File preview
Hancock Neighborhood Association Meeting Comments (February 29,
2020, 1 p.m.) and Hancock Golf Course Survey Comments on Public
Input
*Hancock Neighborhood Association Meeting comments are bulleted in Blue
* Hancock Golf Course Survey comments are bulleted in Green
Last updated 3/12/2020 at 11:00 am
How do you currently use the space where Hancock Golf Course and Rec Center are?
Golf:
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Mixed use Golf field (Pitch & Putt)…open space (lower area)
I play golf & jog here weekly
Golf…
I golf here! Need to publicize! People do not know who great the conditions are here at the
Course
I golf here. I could more here with better conditions
What does Historic Designation do to protect space as golf course?
Rec Center:
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Community gathering space
We have our kid in the tiny tots program and the sports program. He loves it! We love it!
Frequent use of ping pong & pool tables
Danced, yoga, walk
Rec center is awesome – what a City asset!
I play golf here. I practice chipping/ putting
A Driving range would be great! There is no place to hit Woods within 10 miles
Golf after work/quick 9 holes
Trails/Walking/Nature:
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Walk around Trail…I see lots of people using the western part as an off – lease dog park in the
evenings- not technically allowed but it happens & works out
Enjoy watching the sunsets, going for walks
Community gatherings meetings
Frequently use trails around it
Bird watching
Walk, run, walk around the edge and wish I could access more of the green space
Daily dog walk
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Walk dogs, beauty of it from my home
Combination of uses/general:
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Trails, kids program, golf, picnics, community center programming
Trails, kids program, soccer field
I would use this place more if the practice facilities were improved
The green space is a source of well - being in the middle of urban setting
Practice short game, some putting Classes in Rec Center, enjoy open space OCC Meeting
Daily yoga walk & run, bird watching, neighbors
Yoga and walk
Community meetings, walks, stargazing, bird watching, Easter egg hunt
Golf weekly, yoga
I play golf regularly here. Easy to get here after work. Good idea to promote the accessibility
Golf, (20 years) playground (4x/week)
What do you appreciate most about this space?
Greenspace/open area/nature/wildlife:
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Maintained green space
The walking trail
The beautiful sunrises in the morning. Rainbows over the green spaces of the golf course
Open green space
It’s beautiful
Waller creek and its wildlife
Trees…
Quiet, green
The natural beauty, trees, green space, and birds/animals
Lungs of the City, great for open green space, essential for drainage, neighborhood flooding
I love the trails and greenspace, playground
Green, open, oaks, birds, neighbors
Car bans, green space which is going away
Central ATX Park – like perimeter trail
No Fence
No Fence around it! (except driving range)
Beautiful green space in the heart of the city
Beauty of green space where people are enjoying the outdoors and neighbors see one another.
I appreciate the fresh air and green grass at Hancock Golf Club. The city of Austin does not have
an abundance of green space and I would like to see more of it preserved. Thank you.
Very little green space in the city. The trails are ok, they are the border and adjacent to cars and
noise. Would be great to just have an open green space and be able to use the inner golf paths
for running, walking or biking. There are more than enough golf courses if you drive a little bit.
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No golfer that I know thinks is or could be a good course. Let’s turn it to park land for the
community
I want this space to be re-purposed as a public park that anyone can enjoy. This would mean
leaving the golf model and opening up the land for use for all kinds of recreation activities. My
child goes to the Rec Center everyday after school but they are only allowed to hang out within
a very short distance from the rec center building. If there is not demand for golf then change
the park to have more people enjoy it.
Green space in the middle of the city is crucial for mental and physical health of the population
and it also a big part of why Austin is a desirable city to live. Imagine New York City without
Central Park! There are things that are more valuable than earning a few dollars.
Greenspace and tree canopy
A natural open space in the middle of the city.
I love having this kind of green space in the middle of Austin, but as a golf course it isn’t really a
public space in a meaningful way. Would love for it to be open for wider use.
The green space! I wish I could take my dog or have a picnic there, though...
The large trees and open space in the heart of Austin. Would be lovely as a park.
It's a beautiful oasis of green in the heart of the city and an important piece of Austin history.
Open park-like space. I would like to see it used less for golf (a declining sport) & more as a
general park that everyone could use. I would also like to see more of a plant buffer along the
creek
I also enjoy walking the trails around the golf course. I think it is extremely important that Austin
maintain this beautiful green space.
It would be such a lovely addition to our area as a dedicated park. I've always believed this.
My whole family has enjoyed the Rec center and the invaluable green space for 30 years. There
are not enough spaces like this in central Austin as it is. I say public park space would enhance
the rec center offerings greatly - giving more area to the kids in camp, to the walkers and
runners.
I appreciate the open green beauty with majestic trees, which is one of the reasons this is my
main preference when I wish to take a walk or job. It is a peaceful place to be while still being
right in the middle of the city.
The golf course is beautiful and I love having an open green space in an urban area. I often run
along the trail and truly hope the city prioritizes the needs of its constituents over capital
accumulation. Keep Austin green!
Beautiful green space
Open spaces and parkland in cities are critical for public health. They provide opportunities for
exercise and social interaction. With a tree canopy, they literally cool the area (look at any urban
heat map). Hancock Golf Course has Waller Creek running through it which is an integral part of
the effort to revitalize the eastern corridor of downtown through the initiatives of the Waterloo
Conservancy (formerly Waller Creek Conservancy). There are so many reasons to preserve this
open space in perpetuity!
The nice trees and creek views. it is a wonderful large green space with plenty of parking and
walking access.
Green space. Austin doesn’t have enough of it
A tranquil green oasis in our neighborhood.
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Green space in the center city
The old trees. That it's a green space that is maintained by the city. It's an affordable place to
play golf and take classes. It does not need to be profitable! It has value in just being a green
space in the middle of our neighborhood.
I like having green space in the neighborhood with walking trails. Really an Austin treasure!
it's green and nearby. since I don't play golf, I'm barred from 90% of the property. I wish the city
could find a more democratic use of the space - it seems a waste when so many other public
green spaces generate so many visits
Historical significance:
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It’s history as a unique and quiet golf course
The history of the location the building!
Historic community center, the building
Historic Beautiful Flood control for neighbors
I love the historic recreation center. Happy to see it retain its original details. Love the
luminaries around Christmas. Great family experiences there every year.
That it is centrally-located, beautifully maintained, public, and keeps the heritage of that historic
beautiful building.
If it cannot be maintained as a golf course, I would want the space to be a city park and keep the
building as a rec center. It is of historical significance to Texas so I would want that to be
acknowledged.
It is an historical landmark in a city that is seemingly willing to give up such traditions for
business goals. Once gone, it's gone. As an area of land, it is beautiful and safe and walkable. As
a golf course it is challenging and fun, old-school golf for everyone, unlike most golf courses, and
definitely not a modern pitch and putt arena with joke holes and convenient lays. So I
appreciate it as an environmental treasure and a social good.
