviews Tai Chi Master Vince Cobalis who was kind enough to be a part of our Fitness in the Park series! His class premieres Saturday, July 24th at 10 am on APF's YouTube Channel, but you can watch it anytime at austinparks.org/fitness!

Vince has practiced martial arts since 1968 and Tai Chi since 1981. He grew up in El Paso and was the only Asian student in his high school. After graduating, he moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas. He moved to California for a few years, but moved back to Austin in 1980 and has lived here ever since. Learn more about Ip Sun Tai Chi on his website and Facebook page!

We talk about his journey becoming Tai Chi Master, the difference between the internal and external practice of Tai Chi, the importance of nature and the outdoors and, of course, his pick for Austin’s best taco.

*UPDATE* Vince noticed that he misspoke and asked that we correct the following: He retired from his role as Assistant Director of Austin Public Health for the City of Austin in 2012.

Announcements:

1. Volunteer events are back in full swing! Check out Austin Parks Foundation's event calendar for available volunteer opportunities in a park near you. We can't wait to help parks in-person with y'all!
2. Did you know APF has a merch store? Visit shop.austinparks.org to get some awesome gear or apparel for your next park adventure!
3. We need your help to secure up to a $100,000 grant for the new mini train at Zilker Park! Help us reach our crowdfunding goal of $6,000 before August 13th by making a donation here. We must reach our goal in order to qualify for the grant!

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.

In this episode, we are excited to bring you a conversation with the Chief Executive Officer of Equality Texas, Ricardo Martinez. Equality Texas is a non-profit advocacy organization, whose mission is to “secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration.” We examine how parks, trails, and public spaces impact the quality of life for our LGBTQ+ community and discuss ways that parks could become more welcoming, inclusive spaces.

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

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

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

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

In today's episode, we interviewed local boxing instructor Ashley Bazan from Austin Women's Boxing Club about her fitness journey! Ashley has won multiple local boxing championships and is passionate about teaching the art of boxing. She's also our instructor for our virtual Boxing class airing Saturday, June 26th at 10 am. You can watch any of our previous Fitness in the Parks classes whenever you're ready to break a sweat at austinparks.org/fitness. Learn more about Austin Women's Boxing Club and the classes they provide at austinwomensboxingclub.com!

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

The Austin ParksCast is a production of Austin Parks Foundation. Find out more information about the work we do to improve parks for every Austinite at austinparks.org.

Grant invites Barry, Volunteer Manager at APF, to have a conversation with local artist Ken Rudolph! We talked about the design he created for our It's My Park Day t-shirt as well as his involvement in the Pillars Project at Rosewood Park. 

Our conversation covers everything from his art business, Highly Favored Art, to the existence of aliens. Be sure to check out his fantastic paintings, prints, and merch at highlyfavoredart.store and follow him on Instagram!

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

The Austin ParksCast is a production of Austin Parks Foundation. Find out more information about the work we do to improve parks for every Austinite at austinparks.org.

Welcome to Part 2 of our Mental Health Awareness Month episodes! We're highlighting the work of individuals that connect people to the healing qualities of nature and the outdoors during the month of May. Today we are excited to bring you a conversation with Amber Jekot. Amber is a deep lover of all things outdoors, a late-night gardener, and a holder of dual master's degrees in Social Work and Divinity.  

Amber is the owner and therapist at Ecotherapy Austin and loves talking about the indispensable connection between ecological justice and human flourishing. You can follow her on Instagram or check out her website!

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

The Austin ParksCast is a production of Austin Parks Foundation. Find out more information about the work we do to improve parks for every Austinite at austinparks.org.

In this episode of the Austin ParksCast, we talked with Brian Carter, CXO of Capital Metro, about our partnership! We chat about how the COVID-19 pandemic affected public transportation, our Fitness in the Park series, the Zilker Eagle, the best taco in Austin, 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. Find out more information about the work we do to improve parks for every Austinite at austinparks.org.

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

The Austin ParksCast is a production of Austin Parks Foundation. Find out more information about our Parks Summit series, and the work we do to improve parks for every Austinite at austinparks.org.

At Austin Parks Foundation, we love highlighting the work of other organizations committed to promoting access, inclusivity and diversity in the outdoors. Our guests today are the founders of Outdoor Rep, Rakhi Agrawal and Jack Schleifer! In their own words - they “aim to make the outdoors more accessible to members of low-income BIPOC communities by getting gear into peoples’ hands, and elevating the art, creations and voices of people of color in the outdoors." Check out their website at outdoorrep.org for more info and to get involved!

