Austin City Council Member Ryan Alter is donating $100K from his office’s budget to the city’s parks department.

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin City Council Member Ryan Alter (District 5) is donating $100,000 from his office to the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. 

A check presentation was held on Wednesday afternoon at the Parks and Recreation Department’s headquarters. The funds will improve parks located in District 5, with two projects receiving priority. 

Garrison Park will be getting upgrades like new benches, tables, grills and drinking fountains. Piney Bend playground will get a complete replacement. 

The donation comes from the budget savings Alter said his office achieved through careful spending. 

Alter referenced an experience he recently had celebrating his daughter’s birthday at a local park, saying that maintaining parks is vital to the community.

“Someone shouldn’t be limited from, let’s say, having a birthday party because the picnic tables are broken or there’s no shade,” Alter said. “I want to be able to do want I can to make it accessible for everybody.”  

Alter said this is all part of a broader commitment to supporting kids, families, the environment and the community.Â