It is the oldest continuously run golf course West of the Mississippi. It is a fun, challenging,
convenient, and affordable golf course and should be recognized and appreciated for the jewel
it is.
Accessibility/affordability:
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Open to the Public.
Accessibility, affordability, cultural heritage, hilly terrain, makes gorgeous sunsets & challenging
holes
The closest “Park” to where I live, I can walk here, I walk the trail would love to be able to access
more of the space
Unfettered public access
Affordable golf for young & old
Very close to my house, more casual golf. Easy to walk
One of the few green spaces for walking near me. As senior citizen, I can drive to center at night.
Quick access to 9 holes
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central location, close proximity, creek access, topography, green space, and the possibility of
actually accessing it if you develop with the community in mind versus a small population of
golfers
The accessibility to a beautiful green space open to the public that supports the whole of the
community. The space provides a low cost opportunities for golf enthusiasts, disc golf,
basketball, soccer, walking trails, and community center/programs. Green spaces as this have
long been understood by urban planners throughout the US as essential to the health and wellbeing of the community, and Austin should be a world leader in the preservation of this and
other green spaces in the city. Once it's gone, it ain't coming back.
It’s the closest green space to my house. I live between the golf course and 35 and there are no
park options close by
Golf course easily accessible from downtown
access for the community to golf
Central location
location and the fact that it is maintained and either free or affordable. It is a place people can
walk to.
Having such a large, open green space that I can walk to from my house. I wish there were
portions of the course made accessible for those who like to walk or bike, so that the public
could enjoy it as well as golfers. My kids have attended camps and played soccer at the rec
center for almost 20 years. I think there should be more consideration for how this space could
be reimagined to better serve the community.
It is a beautiful green space in the middle of the city, and very accessible for golf for those that
live in central Austin neighborhoods. It is a great park location for kids in the surrounding
neighborhoods.
In the area there are no other spaces to comfortably move around on foot without tons of cars
or street crossings. There are very few peaceful areas left in Hyde Park / Hancock.
In the larger Hyde Park, there is no other green space or park around. The closest park of any
significant size is on the other side of Lamar.
Golf:
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Green space for golf in in Central Austin
The easy pace of Play. Continue green space
Love the play station! Fewer carts during the week means better tuft quality
And I have friends who golf there; I'd like them to be able to continue to do so, unless you want
to turn into a park for everyone to use.
That it is an affordable place to play golf, I like to walk in a welcoming environment that doesn't
have the same pressures as a full blown golf course. I can take my time and enjoy the great
Austin weather.
It is one of the few green spaces in this part of town, and is fun to play golf on - despite the fact
that it is only 9 holes. Losing this golf course to development would be tragic to the people of
Austin.
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It's historic, low key ( great place for beginners to experience 9 holes, non intimidating for
female golfers) , has lush fairways and greens contrary to the opinion of lots of golfers who have
not played there since irrigation changes, great location
Hancock Golf Course is the where my father and I learned to play golf. It is a great 9 hole course
that allows beginner golfers to develop their skills and gain confidence in their game. Because of
the inexpensive fees, public access to the course, and its central location in austin, I believe this
space should continue to be a golf facility. Maybe we turn a portion of the course into a great
Driving Range or Practice area and the other half can be a short 3 to 6 hole golf course. There is
still plenty of space to add a running or walking trail around the property and expand on the rec
center.
Central location and 9 hole format allows Junior golfers and those new to golf accessibility.
Historic city treasure that deserves preservation.
Keep Hancock as is and turn it into a First tee friendly place to grow the great game of golf.
It's an undiluted green space. All other golf in the area is expensive and crowded. This is a simple
and uncomplicated space shielded from pro-style training for amateur people. There is place for
pro-style training, and that place is not here. They already exist. Please do not chase this
already-declining trend.
It’s low cost to hit golf balls and still have the opportunity to play with strategy.
The golf course. It is the very best 9 hole course I have ever played.
It is a gem. My six year old son loved the golf camp there last summer and I would love to see
more opportunities for him to learn and play there. Thanks!
That it is a jewel in the center of town; that it is historic and has played a role in the history of
Austin. Our Hancock neighbors run into each other and meet up at the golf course. With the
possibility of UT selling the land where MUNY is located, Hancock stands to become used at a
much higher level as a course. We walk around the golf course several times a week; my
husband plays a round occasionally. I don't regularly use the recreation center because I work
full time but had been planning on it becoming a source of classes when I retire next year. The
center could be remodeled and rented for more events such as weddings or parties. It seems
like leasing it to a corporate vendor is just another way the city is changing Austin so it becomes
like every other city--no pride in the wonderful parks that we have; disregard of the integrity of
neighborhoods
Location, history. Fun course to play.
Hancock is a beautiful and historic golf course. Green spaces, let alone golf courses, are a rare
find so close to city centers and should be preserved.
Hancock is a very convenient place to place golf inside city limits and a gem within the
neighborhood. Austin has a very rich golf history that I feel is being slowly pushed out and to
lose Hancock would be a travesty. Bluebonnet was recently closed due to a water dispute with
the city (from my understanding), Lions Muni is under constant threat, and now there is
discussion of turning Hancock into a passive park? I would much rather see it go under private
control rather than lose another golf destination in Austin.
Hancock Golf Course is tremendously valuable to the neighborhood as a green space, but it is
also tremendously valuable to the city as a golf course. It fills a need for the golfing community
that is not addressed by the other public or private courses. It would be a great loss if
redeveloped, although the proposal for put forward for golf education could also fill a need that
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is not currently covered by any other facilities in the city limits. I know that some in the
neighborhood resent that the space is almost fully occupied for one use - golf. I do think that
within either the current nine hole course model or a new golf model, there could be
opportunities to share the space creatively with other community uses like dog recreation.
Great golf course that most Austin golfers are really unaware of its fine condition. Some clever
publicity could increase play and revenue. I would hate to see it changed as proposed.
Rec center, programing, and other recreational opportunities:
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Playgrounds rec regions
Christmas, luminous trails
Greenspaces, rec center, kids programs
Ping pong
The community center and its programs: they offer real benefit for the community, especially
for birds
A place for rain to soak in, a place for wildlife to live
Luminous and hot chocolate during the Holidays
I love it as a running trail. It's beautiful!
I have been in that aerobics class for over 25 years. It's a wonderful opportunity for those of us
who are aging (and anyone else who would like to join us!) to get in some exercise we might
otherwise not be able to do. While it's not extremely demanding, it gets us up and moving 3
times a week, and for that I am grateful!
I no longer live in Austin, but I'm very disappointed to hear about the proposal to dismantle the
recreation center and golf course. When I lived in Austin, for two decades I participated in the
twice-monthly fiction writers critique group in the rec center, and I also saw many other diverse
community groups meeting there regularly. I believe it would be a mistake and disservice to the
community to dismantle this and create Yet Another commercial development.
