Some context
The course is included in the city’s 2021 Parks Master Plan as a future capital improvement project. The Parks and Recreation Commission aims to begin development by the end of FY2025, with construction anticipated in FY2026, according to city documents.
On April 16, the Parks Commission voted 6-0 to recommend the Garlic Creek Greenbelt as the preferred location, city documents state. The city also hosted an open house on May 13 at Elm Grove Elementary to share details and early designs. Of the 21 attendees, 13 supported the greenbelt location, four opposed it, and two expressed conditional support.
The proposed site would include an 18-hole course and 12 parking spaces—10 standard and two ADA—located at the Cullen Country mailboxes.
Key concerns and city responses, according to agenda documents, include:
- Parking: The city noted availability at Cullen Country, Garlic Creek Park and future parking at The Roundabout development.
- Trash and alcohol use: Trash cans will be placed throughout the course.
- Tree removal: No protected trees will be cut.
- Trail conflicts: The course will be designed to reduce interference with walkers.
- Restrooms: Port-a-potties will be placed and maintained by city staff.
- Flooding: The city acknowledged the course may be unusable during certain weather conditions.
An online Disc Golf Community Input Survey was open from April 25–May 9 and received 882 responses, according to city agenda documents. Among key findings:
- 50.23% preferred Garlic Creek Greenbelt
- 26.76% preferred Stagecoach Park
- 62.69% play disc golf regularly or frequently; 24% play occasionally
- 67.21% prefer an 18-hole layout; 25.75% are open to either 18 or 9 holes
- Top course features: challenging design (4.41/5) and signage/maps (4.28/5)
- Most important amenities: restrooms (4.05/5, 68.25% ranked it first or second) and parking (3.47/5, 52.5%)
In addition to Garlic Creek Greenbelt, other potential locations for the disc golf course include Whispering Hollow/Summer Point, Garrison Park, Stagecoach Park and the future Eastside Park.
Stagecoach Park was the second most preferred location among survey respondents, with 26.76% selecting it, according to city documents. The city cited its central location, varied terrain, lack of adjacent residents, ample parking and existing amenities as advantages. However, drawbacks include the city’s plan to relocate the dog park to that site, the requirement to maintain open space under Texas Parks and Wildlife guidelines, and the park’s annual closure from October 1 to January 5.
The future Eastside Park is another possible site. One major benefit according to city documents is that the course could be integrated into the park’s overall development plan, minimizing conflicts with other uses. However, because the park is not yet developed, choosing this location would likely delay the project’s timeline.
Offering input
Council member Monica Davidson raised concerns about the city’s ability to maintain a new disc golf course, citing ongoing maintenance issues at existing amenities, including one of Buda’s skateparks. She also questioned the timing of the project, noting that other city initiatives still need to be completed.
“It’s not that I don’t like this idea,” Davidson said. “I just don’t think it’s the right time to put this much resource and effort into it... We have a lot going on in the Garlic Creek trails all at once... It’s just too much for us right now.”
Mayor Lee Urbanovsky acknowledged the difficulty of adding an amenity to an existing park in a residential area and suggested sending the item back to the Parks Commission to consider other locations.
Parks and Recreation Director Tony Host said the process is ongoing and the Garlic Creek Greenbelt recommendation is not final. He said staff will continue investigating options and bring the matter back to council at a later date.
