Houston, September 9, 2025
News Summary
The $30 million renovation of Hermann Park Golf Course has been paused due to community feedback. Despite plans for new features and numerous upgrades aimed at inclusivity and sustainability, local leaders expressed concerns over the lack of engagement with community members, leading to a halt in the construction timeline originally set to begin in September 2023.
Houston
A $30 million renovation of Hermann Park Golf Course has been paused due to community concerns, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the city’s parks department. The renovation was being developed in partnership with the Astros Golf Foundation and the Hermann Park Conservancy.
Initially, the renovation plans included significant upgrades such as enhancements to the golf course, walking trails, and drainage systems, along with a new stormwater recapture system. The design aimed to alter the layout of the course, particularly by shrinking the golf green to expand the driving range and construct a new clubhouse and maintenance facility. In an effort to promote inclusivity, an adaptive training facility was also set to be built in collaboration with Texas Children’s Hospital, intended to support young golfers with medical conditions.
Construction was originally slated to commence in September 2023, with expectations that the course would remain closed until October 2026. However, opposition arose from local leaders and community members, particularly from Council Member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, who expressed that there had been insufficient community engagement regarding the renovation plans. Concerns were raised by constituents and golfers who voiced their dissatisfaction over the proposed changes.
Hermann Park Golf Course holds historical significance as the first public golf course in Houston open to Black golfers, achieving integration in 1954. Evans-Shabazz indicated dissatisfaction with the renovation’s implications for the community and reported receiving numerous calls sharing similar sentiments. Consequently, Mayor John Whitmire decided to pause a press conference and community meeting intended to discuss the renovation, prioritizing addressing community feedback.
The golf course, which has been managed by the private contractor BSL Golf, will transition to management under the Houston Parks and Recreation Department as part of this renovation. Notably, golf course architect Jon Schmenk was contracted to lead the renovation efforts with a focus on sustainability and modern golfing standards.
Plans for the redesign included a front nine composed entirely of par-3 holes and a back nine aimed at extending to 3,400 yards with a par of 36, ensuring the course accommodates golfers of various skill levels while preserving mature oak trees throughout the park. The construction was assigned to the WolPoint Golf Company, managed by Don Mahaffey and Ryan Mahaffey.
Although the renovation plans have been under discussion for several years, they only became publicly known on August 7, 2023. Currently, there is no scheduled public meeting related to the renovation, leaving community members concerned about future developments at Hermann Park Golf Course.
Key Features of Hermann Park Golf Course Renovation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Budget | $30 million |
| Planned Improvements | Course upgrades, walking trail enhancements, drainage improvements, stormwater system |
| New Amenities | Adaptive training facility, clubhouse, maintenance facility |
| Management Transition | From BSL Golf to Houston Parks and Recreation Department |
| Construction Start Date | September 2023 |
| Course Closure Duration | Until October 2026 |
| Architect | Jon Schmenk |
FAQ
Why has the renovation of Hermann Park Golf Course been paused?
The renovation was paused due to community concerns regarding insufficient engagement and opposition from local leaders and golfers.
What are the key improvements planned for the golf course?
Key improvements include upgrades to the golf course and walking trails, drainage enhancements, and the addition of an adaptive training facility.
When was the renovation planned to start?
Construction was scheduled to begin in September 2023.
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Additional Resources
- Golfweek: Hermann Park Golf Course Renovation Announcement
- Houston Chronicle: Pause on Hermann Park Golf Course Renovation
- Click2Houston: Plans to Renovate Hermann Park Golf Course Delayed
- Wikipedia: Hermann Park
- Google Search: Hermann Park Golf Course
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