A public meeting place with plenty of parking near the middle of town is extraordinarily valuable
to Austin, so that groups can provide benefits to citizens of the entire city.
Free meeting space in a central location in a beautiful setting. The Slug Tribe science fiction
writing group has met there for more than 20 years.
The green space it provides to the neighborhood and the city. And most importantly the
community programming especially the programming aimed at children.
I do not play golf. My child goes to the Golf Academy every year. Even more, he attends Hancock
Rec Center for summer camp for at least 5 weeks in the summer. The City of Austin should not
turn this beautiful place over to private hands.
The "old Austin" feeling of the building and grounds with the heritage oaks. The exercise classes.
The luminaria walk at Christmas. I've been coming to the rec center since the mid-eighties.
There's no place with such a beautiful space for parties or exercise classes as the ballroom.
Please don't turn the park over to a private contractor. Please preserve the trails for walkers and
runners, those with dogs, etc., and please keep offering programs through the activity center.
This is a valuable green space and a private contractor might decide to stop letting people enjoy
the park unless they're golfing, or not offer the many programs nearby residents enjoy. I would
be devastated to lose access to the Hancock Park walking trails.
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As a family, we enjoy many of the programs the Rec Center provides throughout the year.
I love our Fit 'n Fun class on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. I've made good friends there,
plus it encourages me to stay fit when I have others to work out with. The staff of the Rec
Center are friendly and helpful. The flora around the park is well-kept and peaceful. Thank you!!
I have been attending programming at the community center since I was 14 years old. I have
found the community there as well as the central location invaluable.
This is a great facility for our aerobics classes. I attend a series of classes for seniors. Very helpful
in keeping fit.
Mixed use space:
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Historic, golf & mixed activities
I love the building, and the feeling of wide open space in the middle of a major City
The variety of use including golf and community programs and usage
Trail, community Rec Center, the ability to quickly play golf w/dog and family affordably and in
in non – pretentious environment
I enjoy the trees, the creek, the history of the golf course and the building. I appreciate the
availability of classes and camps at Hancock Rec Center. Keeping green space in the middle of a
busy city is imperative!
That it is available to the community for a variety of programs.
Historical, Rec Center, golfing, green space for walking
The green space in the middle of the neighborhood. The activity center. The youth soccer field.
Personally I could do without the golf activity and would rather use the space as a park.
Green space in the middle of the city which is super rare to find. Great for getting a workout
around the trail and playing with my dog. It would be ideal to have some food truck options as
well!!
The history and green space it provides. Loved the recreational activities during the Summer
when kids were young!
I appreciate that it is open and green, and that it has trees and hills. It is really nice. I like that it
is in a neighborhood and centrally located. And I like that it is a golf course.
It's an aspirational space in the middle of the city. It offers democratic access to a sport enjoyed
by millions of people worldwide.
Respite from City life/urban development:
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A greenspace in the midst of increasing development/urbanization
An open space to see the stars in the middle of the City
Please don't turn it over to a private entity.
That it exists in the heart of the city, providing a beautiful green space, and some relief from the
building boom.
Its a beautiful space here in central Austin and if you delete it and turn it over to private
corporations, you will be complicit to the erosion of the wonderful place I call home. I have
great-grand parents in graves nearby and they would never agree to further destruction of
Austin greenspace. I will fight you tooth and nail. My name is Monty Bintliff and I have spoken
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This is an amazing resource for Hyde Park and a rare gem in the city. My family and I use it
regularly for golf, ids program and just running the trails. I do not have an issue with selling it to
a private entity as long as there is some agreement to continue operating the existing programs
and making it inclusive of the neighbors in hyde park. I do not see value in turning it into
another mixed-use or commercial development that would create a traffic nightmare on 41st,
38th and Red River.
Nature in the city. A green respite for animals (including humans). It’s trees and Waller creek
flowing through. It’s historical reminder that sometimes even great city leaders make short
sighted decisions to trade something of infinite value for a fixed dollar lump sum. Its location - a
respite in close proximity to the HEB shoppers and mass/active transit users that travel up and
down red river St. The funny old stories of golfers playing over Red River St and sometimes
hitting cars with golf balls. I’m unaware of the degree of environmentally sound maintenance
practices PARD uses here but I expect the qualified staff are careful to care for our sensitive
watershed. I’m not a golfer, but believe a diversity of accessible activities across our parks
system is important and recognize there may be value in preserving the public’s access to this
sport.
I've been a resident of the City of Austin and Travis County since February 2003. I appreciate
Hancock Golf Course's historical input into the people of Austin. It is a BIG DEAL for people to be
able to play golf without big expenses, even though that is not how I have used this park. This is
like the free neighborhood pools around town--it creates a culture of wealth for the common
people. Personally, I've enjoyed more than one type of recreation activity at the center: both a
writer's group and a folk dancing group. I strongly feel the City can and should figure out how to
continue funding the park to operate in the way it has served the community for so long. Please
do not try to create a "shiny object" out of this true cultural gem. You will lose something very
valuable.
Peaceful and beautiful space.
It's a peaceful space in the midst of a growing city.
As a lifelong Austinite in her mid twenties I have felt more and more like there is not room for
me as the city continues to grow. It may sound dramatic, but if Hancock was sold to a private
company it would feel like another sign that my city is increasingly a place that does not have
room for me and where I will not be able to afford to live in the future. Moving away from from
my hometown would be devastating, but as these things continue to happen and as a public
school teacher, it begins to feel more and more inevitable.
The green space in the middle of town that breaks up the density of the university, shopping
center and neighborhood nearby.
The tranquility and escape in the middle of the city
Green space in increasingly dense area.
Having a green space in the city
This is a unique open space centrally located in the middle of a lot of neighborhoods.
Open space, not developed, green area. This area should never be developed with any housing
or commercial properties. While a golf course may not be the best use of space for the
maximum number of people, this should be preserved as parkland for all people in Central
Austin.
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I like having this open green space in our neighborhood even though I'm not a golfer. I would
hate to see it developed into yet more housing or commercial space.
it's a park. Please don't sell it to developers. I also really enjoy the trail along the edge of it.
The fact there isn't a shopping center or a high rise apartment complex on it. The fact it is a large
green space in the city with increasingly less green space.
That it is and should remain an; open, public, green space which is well-maintained by the City
of Austin and that no future plans, development, or contractual obligations to private
corporations (i.e. private development investments) will erode the accessibility, ownership, or
use of this beautiful natural in the heart of the City now or forever.
When did parks need to earn money? Seriously, when did we as Austonians want less green
space?
Public asset:
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Love the Golf Course as a Public Good!
