SpawGlass Breaks Ground on Garison Memorial Park

BUDA, Texas (July 30, 2026) — The City of Buda today celebrated the groundbreaking of the John D. and Byrd Mims Garison Memorial Park, marking the beginning of construction on a landmark 40-acre destination that will connect residents to nature while preserving one of the community’s most treasured landscapes.

The City of Buda selected SpawGlass to construct the park’s first phase under a $13.9 million contract approved by the City Council in June. Located along the scenic banks of Onion Creek, the project represents a significant investment in parks, recreation, and environmental stewardship for one of Central Texas’ fastest-growing communities.

Funded primarily through the 2021 Buda Bond Program, along with support from Hays County and a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department grant, Garison Memorial Park will become a centerpiece of Buda’s expanding parks system by connecting City Park, Stagecoach Park, and Bradfield Village through an interconnected greenway network. Learn more about the Garison Memorial Park’s Master Plan here.

The project includes restoration of the park’s natural landscape while introducing thoughtfully designed amenities that encourage outdoor recreation and environmental education. Upon completion in Summer 2027, visitors will enjoy:

• Natural swimming access to Onion Creek
• Kayak launch and water recreation opportunities
• Nature trails and pedestrian connections
• Canopy walk and scenic overlooks
• Nature play areas
• Pavilions and gathering spaces
• Restrooms and supporting infrastructure
• Expanded parking and improved accessibility
• Ecological restoration and enhanced wildlife habitat

Designed by nationally recognized landscape architecture firm Ten Eyck, the park balances recreation with conservation through sustainable design practices that protect the site’s natural resources, increase tree canopy, improve stormwater management, and preserve the area’s cultural and ecological significance.

As the construction manager, SpawGlass will oversee park restoration and the construction of trails, pavilions, restrooms, parking areas, and public access improvements, all designed to withstand future flood events while blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

“It is a privilege for SpawGlass to play a role in helping to bring the City of Buda’s vision for Garison Memorial Park to life,” said Josh Wise, Operations Manager, SpawGlass San Antonio Region, Civil. “Projects like this create far more than parks—they create places where families gather, children discover nature, neighbors build community, and make memories for generations. We are proud to partner with the City of Buda, Ten Eyck Landscape Architects, and the entire project team to build a park that honors the area’s natural beauty while providing a lasting legacy for the people of Buda.”

Garison Memorial Park has been years in the making. The City acquired the former McCaughan property in 2014 as part of its commitment to expanding public green space. Following voter approval of the 2021 Bond Program, design efforts incorporated extensive community input to create a park that celebrates the site’s unique environmental and cultural assets while supporting future recreational needs.

Construction will begin immediately following the groundbreaking ceremony, with completion anticipated in Summer 2027.