AUSTIN’S OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES INCREASE AS SOCIAL DISTANCING RECOMMENDATIONS ARE EMBRACED

Greater Austin’s love of the outdoors helps keep spirits high during challenging times

AUSTIN — Austin Outside, the newly formed coalition of nonprofits and businesses positioning itself as the champion for all the outdoor places in Greater Austin, recently launched an “Outside” resources page that could be a balm as we work to grasp ‘social distancing’ instructions. As Austinites have embraced the 6 feet of recommended distance, outside activity has increased to help ward off stir-crazy feelings and keep Austin safe, healthy and connected to nature. 

Board Chair Joanna Wolaver says, ”it’s times like now that really emphasize that these special places in the great outdoors are truly what make Austin a unique place and they are worth highlighting and protecting.”

The coalition believes that everyone has the right to accessible parks and green spaces within a 1/4 mile of their home. That creating a collective voice for its outdoor spaces will make Austin and its metropolitan area a safer, healthier, friendlier, and more creative place for all who work, live, or visit. And greater access to a vibrant, robust, community-wide system of parks, trails, and open space is essential to the social, mental, physical, and economic health of our community. And finally, Austin Outside believes the preservation and conservation of wild spaces and appropriate public access to them is essential.

All of Austin Outside’s members keep Greater Austin’s outdoor spaces in tip top shape and nonprofit members provide fundraising, projects, programming, advocacy and more to help bridge the gap between what the city provides and what citizen’s desire for our beloved outdoors and green spaces of Greater Austin. 

A full list of these outdoor spaces to visit and their partners can be found at www.austinoutside.org/resources as well as a full list of members can be found at www.austinoutside.org/members 

Be sure to monitor news for changing recommendations regarding appropriate usage of outdoor spaces.

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About Austin Outside

Austin Outside’s mission is to champion outdoor places for all throughout Greater Austin. We’re a coalition of nonprofits and businesses who believe in the power of our collective impact. For more information, please visit www.austinoutside.org