Greenspace, nature, trees, historic building, the whole space is an asset to the community &
should be accessible to all
As a growing city, we must place increasing value on our existing parks and green spaces. New
land is not being set aside in the central city neighborhoods, but more people are housing are
being added. It’s critical that we enhance and maintain our existing green spaces for current and
future uses.
I appreciate that this is city-managed parkland in the heart of Austin.
It’s critical to the fabric of this city. It should remain as is!! It is a treasure to central austin and
deserve preservation!
I love playing golf and running around this beautiful public space. This should be kept as a public
space and not sold off to private interests.
I appreciate the green space and how it encourages people to be active outdoors. Please keep
this as a golf course or deem it a park. It is an incredible asset to the neighborhoods directly
surrounding the course, and it would materially change the neighborhood for the land to
become anything even remotely commercial.
I love that we have a piece of TEXAS history right in The heart of Austin. This is a wonderful place
that generations of UT Alums and neighbors have played and enjoyed. It should not be sold off
to a private entity. It is meant to be enjoyed by the public for generations now and in the future.
This green space is cherished and well-used by many residents and its continued presence will
become even more critical the central city continues to densify. The children's programs at
Hancock Rec Center, particularly the youth soccer and tiny tots programs, have been
indispensable to our family. Maintaining Hancock as a publicly accessible green space is crucial
to the ongoing livability of central Austin.
Undeveloped green space, free and open to public
The green space, golf course, and well-maintained trail are all huge assets to the surrounding
neighborhoods. Please keep this as a golf course or a park, since we do not have anything else
like it nearby!
What are your primary concerns about the current use of this space?
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Have all funding opportunities been explored? Water catchment & solar panels on buildings?
While short, current design is not great for beginners. 4th green is secure, 6th hole too tough, 7th
hole tee shot trees over – hanging, 9th hole hill too steep
I love the running trail
What happens with the 1899 layout
Golf course is not worth the greens fee compared to other City options
Not accessible to non – golfers
Building infill by the back door
Do not trust the City to protect our Green space
Why not raise fees $5/round to break even?
No range, slow greens, funky tee boxes
That we spend the Capex to try and increase revenue but the development programs still fall
short. Operationally still losing money
That it is not appreciated for what a special golf course it is.
That it may one day be developed as the other 9 holes
One audience use as a golf course versus multi – use to serve many.
I would like this space to be a park for everyone.
Interested in true consideration of the passive park option. This is something neighbors are
interested in at least exploring. Please don’t dismiss this idea out – of – hand.
I support golf at Hancock in either the current or proposed version
My son attends after school & camps here along with hundreds of other youth who cannot go
beyond the immediate 50 feet from the building because of the golf course designation & no
golfers in sight use the space.
Current 9th hole is awful and unsafe.
Adding night time use of golf facilities could require extensive lighting that would ruin nature
and neighborhoods.
Underutilized now.
Should not be thought of as a profit center should be utilized as a public service cost similar to
parks
How can more public input be had for a passive park
I would like to see the use of the space change so that it is not so heavily focused on golfing.
Golf may not be the best use for this space as Austin continues to densify. A wider swath of the
community would likely benefit by converting at least some of Hancock to public parkland.
Golf is an elitist sport enjoyed by few. I wish it could be open to the entire city as a park.
o This is not help. You could just as easily say that DOG OWNERS are polluters of our
natural resources because their animals create toxic waste in public areas.
It would be great if it could stay green forever and be able to be used by more Austin residents.
Loss of green space would be a terrible detriment to the neighborhood and city.
Considering the population size of Austin, unsure if a large percentage of residents benefit from
the use of the space.
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Risk of the city selling the property or trying to monetize it. This is precious public space that
should be held and used in the public trust forever.
It would be nice if the area could be used more by non-golfers for walking, picnicking, etc. The
worst thing that could happen would be for it to be developed into housing or commercial use.
No concerns. It's a beautiful space and should be kept by the City.
Elitist as a golf course. Not welcoming to just sit under a tree.
o You're opinions about the demographics of the golfers who play there is not
constructive. The course is cheap to play & you see college students, dads with their
kids, couples, retirees ... on a daily basis.
That the actual green space is primarily only usable for those who are golfing
as a non golfer, wish i had more access, BUT love that it is a non-corporate public space
Nothing really
It would be nice for the stone steps along the south border of the park on the walking trail to be
repaired. Parts of the trail are uneven due to rains creating small culverts in the path. More
trees and shade would be appreciated during summer, especially along the east/west borders of
the park.
Leave it as it is. It is a gem and there is nothing else like it in the area.
The trail needs to be better developed and maintained.
Golfers currently fight our way through pedestrians that believe that it is an open park rather
than a paid facility. There have been more times than not that I have to wait for someone with a
dog off leash running around, kids playing frizbee or people picnicking in the middle of the
fairway. I am concerned that people in the area want a passive park that their taxes don't pay
for, rather than a golf course that I pay for with my green fees. I don't like my rounds being
devalued by their entitlement. We need a fence to keep them out.
None. It is perfect. Keep it the way it is.
The space is limited to a very small population of users. Hundreds of kids descend upon Hancock
Recreation Center daily to only have access to the immediate 50 feet surrounding the building
due to the golf designation.
I think that the use is appropriate, but as mentioned above, there might be more opportunities
for sharing with non-golf activities. It is important to remember that a pure park model might do
more for the residents in the immediate area, but the golf model supports the entire city. I have
played at least 100 rounds at Hancock, and the customer base is definitely not just from the
neighborhood.
I have no current concerns other than the fact that the future use for the public and those in the
neighborhood could be limited if this becomes managed by a private entity.
I have lived in this area for more than 30 years. The space is currently used for a variety of
purposes that support the local community and I don't have any concerns about the current use
of the space, as it is. It's a piece of Austin's history, that should be appreciated and preserved for
future generations to come.
Nothing!
None
The space is wonderful as it is. Destroying one more piece of green space in Austin so a few
developers could make large amounts of money would be shameful.
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Nothing! Please don't take away our green space!
Needs to focus on junior golf. Austin has no place where kids can play.
It’s awesome!!!!
That it might be cease to exist
It's the only centrally located green space dedicated to golf that remains accessible to residents
regardless of their socioeconomic status.
It's draining parks budget for other locations and amenities for very little actual golf.
I would like to city to do more research/effort into making it sustainable as is - remain a 9 hole
course !!!! other courses have driving range, practice areas, teaching facilities etc - the history
and beauty of hancock is unique !
I have no concerns with how it is currently being used. My children go to golf camp and then to
the other summer camps in the rec center. They have sat on Santa's lap there and asked for
presents. Please don't change it at all.
The city is subsidizing rich people by using it as a golf course. It should be converted to
something everyone in the city can enjoy.
Losing the green space in proximity to Hyde Park and other neighborhoods.
