Buda city staff were presented with the Platinum Scenic City award at a city council meeting Nov. 3. Previously certified gold in 2011, platinum is the highest level awarded within the Scenic City Certification program.

The program is designed to support and recognize cities and municipalities in Texas that have public roadways and outdoor spaces of high quality. The evaluations of cities are based on parks, trails and open spaces, lighting standards, landscaping and other city features.

According to the Scenic City Certification website, Buda managed to meet the “high” standard of 10 acres of park per 1,000 citizens.

“It really shows that you all value the beauty and uniqueness of the city,” Scenic Texas Program Coordinator Kendra Ralston said.

Buda is now one of 24 platinum-certified cities in Texas and the second in Hays County with Dripping Springs being certified platinum in 2019.

“The city has worked relentlessly to earn this platinum designation.” Buda Planning Director Melissa McCollum said in a press release. “It’s an honor for the city to have received this recognition. It’s the product of the city’s high standards for streetscapes and its effort to preserve heritage trees, cultivate greenbelts and limit light pollution.”