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

The Austin ParksCast is a production of Austin Parks Foundation. Find out more information about our Parks Summit series, and the work we do to improve parks for every Austinite at austinparks.org.

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

The Austin ParksCast is a production of Austin Parks Foundation. Find out more information about our Parks Summit series, and the work we do to improve parks for every Austinite at austinparks.org.

Volunteer events are a core part of what we do at Austin Parks Foundation. In the midst of COVID-19, in-person volunteer events have been on pause as parks, trails and green spaces were seeing unprecedented use. A phrase we like to use is “over-loved.” As restrictions ease we hope to get you back out into the parks soon, so stay tuned on our website at austinparks.org/volunteer.

We’re excited for you to hear from our guests on the importance of volunteering. Check out the video version of this Park Summit Session at austinparks.org/summit!

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

The Austin ParksCast is a production of Austin Parks Foundation. Find out more information about our Parks Summit series, and the work we do to improve parks for every Austinite at austinparks.org.

In this facilitated discussion, young leaders will touch on personal connections to nature, barriers to young BIPOC (an acronym that means Black, Indigenous, People of Color) in the pursuit of environmental and nature-based careers, actions underway now, and actions that SHOULD be taken to uplift underserved communities. Check out the livestream video at austinparks.org/summit!

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

The Austin ParksCast is a production of Austin Parks Foundation. Find out more information about our Parks Summit series, and the work we do to improve parks for every Austinite at austinparks.org.

Asvini is an award-winning environmental activist and 6th-grade student. Check out her website and YouTube channel. She’s been volunteering in the parks since she was in 2nd grade! We’re so impressed with all she’s accomplished and excited to see what big things she’ll do next.

We also had the opportunity to talk about how kids can engage with and protect our parks through APF’s kids club, Little Hummingbird Society! Learn more about member benefits at austinparks.org/lhs.

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

The Austin ParksCast is a production of Austin Parks Foundation. Find out more information about our Parks Summit series, and the work we do to improve parks for every Austinite at austinparks.org.

If you'd like to watch the livestream video of this Park Summit Session, head to austinparks.org/summit!

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

The Austin ParksCast is a production of Austin Parks Foundation. Find out more information about our Parks Summit series, and the work we do to improve parks for every Austinite at austinparks.org.

Learn more about Texas Appleseed and the work they do to promote social and economic justice for all Texans at texasappleseed.org.

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

The Austin ParksCast is a production of Austin Parks Foundation. Find out more information about our Parks Summit series, and the work we do to improve parks for every Austinite at austinparks.org.

My co-host Kathleen will introduce the Parks Summit Series and our guest speakers will tell you about themselves and their work. As a reminder, this session was originally in video format, you can view the presentations in the original livestream video at ausitnparks.org/summit!

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

The Austin ParksCast is a production of Austin Parks Foundation. Find out more information about our Parks Summit series, and the work we do to improve parks for every Austinite at austinparks.org.

We partnered with Shoal Creek Conservancy, Hill Country Conservancy and invited guests from the City of Austin’s Transportation and Public Works Departments. Check out the original livestream video at austinparks.org/summit!

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

The Austin ParksCast is a production of Austin Parks Foundation. Find out more information about our Parks Summit series, and the work we do to improve parks for every Austinite at austinparks.org.

In our first episode of Season 1, we’re taking you back in time to May 2020. This session originated as a livestream video titled 6 Feet A Park: COVID Safety in Parks. See what we did there?

This discussion is focused on keeping parks open on both a city and state level, with an emphasis on doing our part to keep each other safe in the midst of COVID-19. Though this session is from May of 2020, MUCH of it is still relevant today as we continue to deal with COVID-19. We hope some of these tips will help you stay safe out in the parks!

Our guests include Rodney Franklin - Director of Texas Parks & Wildlife, Kimberly McNeely - Director of the Austin Parks & Recreation Department, and Austin Parks Foundation’s CEO Colin Wallis.

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

The Austin ParksCast is a production of Austin Parks Foundation. Find out more information about our Parks Summit series, and the work we do to improve parks for every Austinite at austinparks.org.

Do you love Austin's parks and trails? You're in the right place! In our intro episode, hosts Grant and Kathleen talk about what to expect from the Austin ParksCast episodes as well as details on Seasons 1 & 2. Click here for a full transcript of the episode.

Music provided by Honey Son, the stage moniker of multi-instrumentalist crooner Mars Wright. Check out his music on Spotify and YouTube!

The Austin ParksCast is a production of Austin Parks Foundation. Find out more information about our Parks Summit series, and the work we do to improve parks for every Austinite at austinparks.org.