by Sahar Chmais
BUDA – John D. and Byrd Mims Garison Memorial Park in Buda, which was purchased in 2016, is on its way to getting developed.
On Aug. 18, Buda City Council members listened to the proposed Garison Park features, which were planned in 2016. Greg Olmer, Parks and Recreation director, presented the plans to city council members, who overall liked the idea. There has not been a set date on when construction will begin.
In 2016, it was estimated that renovating the park will cost about $12.5 million. That number is subject to change.
The park, which sits between Garison Road and Onion Creek, will host a variety of outdoor activities besides its current trails.
It will feature a swimming hole, a place for fishing and non-motorized activities like kayaking and canoeing. Preservation of nature is a major component to the development, so Olmer told council members the prairies will remain a big part of the land.
Although the park currently has trails, which are accessible by appointment only, Olmer said they should be redesigned to withstand the flooding that reoccurs in the area.
The plan with this almost 40-acre land is grander than the park itself; it can be used as a means to connect east and west Buda simply through walking. This park also includes about 215 parking spaces.
Garison Park is also designed to provide comfortable human interaction, so they have envisioned it with a relaxed atmosphere, similar to the Wimberley Blue Hole experience.
With the current park budget proposal, about 11% of the money will go toward the design costs, but Mayor Pro-Tem Lee Urbanovsky hopes to lower that cost to about 6-8% to free up more money for the physical structure and amenities.
Paying for the park will need some outside support, so council members hope Garison Park can be included in the upcoming Hays County park bond elections, set for November.
