Park Rangers are ambassadors for Austin's park system that promote responsible recreation, cultivate stewardship, and conserve parks' cultural and natural resources for the benefit of our entire community. The Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) acknowledges and recognizes the depth of systemic racism and racial violence the Black community and people of color face daily. The murders of
George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and too many others, along with the violent acts against communities of color have been distressingly familiar—another chapter in our nation’s long history of white supremacy and racial violence. We are committed to creating and maintaining spaces where communities can learn, reflect, engage, and thrive. As protests and demonstrations continue around the country, PARD recognizes the leadership of Black community members and supportive allies across the city, demanding systemic change. The City of Austin’s vision of becoming a beacon of social equity underlines PARD’s commitment to reflect upon our past and embrace the challenges of our future. Through our parks, trails, swimming pools, recreation centers, museums and cultural centers, we strive to maintain meaningful connections with our community, listen intently, and will continue to push back against racism.
