BUDA – The Onion Creek Trail, a 2021 Buda Bonds project, is officially opening to the public Friday, May 30.

This new multi-use trail runs nearly 1.5 miles along Onion Creek near the Buda Amphitheater and City Park. First identified through Buda’s 2021 Parks Master Plan, the Onion Creek Trail aims to improve the city’s growing trail network and connect community destinations, including Buda City Park and Garison Park, according to a Hays County and city of Buda news release.

The trail features a paved path extending from Old Black Colony Road to Garison Park and includes a pedestrian bridge spanning Onion Creek.

“The Onion Creek Trail is a meaningful addition to Buda’s growing trail system and a reflection of our commitment to enhancing connectivity, outdoor recreation and quality of life for our residents,” said Buda City Manager Micah Grau. “We’re especially grateful to Hays County for their partnership and funding support, which helped make this project a reality. Collaborations like this are essential to building a stronger, more connected community.”

Funding for the project totaled more than $1 million, including $550,000 from the Hays County 2020 Parks & Open Space Bond and $553,500 from the 2021 Buda Bond. The project was a collaboration between the city of Buda, Hays County and the Texas Water Development Board, reflecting a shared commitment in expanding outdoor facilities.

“We are thrilled to cross this project finish line and continue growing the trail system in Buda and Central Texas,” said Hays County Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith. “Investing in trails like this improves our quality of life and ensures many generations will enjoy Buda’s natural beauty.”

A ribbon-cutting celebration for the new trail will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, May 30, during the Buda Public Library’s Summer Reading Kickoff Party at Buda City Park. The ceremony will mark the official opening of both the Onion Creek Trail and the Garlic Creek Trail.

Buda Mayor Lee Urbanovsky and commissioner Smith will deliver some brief remarks; the community is then invited to join Mayor Urbanovsky in an inaugural trail bike ride followed immediately by a Bike Rodeo with Buda Police Department officers. Attendees should meet officers and officials at the north parking lot near the start of the trail to participate.

While minor finishing touches will continue in the coming weeks, the trail is open now for the public to walk, bike and jog along Onion Creek.