Course conditions aren’t the best, but would support modernizing into a state of the art golf
learning center, but still keep the green trails and park features that the community loves
The course is short and the practice options are quite limited, which limits the use. It is
effectively an executive course. Even for putting, the green is notably slanted and there is not
much room for chipping. The concrete parts of the creek are particularly unappealing
aesthetically. These and other factors limit the potential traffic and, more to the point, the fees.
Diversifying practice options and enhancement of those options would be good for players of all
abilities and from all over Austin.
I like it’s current use except for all the red ink it generates
Keep it as is but promote the fine condition of the course!!
Golfers who don't want to play at Hancock are overly picky. It's a fine course for all abilities. Golf
as a sport is in decline and Hancock can be a great place to introduce more people to playing.
The golf course is a bit too short by modern standards and lacks a practice facility.
Providing physical separation from golf & the public - nets, etc.
Poorly maintained.
I would love to see some of the green space used as a dog park. The current one in central
Austin frequently has what is basically a small pond in it (Hancock), which isn't great
People can learn how to play golf in the suburbs. I suspect very few people who live nearby use
this space for golf. There are many, many things this space can be used for other than golf,
which is not space efficient.
o This is not just a golf course it's a part of Austin, and golf, history. Do some research and
understand what you're really saying.
I like the fact that it's a historic golf course, and the uses of the beautiful building.
I don't have concerns about how it is used currently.
The mindset that because it has been a golf course in the past, that is what it will be in the
future. When you hire a company whose stated goal is to advance the sport of golf, don't be
surprised if they recommend more golf.
o
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Actually, they made three recommendations, the first one of which was converting the
space to a park. But PARD did not even consider this option.
No concerns. It's nearly perfect.
None
I'm OK with it as it is, or it could be turned into a public park for all to use.
What are your primary concerns about the future use of this space?
Development
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There’s limited open green space in this park of Austin. Don’t develop this space.
Land would get sold and developed
No development except for golfing and park services
Keep open space, get historic design for Golf course, keep “ “ “ historic, protect from
development
Eventual Development (I think it should stay green)
I am concerned that the city will allow this green space to be taken over by developers
It will be taken over by developers
I’m concerned that if the city sells the property it will no longer be available for community use.
Very worried it we’dill lose its historic overlay and then the city would sell it
I worry that developers want to get their hands on it and develop it into residential and
commercial space. It should be protected as irreplaceable Austin heritage and green space, part
of our city's "lungs"
Concern that it will no longer be a public space and we will lose a green area in a growing city.
It needs to remain available to the community; if the city sells it, that’s unlikely to happen.
Losing the green space in proximity to Hyde Park and other neighborhoods.
It would be a shame for it to be anything other than what it is....Dismantling it will lead to the
development of this green space, since it would protected in the Historical Register.
I am concerned that developers will ruin the easy affordability of using this space. It is public
space and must remain so. It is not for some corporation to monazite. We have more than
enough of that in Austin. If people want to go spend money on products, drinks, snacks, and
experiences there are more than enough places to go do that but too few free and affordable
pleasing places that promote health and community, The value just can't be calculated.
I just don't want to see it developed, like the back nine that became Hancock Shopping Center.
That being said, perhaps allowing the course to be used for other purposes for one day a week
should be considered.
I am concerned that our city leaders are more concerned with dollars related to development
and tax revenue. We need our city leaders to place a high value on our urban green spaces.
I oppose anything that might lead to rezoning the land for commercial use
Primarily that it not be developed. Preserve the trees and the greenery. A close second is that it
maintain a golf function and also offer some general open public space. It would be great to see
a comprehensive practice options here.
Do NOT allow this beautiful space to be turned into yet another development!
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It will become developed as a building, paved over.
that we will lose the green space and it will be developed. Legit I love density and want there to
be more housing in central Austin, but I really want to keep some park space
Primary concern is that the city will not designate/dedicate Hancock Golf Course to remain as
open space/parkland in perpetuity (and better yet, keep it as an affordable PUBLIC golf
course...note I am not a golfer, but appreciate affordable options for others to play sports and
access to healthy exercise). With city leadership voting to densify our neighborhoods through
the new Land Development Code, we will need open space more than ever to accommodate the
increase in residential population.
Concerned that the city will sell the property and turn it into retail space and condos. It should
stay a golf course and leave a bit of green space for all to enjoy.
Greenspace
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Support passive park green space
I have lived for 6.5 years and accepted that it is a course and that the way I can use this space is
by walking the perimeter. But when invited to think about the future I would love it to be a park
open to all neighbors and be able to use more that the perimeter trail, as we think about
climate change and reducing our reliance on vehicles, having true parks within walking distance
becomes even more important. I think this space could better serve that goal as what was
today called a “passive park”.
I prefer either part golf/ part passive park, or all passive park
Who actually cares about golf? Public Park
Maintain trees and nature. The birds love it here!
It is important to keep this Vista (green space in perpetuity! Especially as Austin Grows)
Keep it as natural as possible – being close to nature makes humans better
I am concerned about the way this presentation assumed – the presenter even said – no one
here wants the space to be a passive park. I realize some attendees had strong feelings about
keeping golf, but the show of hands revealed many attendees do want the passive park option
to be considered.
Park option should be explored not rejected out – of – hand
I am concerned that it will remain a golf course that a majority of the people who live near it do
not use. This will keep access limited. I do not want the golf course. It should be a park.
Doesn't need to be commercialized. Maybe it should just be a park.
How the city continues to balance green space with the growth of residential needs.
That unlike the other half of the original course, it be preserved as green space to serve future
generations.
I'm concerned that Hancock will continue to be reserved (at city expense) for a handful of rich
white men. There are women and children (and maybe people of lesser means) that play golf,
but they're barely represented. Meanwhile, public play areas, sports fields, and general green
spaces that the public can enjoy are oversubscribed.
it would be great if a large portion of it was turned into an off leash park. Austin really needs
more of these, especially since the off leash part Pease park will not be fixed for some time.
I’m concerned the green space will not be preserved.
Golf/Continuation of golf
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As a weekly golfer here I would like it to remain a 9 hole course – no driving range the course is
actually in great condition – no one know about it
Love the idea of a practice facility. I would buy a membership & be here 4 days a week
I would prefer a fun par 30-31 course over a par 3 course w/range. Make a nice short game area
for practice.
Usage for golf provides a service for the whole city. Conversion ton an open park benefits only
the immediate area.
Fencing off the golf space for safety concerns would effectively cut it off from the neighborhood,
not desirable.
Adding netting on Red River St will degrade the beauty of the Hancock Golf Course
No netting on course
Avoid barriers and netting
No extreme night time lighting
No lights on a driving range if that occurs.
That a vocal minority, with an agenda that includes stereotyping the sport of golf with
unfavorable types of people, will create the impression that the use of this space for golf is
offensive. What's offensive is the idea that Austin's willing to wipe away the history of this space
& a world-famous golf personality named Harvey Penick.
