The nonprofit caring for Austin's most beloved park
Zilker 351 brings the community together to protect the ecology, honor the history, and broaden the welcome of all 351 acres of Zilker Metropolitan Park.
Zilker 351 works to honor, preserve and enhance the natural, cultural, and recreational treasures of 351-acre Zilker Metropolitan Park for all.
To honor Andrew Zilker's statement that Zilker Metropolitan Park “ought to belong to all the people of Austin,” Zilker 351 envisions a park that welcomes all visitors to experience its natural beauty, vibrant programs, and recreational opportunities, and to become stewards of the park for current and future generations.
The people behind Zilker 351
An executive director and a volunteer board of directors — community leaders rooted in a shared love of Zilker.
Christine Chute-Canul
Community PARKnerships Program Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation
Zilker 351 Advisory Board
The organizations within and adjacent to Zilker Park that advise Zilker 351, and the people who represent them.
Hill Country Conservancy
- Kathy Miller, CEO
- Sarah Dean
The Trail Conservancy
- Julie Fisher, CEO
2021-2022 Facilitation Committee
The committee that facilitated the community process from which Zilker 351 was formed.
Mike Cannatti
Board Member, Barton Springs Conservancy
Karen Brimble
Board Member, Barton Springs Conservancy
Karen Blizzard
2021 Leadership Austin Fellow for Barton Springs Conservancy
Colin Wallis
CEO, Austin Parks Foundation
Angela Richter
(Former) Advocacy Manager, Austin Parks Foundation
Sandy Dochen
2021 Leadership Austin Fellow for Austin Parks Foundation
Hayden Brooks
Facilitator-Guide, Austin Together
Molly Stevens
Facilitator-Guide, Austin Together
Born from a community that loves this park
In 2021, 16 organizations within and adjacent to Zilker Park began meeting to discuss and provide input on park and visitor needs through the City's community engagement process, along with many other stakeholders.
With support from Leadership Austin and Austin Together, they formed the Zilker Collective Impact Working Group, which later established Zilker 351 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Zilker 351 has not yet established a partnership agreement to support APR's work, but plans to explore this through APR's Community PARKnership program. APR will continue to manage, operate, and oversee Zilker Park, which will always remain public parkland.
A park, and a community, worth showing up for
From the people who steward it to the water, lawns, and limestone that draw Austin here — a few real views of the place at the center of our work.
Who does what at Zilker Park
The City of Austin runs the park. Zilker 351 is the nonprofit partner that helps it thrive. Here's the honest division of roles.
Supports, advocates, connects
- ✓Steward the land — supporting tree canopy, native plantings, and water-quality care
- ✓Lift up the park's full history and the many communities connected to it
- ✓Gather and share events from park groups so the community can find them
- ✓Build partnership between neighbors, park organizations, and the City
- ✓Champion welcoming, equitable access across all 351 acres
Owns, manages, operates
- ✓Owns and manages Zilker Park on behalf of the public
- ✓Operates Barton Springs Pool and park facilities day to day
- ✓Maintains grounds, trails, restrooms, and infrastructure
- ✓Issues permits, reservations, and facility rentals
- ✓Sets park rules, hours, and city policy
Austin Parks and Recreation · austintexas.gov
A registered 501(c)(3), accountable to the public
Zilker 351 is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Austin, TX. Contributions support stewardship of the land, the park's full history, and welcoming access for every Austinite.
- Legal name
- Zilker 351
- Status
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit
- EIN
- 88-2597231
- Location
- Austin, TX
- info@zilker351.org
About Zilker 351, answered
The questions neighbors, donors, and visitors ask us most.
Zilker 351 is an Austin, Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to honor, preserve, and enhance the natural, cultural, and recreational treasures of 351-acre Zilker Metropolitan Park for all.
Help us care for Zilker, together
Zilker 351 is powered by Austinites who love this park. Give, volunteer, or stay connected — and help keep all 351 acres thriving.