Council approves Buckroe mini-golf at Site A after survey and debate over parking

Parks Director McAuley told council an online survey of 946 participants found broad community interest in a proposed city-operated mini-golf course at Buckroe Beach. Respondents skewed older (largest age group 60+), 88% said household members would enjoy mini golf, most expected to visit 1—4 times per year, and the plurality (55%) preferred Site B (the D-shaped parking lot) while 45% favored Site A near the historic lighthouse.

Survey respondents prioritized low cost, the availability of food and beverages and extended hours; safety and parking were recurring concerns in open comments. McAuley noted Site B may offer more parking while Site A connects to a historic feature and may preserve more of the existing parking supply.

Council discussed parking trade-offs and historic connections at length. Councilman Hobbs moved to proceed with the mini-golf course at Site A "and make it full blown," the motion was seconded, and the council voice vote recorded ayes from council members present; the chair declared the motion carried.

Staff indicated either site could work with careful design, but warned that Site B would remove some parking spaces. Council did not attach a funding appropriation in the motion recorded in the afternoon session; staff said the data will guide next steps for design, zoning and procurement as appropriate.

The motion on Site A was made as part of the open-session business and before the council moved into a closed session to discuss appointments and property disposition. Councilmember comments at the end of the session included lighthearted reflections on prior council actions and thanks to staff for the presentations that afternoon.