As a golfer, I would like to see some changes to address the poor course conditions during the
hotter months. I am sure this has a negative effect on revenue. As a neighbor, I am concerned
that losing the historic designation of the golf course could make non-recreation development
more likely in the future.
Turn it in to a short course with a driving range would be the best option where more people
can use it.
It will still be wasted as a golf course.
Worried that golf would be lost here
Redevelopment of the space. It is a huge asset to the community and greater Austin at large
That the city will be tempted to remove the green space and use it to build housing. While we
need housing we should reserve some green space. Plus we should preserve some of the history
of this space.
As long as I have a way to walk nine holes, whether they are par 3 or the way they are now, I will
be content. I think that having a learning facility with programs to grow the game is wonderful,
and I will use it as such. However, I am concerned that any concessionaire will fight the same
pedestrian problem the course currently faces without a fence. People in the neighborhood
think that the course is their own back yards, letting their dogs run around off leash without
paying a bit of attention to how destructive they are being or how disruptive their picnics in the
fairways are being. Who ever gets the contract on this place needs to build a fence around the
perimeter, or have a fenced in area that is designated for their use only; along with the rights to
be more forceful with getting pedestrians out of the golf facility than the current city employees
do. Neighbors just yell loud and no one can really do anything about it.
this course remains an accessible golf course to local citizens of Austin. Lots of other nearby and
intricate and better park systems. Would be sad to loose the only golf in the central area
Public-Private partnership/RFP
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Private entity should not make $ off of us. This should stay accessible.
What restrictions would the City /Vendor place on access to the community center?
Consider Non-profit running course.
No privatization
Not turning it over to for–profit use as its primary purpose
Why is a public good only viable when a business can make profit here?
Will the RFP include plans for water when the course floods during rain?
Going with a for profit company will make the space even more costly and exclusive against the
goals & purpose of the neighborhoods & Parks dept.
Privatization is taking over every aspect of our lives as the wealth is sucked ever upward
No Privatization!
Why will a private company be able to turn a profit on this course when the city can't? If all it
takes is a $700K-$900K investment to make it profitable in the future, as we've been told, the
city should make that investment and keep all of Hancock in the public domain.
I don't want access to the park to be restricted by a private company contracted to run the
space.
Trying to turn it into a profit maker without regards to what the neighborhood wants solely to
make a profit is my primary concern. The enterprise fund does not apply to this area. This is not
a pure golf course and should not be evaluated as such. This in NOT ans Enterprise. This is a
combination golf course and neighborhood park facility. There is no other place in Austin like
this. The consultant evaluation was not done appropriately. The operation was not properly
compared to other nine hole courses serving small townships like Lockhart, Elgin, Flatonia,
Schulenburg, to name a few. The towns are the same size as the neighborhood and all have
successful models to run their courses. DO A BETTER JOB, CITY OF AUSTIN. YOUR JOB IS TO
SERVE THE PEOPLE AS THEY DESIRE, NOT AS YOU WOULD LIKE TO!
Any attempt to commercialize this space will likely destroy the beauty and accessibility to it for
current and future generations. Why is the focus on monetizing this space rather than
preserving a rare and beautiful green space for the common good? I fear that our city leadership
has lost perspective that their predecessors had to create and preserve the green spaces in this
city that made Austin a desirable place to live. With the proposed zoning changes becoming a
reality and disproportionally impacting this part of the city, we need this space to remain
publicly supported parkland more than ever.
The city is prioritizing private interests over public needs. Austin residents are tired of their city
choosing short-term money-making opportunities over long-term public welfare or city planning
initiatives. Green space is important not only for the aesthetics of an urban space, but also for
the health/happiness of the community surrounding it.
I don't want to see this irreplaceable public asset turned over to private entities for profit.
I have general concerns about the privatization of public park space in central Austin no matter
how well intentioned. There are still to many unanswered questions about continuing use of the
recreation center protection of the historic clubhouse and continuing public access to the
property
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We've been told that the rec center and kids programs will be maintained, but what happens
when the private entity comes back to the city and says, "Well, we just can't make the numbers
work without turning the soccer field into a parking lot." Or, "We need to take over more of the
rec center for our pro shop, restaurant, whatever."
Turning Hancock over to a private for-profit entity raises a number of questions and concerns.
Privatizing a public park space seems to definitely be in the best interest of the Parks and Rec
budget, but not in the best interests of the community. I am concerned about the lack of
communication and transparency surrounding the decision making process and time line. I am
deeply concerned that options other than privatizing the golf course have not been EQUAL
consideration. I am concerned that privatizing the golf course means removing its protected
park land designation leaving the land open to future development.
The idea that public space is a business proposition tells me we've given up all pretense at civics
and allowed the profit motive to drive every decision. The course has introduced reclaimed
water, lessened the dept, and could actually cover costs with a careful rethinking of price for
golfers but instead, we hear a private enterprise wants to come in, revamp it into a smaller
course, erect fences for a driving range, increase parking, and make money. And if they
cannot...do we just sell it all off for development? The management of the Hancock have not
made a good faith effort to have the place cover its costs. We don't need new missions or new
companies, we just need better management doing the job they are supposed to do.
If the city puts a concession business in charge of Hancock it will ruin it
Public access to space
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Accessible, Open/Green space, Forever!
I would love to see more park space accessible to more people
A meaningful portion of the Green/Shady space should be accessible to non – golfers
Needs to stay open for non-golfers and maintain green space for walkers
Restricted access to public green space
We need greenspace for children, family & everybody in perpetuity – it is a public health
concern – do not remove green space access
• How much of the current green space will remain available to the general public under a deal with
a private entity?
Rec Center, programming and other recreational opportunities
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Needs to keep the community centered programming especially children’s programs! Tiny tots
school, sports for kids, etc.
where will parking be if a facility format takes place
Parking for golfers would spill into neighborhoods
What happens to the existing historic clubhouse?
What becomes of current use of clubhouse as community center?
My primary concern is the potential loss of the community center with plenty of parking and the
much-needed green space.
We don’t need more traffic in our Hyde park neighborhood, we can barely drive down our
streets now due to cars parking on both sides,
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Based on the public meeting, I am really concerned about the future of very important
community programs like Tiny Tots (which is an amazing program), sports activities for kids, all
the other programs that are offered for the community. These programs are extremely valuable
to the community. Concerned that a private operator will close them down or restrict them
heavily. Concerned about the long-term future of it and the potential slippery slope of
redevelopment.
The rec center should be kept open and expanded if possible.
A driving range is one of the potential uses. What will be the restrictions on night time lighting?
