Parks board signals support for $17,500 supplemental request to build disc golf at Copperas Branch Park

At a Highland Village Parks and Recreation Board meeting, members expressed support for forwarding a $17,500 supplemental funding request to the City Council to install a proposed disc golf course at Copperas Branch Park.

The request, which staff said will be submitted as a supplemental item for the 2025–26 budget, would pay for signage, nine concrete sleeves and baskets, turf tee pads, trail clearing in limited spots and equipment rentals; project proponents estimated about $822 per hole and an early total estimate of about $17,300 including a 10% contingency. Phil (Parks and Recreation Director) told the board he would bring the supplemental request to council and that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had reviewed the modified layout with no recreation‑use objections so far.

Why it matters: Board members and staff described Copperas Branch as an underutilized park that would gain year‑round activity from a low‑cost project that is largely volunteer‑built and easy to relocate if the city master plan requires changes. Supporters said the course could increase park visitation and revenue from park passes and attract regional players.

Spencer (resident presenter) described the planned 18‑hole layout, typical equipment and maintenance needs. “Coming in at $822 a hole, total cost 17,300 more or less,” Spencer said when asked about his cost estimate. He said most work would be volunteer labor and that turf tee pads were recommended because they are less permanent than concrete and easier to move as park plans evolve.

Board members asked about habitat disturbance, tree trimming and maintenance. Phil said trimming would be selective and staff would flag any required work: “We’re going to have at least one or two staff members out there…flagging things, understanding what it is that we need to do, providing support,” Phil said. He and staff said the turf supplier offered a 15‑year warranty and proposed baskets had a 20‑year warranty; staff said vendor specifications and warranty documents would be provided to the city as part of procurement review.

The board did not take a formal vote on the request; Phil described the discussion as a request for the board’s support and said he would present the supplemental item to council. “I’ll be bringing this as a supplemental request this year,” Phil said. He added that, if approved, construction could happen quickly with volunteers — potentially over a few weekends — and that staff expects to coordinate the development plan and a formal letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as requested by the Corps.

The presentation included a draft hole layout, notes that several holes would use the park’s under‑bridge pillars and existing open drainage easement, and repeated cautions that final distances had not been measured with laser range finders. Supporters also mentioned potential fundraising or donated signage and ongoing volunteer maintenance by local disc golf clubs.

Next steps: staff will assemble vendor warranties and specifications, submit an updated development plan and a formal letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and include the $17,500 supplemental request in the department’s budget transmittal to City Council. Council will make the final funding decision; the board’s discussion was advisory only.