We can’t talk about Team FX without talking about Zilker Park, the sacred space where we have met for our trainings for the past 18 years. Sunken Garden is the area around Old Mill Spring, one of the four springs that feed Barton Creek within the southern grounds of the park. The springs are federally protected as the only known habitat of the Barton Springs Salamander, an endangered species. On many occasions, our runners take a refreshing dip in Barton Creek to cool off after a long run. It’s a special, peaceful place of connecting and rejuvenating with nature, right next door to Barton Springs and the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden.
We love our home on the little southern corner of Zilker Park. Our efforts have benefited Austin’s SAFE Children’s Shelter by raising over $751,000 to help local children removed from life threatening situations of abuse, neglect and trafficking, while coaching runners and walkers to safely achieve their sustainable healthy lifestyle goals with over 375 race medals. With Andrew Zilker’s community philanthropic perspective, we think he would appreciate what we’re doing within this park, and we are interested in preserving HIS vision … to preserve the nature of this sacred space and to benefit the education and well-being of its citizens … to keep it beautiful and safe, not just for the runners and walkers who use the trail, but for EVERYONE, including our brothers and sisters who sleep under the stars.
WHY ANDREW ZILKER?
Andrew Zilker was the last private owner of Austin’s premiere, pristine park land, later to be named Zilker Park in his honor. In the transition of ownership to the City of Austin, he had a vision for how it would be used. With all the debate over the future of our beloved Zilker Park, we continue to hold his values … what would HE do now?
We are pleased that the people of Austin have spoken and the City of Austin has halted the current Zilker Vision Plan indefinitely. This last plan had been contracted by the City for $600,000. Long and comprehensive, it was a great beginning, because it got everyone’s attention, and it’s no longer an “under the table” private deal. Do you know what was in it? You can still take your time to READ THE PLAN (which includes all the history, even before Zilker). Keep coming back here for updates on the vision for Zilker Park, listen to all the opinions and perspectives out there, and when the time comes, make up your own mind, and use your own voice to guide the city toward a meaningful result. Your voice matters!
THIS IS YOUR PARK. While we don’t personally adopt all the thoughts expressed out there, we DO want you to be informed, so that you can form your own opinion and express your own voice to the decision-making powers. They work for YOU:
MAYOR KIRK WATSON
S.O.S. (SAVE OUR SPRINGS ALLIANCE)
ZILKER, INC. DOCUMENTARY
REWILD ZILKER
AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL – USE YOUR VOICE
Ordering a WWAZD T-Shirt helps raise awareness and community voices about the future of Zilker Park, and helps Team FX grow, to help more of our local children. WWAZD? What Would Andrew Zilker Do?
Simple white text on black tee comes with Team FX “One Step At A Time” wristband
Just a $20 contribution includes ground shipping
PRE-ORDER NOW. PAY WHEN IT SHIPS!