Mixed use space/flexibility
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Include in 6 acres lawn that is flexible (including occasional croquet)
Learning academy should include amenities for non – golfers (food, drinks)
I am in favor of maintaining golf at Hancock in some form. I believe that the community could
also be better served by careful use of some of the space for non – golf purposes (dog park,
walking trail, etc.)
Must be multi – use and accessible to all while honoring the history of the space
Keep green space in perpetuity, keep public access + all kids + community programs
Golf should be kept as the primary use for the site, but a small, well maintained dog park and
picnic area should be added to encourage more public use
Echoing the sentiment that the space needs to accommodate non-golf activities.
The future use of this space needs to accommodate non-golf activities.
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Will the footprint of the space be changed in any way?
Do not change the Course
We do not trust the City! Don’t mess this space up!
That it will change
Process seems pre – determined by certain interests
Don’t trust the City to leave our green space alone
That is will cease to be the special golf course that it is.
KEEP IT AS A GOLF COURSE AND A CHILDRENS REC CENTER!!
No development, no private hands. Keep the rec center as is for us middle class residents in the
area who send our children to their programs.
That it changes. Please keep it as is!
That it changes. It is peaceful.
That it remain as is!
Anything different than what it is now will be a travesty and miscarriage of stupidity.
There are a lot of parks in the area. Don’t turn it into another park.
a practice facility with driving range would require unsightly netting, the peaceful park like
nature of the space would disappear
I would like to see this space continue to be under the Austin Parks & Rec' Program. This is a
treasure for our community and local neighborhoods worth preserving.
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This is a well used and enjoyed space by many both in the neighborhood and surrounding areas.
It would be a travesty to have it lost to anything other than what it has been for the past 120
years.
Please don’t take any more of our green spaces, you have ruined our once beautiful city enough.
We will voice our wishes at the ballot box if you don’t start listening to us.
that it will cease to be the Historic Hancock Golf Course
In what ways can PARD honor the history of golf in this space?
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Make sure it always stays a greenspace
Enhance golf education component
Remove driving range for proposal
To protect this green space/golf course forever investigate historical status!!!!
We must preserve this greenspace
Make it a teaching facility
Make it a teaching facility to grow the next generation of golfers
Get and keep historic designation for the gold course
No dog park…keep golf, have golf for geezers, maintain green space
Invest with it, and honor it for what it is
Disc golf as an update
The history of golf is a history of people with nothing better to do. Not a priority
By not trying to make money off it
Keep it golf centric and family friendly
The golf is no longer competitive, have to leave the space for the common good and do a park.
Keep it and share it
Keep open, keep public, keep forever!
Keep it a section dedicated to putting or pitch –putt while opening up the majority of space to
non – golfers
Keep it a PARD Public Golf Course
Historically should stay a golf course in some capacity
Retain golf purpose & activity
Training and development mission has real potential for success
By taking what began as a private country club and opening it up to the entire city as a park
Keep a section of the park designated for pitch and putt use - this fills the void left by Butler and free up the rest of the park to parks and rec for repurposed green space use related to open
park space, dog park, fitness, team sports, or other more universally appealing activities.
A small plaque
If the space has enough demand to remain as a golf course, then keep it. But if the demand is
not there, you can honor the history by making it a park that everyone can enjoy, with walking
trails that still highlight the course. You can maintain a smaller putt and pitch course or driving
area.
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Why do we need to honor the history of this space as a golf course? We should be concerned
about preserving a green space available to all instead of dedicating it to an elitist sport.
Take better care of the course so it's more playable, and FIGHT to protect this community asset.
Our city is the fastest growing in the US, but City Hall wants to cry poor every time there's
money to be made from our public land. Say NO to public/private deals that give our assets to
private investors.
Keep it public
Keep it public and free of private enterprise
Keep a public golf course for the public - not the few who can afford massive fees to join and
play at other courses and clubs.
And maybe PARD should stop hiding behind the 'separate rules for golf courses than parks'
argument while acting helpless. Do your duty.
Preserve the historic clubhouse. Preserve golfing options including disc golf disc draw more
younger users from the university area
Continue to make it a place where all of Austin cam congregate for activities.
By not allowing a private entity to take it over and modify its usage. Keep the park under city
control and continue to make it a space for all Austin residents to enjoy, not just those with the
money/privilege to play golf.
Recognize the loss of the other half of the land by telling that story.
It serves as it's own statement if it is maintained as is and we continue to enjoy it as a
community.
By ensuring that it stays a golf facility in some way, and respecting the golfers enough to stand
up to people abusing the course. Allowing dog walkers and other pedestrians to use the facility
is disrespectful of those of us who pay to use it, as well as being disrespectful to the history of
the course. Current city staff is overwhelmed by the sheer volume of those people, and have
indicated it is a lost cause to fight them all off because the local regular abusers are hostile. City
staff has given up on defending it, don't let a contractor do the same.
By keeping it a golf course, but perhaps expanding the use for neighbors as a green space that
can be used at certain times.
Keep a few driving ranges where golfers can practice different strokes while sharing the other
areas of this treasured green space with joggers, dog owners, recreation, lesire, Hancock RC
program activities, etc.
By keeping it as a golf course.
Continue to maintain it as is. Add more activities to celebrate its history and to bring more
people to use the facilities.
Preserving this as an open and public green space, Ideally as it currently is.
Keep it as is.
Keeping it as is.
Keep the green space just as it is.
Don't sell it to the highest bidder. Let it remain as it has been. Figure it out.
Value the space —to remain as is!
By keeping it as is!!
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Creating an art installation that either tells the story through the art and/or includes a plaque
detailing the story of the park.
Keep it as is. Public spaces should be paid for with our tax dollars, not be expected to be
revenue generators.
The golf course and it's history should be promoted better in order to generate more revenue.
The new hotel popping up across the street will surely also help in making money to support the
Golf Course as is.
By retaining it as is. It is one of the few affordable yet challenging places for ordinary people to
play some golf. The game is otherwise out of the reach of most people but the price here puts
the course within the reach of most. Half of this historical course has already been given up, let's
draw the line there.
Keep it as is! Keep it green.
keep it just like it is !
Keep it as public space, green and open to all.
Keep it the way it is!
By keeping it the exact way it is.
Keep it the way it is, open to the public, dual use hike and bike
Carve out a small miniature golf course.
Maintain at least some of the space for a golf use and for children's clubs. At a minimum, it
should be used in a similar way as Butler Park is used on Riverside.
Please keep the history of Hancock golf course in some way. Memorial/museum in some way, or
keep two holes of the course intact
Maintaining an attractive space that offers diverse opportunities to practice and play golf for all
levels. Perhaps also add a modest display about the history of ACC and the course at Hancock.
Keep the clubhouse.
