Buda Parks and Rec
by JACK JONES
Christmas cheer radiated as the Buda Trail of Lights returned for the second year of fun, fellowship, music and holiday splendor at Historic Stagecoach Park from December 16-22.
There was a new layout of the event this year with the opening of the trail and parking lot in the back of the park. The entire event was held along the trail creating a true Trail of Lights. The 1 kilometer (.62 mile) trail loop and park entry was lined with approximately 20,000 LED lights with 47 business/organization displays positioned around the trail.
There were more than 10,000 visitors to see the Trail of Lights with some of those visiting the downtown area. Merchants had activities December 16-18 in conjunction with the Trail of Lights, increasing sales tax revenue for Buda. All shuttle busses stopped in downtown during these dates. The City of Buda would like to thank our many sponsors including U.S. Foodservice, Sunfield, Meritage Homes, A&E Signs and Graphics, Murphy USA, Southside Wrecker Service, Dennis Dorsett Ditching, A-Line Auto Parts and Cabela’s. In addition, we would like to thank the Santa Cruz Catholic School for providing concessions for the event.
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The Antioch Church historical marker has been installed at the site of the original Antioch Church off of Old Black Colony Road just west of Cole Springs Road. The historical marker was installed by Boy Scout, Grant Garcia, for his Eagle Scout project with the assistance of volunteers, Mary Giberson, Hays County Historical Commission and the city of Buda. The site includes a rock-lined horseshoe driveway, xeriscape landscaping, crushed granite walkway, and a decorative bench and matching trash receptacle. Grant received a donation of 42 tons of rock base from Centex that was used for the driveway. There will be an unveiling of the historical marker to the public onsite on Saturday, Jan. 22 beginning at 10 a.m. Afterwards, there will be a reception held at the Buda City Hall with refreshments served.
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On Dec. 7, Hays County commissioners approved $310,000 in matching grant funding for the Bradfield Park trails project, trailhead, and downtown trail connector. They also approved $140,000 for a skate park to be located south of the elevated water tower on FM 967/Loop 4 just south of the downtown area. The city of Buda would like to thank the Hays County Commissioners for allocating grant funding for these projects that were considered top parks priorities by the Buda City Council.
