Eastside park master planning

Current Status:

• The City of Buda owns approximately 29 acres of land located 1,900 feet west of FM 2001 at 1645 Hillside Terrace. The property was identified as a high-potential site for future park development to serve neighborhoods on the City’s east side. To advance this initiative and to develop a park master plan, the City selected a firm from the approved list of prequalified engineering firms to perform “Landscape Design.” Of the firms deemed qualified to perform this service, Staff recommends Halff Associates, Inc. (Halff), a firm with extensive experience in park master planning, public engagement, and cost estimating. Halff also has successfully performed similar services in Buda by completing the 2021 Parks Master Plan.

• A Public Open House was held on September 24, 2005 (5:30pm-7pm) at Buda City Hall, with a virtual open house open between September 18-30, 2025. Halff and City Staff provided information to citizens during this time.

• The Bond Team took the findings from surveys and the feedback received from Boo-Da Halloween to the 2021 Buda Bonds Oversight Committee and the Parks and Recreation Commission joint meeting on November 19, 2025.

• A virtual open house was held from December 3 through December 31, 2025. The virtual open house gathered more input from the community to provide feedback for the concept design that would be presented to Council in February 2026.

• The final concept for the park was reviewed and approved by Buda City Council at the February 3, 2026 City Council meeting.

• The proposed amenities and overall park vision were developed through extensive community engagement, including multiple public meetings, open house events, stakeholder discussions, and coordination with surrounding HOAs and nearby residents.Based on that input, the concept plan identifies potential features such as:

  • Playground areas

  • Walking and nature trails

  • Open play lawns and flexible event space

  • Sports courts and active recreation areas

  • Picnic pavilions and gathering spaces

  • Natural areas and environmental features

  • Parking and supporting infrastructure

• Approving the master plan (image above) allows the City to pursue park improvements in phases as future funding opportunities are identified. It is important to note that construction funding was not included in this bond program and has not yet been identified. Any future park improvements would be considered separately by City Council as funding opportunities arise. We look forward to continuing to work with the community as opportunities emerge to bring Eastside Park to life.

• The 2021 Bond commitment is complete with the purchase of the land for the park and master planning efforts.

Bond Amount: $8,000,000

Purchase Amount: $6,100,000

Hays County has contributed $2M in funding for this project through the 2020 Parks & Open Space Bond.