The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will hold a meeting this week to hear public comments on the development of the golf course area at Bastrop State Park. The golf course, which closed in 2015, will be repurposed for conservation and recreational uses.

The meeting is open to the public and will take place Thursday from 6:30 — 8:30 p.m. at the Bastrop State Park Refectory, 100 Park Road 1A, Bastrop, TX 78602.

The meeting will consist of a presentation showing proposed facilities and planned recreational use of the golf course area, which occupies 137 acres on the western tip of the nearly 7000-acre park. Maps will be available at the meeting for public viewing. Following the presentation, TPWD officials will hold a question and answer period regarding the plans for the area.

“Our main priority is to increase the experiential diversity of the area while also protecting the natural and cultural resources that make the park unique,” said Lead Park Planner Matt Fougerat. “We also hope to increase connection to the local community.”

The proposed development will create almost 5 miles of hiking and biking trails within the former golf course area. This trail network is intended to connect to a trail proposed by the City of Bastrop that will lead downtown.

Other proposed elements include a new headquarters, education center, amphitheater and day use area. Park officials also plan to add and restore historical interpretive elements at Lake Mina and to convert the historic golf pro shop near Highway 150 to an interpretive center.

“This meeting is intended to present more refined plans that incorporate the feedback from the first,” Fougerat said. “However, at this point, the plans have not been finalized and are still subject to change.” Bastrop State Park Superintendent Jamie Creacy said she is once again eager to listen to comments from the public.

“It’s not every day that we get to gather and collaborate on ideas to keep the park relevant for recreation and conservation into the future,” Creacy said. “I am excited for the opportunity to hear from a broad range of our community.”

TPWD encourages the public to share opinions and ideas and ask questions during this phase of the project, whether in person at the meeting or via email. Feedback will be accepted until Nov. 17, and can be directed to:

Matt Fougerat, Lead Park Planner

Austin Headquarters

4200 Smith School Road

Austin, TX 78744

Matthew.Fougerat@tpwd.texas.gov

Jamie Creacy, Park Superintendent

Lost Pines Complex

100 Park Road 1A

Bastrop, TX 78602

Jamie.Creacy@tpwd.texas.gov