Not just playing around

Austin fetches No. 2 ranking on new list of best parks in Texas

Butler Hike and Bike paddle-boarding and kayak

Austin has a whopping 489 parks.

Austin Parks and Recreation Department/Facebook

In Texas, Austin's parks are among the cream of the crop, according to a new report.

The nonprofit Trust for Public Land’s 2022 ParkScore rankings put Austin at No. 39 nationally (tied with Oakland, California) for the best parks system among the country’s 100 most populated cities. In Texas, Austin ranks second for parks, behind the Dallas suburb of Plano, which ranks No. 1 in the state and 15th nationally.

The ParkScore report says Austin stands out for:

Its median park size of 6.7 acres, which is above the national ParkScore average of 5.4 acres.
Its spending on parks: The city’s investment of $178 per resident is well above the national ParkScore average of $98.
Its residents’ proximity to parks: In Austin, 70 percent of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, compared with the national ParkScore average of 75 percent.

The ParkScore rankings judge park systems based on 14 factors across five categories: acreage, investment, amenities, access, and equity.

According to the ParkScore report, Austin has 489 parks. The Austin Parks and Recreation Department lists 330 public parks.

Other Texas communities included in the national ParkScore rankings are:

Dallas, No. 53
San Antonio, No. 59
Arlington, No. 68
Houston at No. 70
Corpus Christi and Laredo, No. 73 (tie)
Fort Worth, No. 86
Garland and Lubbock, No. 91 (tie)
Irving, No. 98

Nationally, Washington, D.C., claimed the top spot, followed by St. Paul, Minnesota, and Arlington, Virginia.

“Investing in natural solutions like trails, shade, and green spaces can cool temperatures by up to six degrees and help prevent flooding. That’s why Trust for Public Land is working with park advocates and municipal leaders across the United States to close the outdoor equity gap and ensure that quality parks are available to everyone,” Diane Regas, president and CEO of Trust for Public Land, says in a news release. “Parks inspire joy and happiness and help cities meet the climate crisis.”

parks rankings

building community

Architect behind top Austin restaurants seeking nonprofit partner

A rendering of The Women's Home submitted pro-bono by MHOA.

Courtesy of the Michael Hsu Office of Architecture

MHOA has previously offered pro-bono design work to the Women's Home in Houston.

Modern nonprofit organizations often require slick, tasteful offices in order to attract donations, partnerships, and media attention. Michael Hsu Office of Architecture (MHOA) has opened their fourth-annual Design for All Partnership, which will donate $20,000 worth of office design work pro-bono in order to help non-profits improve their physical spaces.

"We are excited to continue our Design for All Partnership in 2025,” said Maija Kreishman, AIA, principal for MHOA. “As we celebrate our 20th year, we believe it is important to serve the communities that have enabled us to practice architecture and design.”

Applications are open through May 16. MHOA is specifically seeking non-profit organizations within a 50-mile radius of either Houston or Austin. In 2023, the Women’s Home in Houston was the partner chosen by MHOA. The company designed and consulted on a behavioral wellness and workforce-development space for low-income families. The Women's Home is currently fundraising to construct the space, according to MHOA. Other recipients from past years include Central Table of Grace in Round Rock and Austin Angels.

To qualify for the Design for All program, organizations must be recognized as 501(c)(3) entities. Master planning initiatives should encompass an area of 50 acres or less, while architecture and interior design projects must not exceed 20,000 square feet. MHOA will provide assessment of the building or site’s potential, initial site and floor plan, one architectural rendering, and a proposal outlining ongoing design services and timelines.

Founded in 2005, MHOA is responsible for several iconic designs in the Austin area, including Uchi, Loro, ATX Cocina, and Uptown Sports Club. One of their more notable works is the Community First Tiny Victories tiny home subdivision from Mobile Loaves and Fishes in Austin, a master planned community for those coming out of chronic homelessness. More than 300 formerly unhoused people now call the neighborhood home.

MHOA will announce the winner of the partnership on June 21.

While many nonprofits prioritize cost-savings measures over nice office space, some are finding that skimping on real estate has negative effects. Employees and volunteers often feel demoralized in poor conditions, while at-risk populations who use the services may not trust rundown-looking facilities. MHOA's Design for All Partnership may help nonprofits increase their reach without costly design fees.

design michael hsu office of architecture nonprofits