Keep it as a 9 hole golf course but publicize it more
Make the space better suited to all golfers. A high-quality practice facility would benefit both
avid golfers and those learning, and a pitch and putt course would benefit casual golfers and
provide an on-ramp to those trying out the game for the first time
Keep it alive as a historic golf location in the heart of Ausitn
most importantly, keep it golf. With private management maybe the game can be expanded to
more people in the area! Very few sports allow this sort of interaction with nature and can be
playing all life long
Keep it!
Not sure.
By keeping it a golf course
Maybe keep a driving range and putting green. Maybe keep frisbee golf.
Keep it as a public space for all to enjoy.
Preserve the clubhouse. Fix/expand the parking lot.Hire a golf historian as a community service
to research, compile documents and pictures to tell the story of how the place was formed, how
it was developed, the acquisition why the city wanted it and then why the city and the council
want to walk away from its original mission. THIS PLACE WAS NOT MEANT TO BE AN
ENTERPRISE. IT WAS MEANT TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
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I don't know, but I like the idea of doing something to honor the golf course's history; maybe by
keeping it open?
Additional Comments: Please post any comments you may have that can help improve the
program
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Get U.T. to Partner Money ($) allow students to play, say ½ m$ year
I would prefer to convert to passive park
I like the passive park option far better than the golf concession concept.
Parks shouldn’t have to be profitable.
Look to conservancy model for funds.
What about supplementing with HOT funds?
Concerned that this is a done deal!
Have you considered Public – Private Partnership model?
Share the beautiful green space with non – golfers
As a Regular Golfer here I do like the aspect of getting more green use out of it. Perhaps
redesign a few tee Boxes to increase park space
The process seems predetermined
Would hate to lose the course (except for #6)
Prefer request for information instead to request for proposal
Consider different fee structure to lower debt & costs
No private contracts
It’s beautiful trails nature funky
I like the dedication of part of the space to community park use, but it should be more – at least
half and half.
If we are taking a “headcount” I would like to express my interest in keeping it a golf course as
green space.
What is overall revenue of Golf Enterprise Fund & why can’t this be evened out? If you have
some moneymakers like Greystone, why can’t that offset courses like Hancock that provide a
clear community benefit?
Neighborhood donations to pay for current golf course
I feel like there are many other options to tap into before such a drastic step. Why is it suddenly
so urgent given it has been non – profitable to so long 120-160k is not anywhere near
insurmountable that could be made up through at least looking at other options such as local
fundraisers tapping into community organizations for fundraising/funding. Increasing green
fees, etc. Seems like it would be in the best interest of the city community to try these relatively
simple and accessible options to overcome such a relatively small revenue deficit.
Neighborhood donations to pay for current golf course.
Outside the box idea: Many Canadian golf clubs fund operations by adding a curling facility.
Austin’s Curling Club is largest in TX & looking for new home. Such a facility would support food
operations, staff, Pro Shop. Plus it could add additional meeting space for community & kids
programs. There are grants or subsidies for building curling facilities. Also it would attract
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competitors around the country, major amateur competitions & potential tourism. This overall
could subsidize all golf programs & keep things affordable.
Also – if the 2wk Jr Golf Program is so successful and sold out why can’t that be extended or run
in 2 sessions to generate additional revenue?
Is the City of Austin Changing Land from Dedicated Parkland?
If it costs 200k to maintain as park – how much does it cost as a Golf Course what is Budget
Expenditure now?
Do a fund raiser to get the $ for improvements.
Do RFQ RFI!
Save Hancock Golf Course
Do all parks have to “cover their costs”? Of course not
Interested in consideration of a passive park option that more neighbors can use without getting
in their cars to drive to a park.
We can raise the money to support Hancock Golf Course as it stands, food trucks, music
concerts, etc. etc.
A Park!
For me personally, the idea presented would be wonderful.
Why not hire professional management to run Hancock, increase programs
Doesn’t seem the city has tried very hard to raise funds, and concur this doesn’t need to be
profitable.
I have two golf balls in my yard now. One in front on Beaker. I detest golf & have always wished
this lovely spot were a park we could walk safely thru.
Hancock Golf Course and Community Center is The Heart of Central Austin.
Pools, basketball, tennis, etc. are not expected to be profitable. Parks are not a profit center &
shouldn’t be.
Get a donation to fix & maintain.
I would prefer a Park
Proposed concept greatly lessens golf course range & surely adds fence to driving range!
Can we add a small dog park?
The course is in good shape (good job George) considering the situation not Augusta but
good…does not need 700 – 900k upgrades
Include revenue from golf camps in Hancock system. Increase fees & more money
It would be nice to have concessions onsite for the community to enjoy.
Make the land multi – use
*Friends of Hancock Fundraising to offset costs & maintain course as – is.
I don’t support the idea that HGC should be required to breakeven the loss is small and it serves
to support the other courses through new golfer development and keeping off Muni
HGC is a valuable piece of the City Golf portfolio, serving a unique slice of the population
Audubon Park in NO, La closes the course before sunset and it becomes more of a general park,
new commenter – I love this park
Increase Green fees $5. Increase Membership Golf ATX $100
Golfers don’t know how great this is – fairways & greens are in better shape than Lions
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Course can accommodate non – golfers by closing course early on evenings or certain days. St
Andrews is a public park on Sundays w/no golf.
Players from all over need a good practice area and would make the trip for a good facility,
especially centrally located.
Why not have some leased food truck space to increase traffic and raise $
Need to communicate & include Wilshire woods neighborhood. It’s within walking distance
I would personally like a park
Analyze income and funding for successful 9 hole courses in Austin Centex region.
Once again a broken process…should be RFI before RFP
I would like to consider options 1. Park 2. City Before moving ahead with 3rd party
Would like to add trails within the golf course. Maybe solar lighting for evening usage.
I suspect the hotel developers would be willing to offset maintenance costs in order to maintain
the space. Would be great if the city could strike a long term O&M fee deal with them as their
property and revenues will benefit from this public amenity.
The people trying to change Hancock are buffoons.
Thanks for this survey
Stop this insanity
KEEP HANCOCK
2020, 1 p.m.) and Hancock Golf Course Survey Comments on Public
Input
*Hancock Neighborhood Association Meeting comments are bulleted in Blue
* Hancock Golf Course Survey comments are bulleted in Green
Last updated 3/12/2020 at 11:00 am
How do you currently use the space where Hancock Golf Course and Rec Center are?
Golf:
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Mixed use Golf field (Pitch & Putt)…open space (lower area)
I play golf & jog here weekly
Golf…
I golf here! Need to publicize! People do not know who great the conditions are here at the
Course
I golf here. I could more here with better conditions
What does Historic Designation do to protect space as golf course?
Rec Center:
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Community gathering space
We have our kid in the tiny tots program and the sports program. He loves it! We love it!
Frequent use of ping pong & pool tables
Danced, yoga, walk
Rec center is awesome – what a City asset!
I play golf here. I practice chipping/ putting
A Driving range would be great! There is no place to hit Woods within 10 miles
Golf after work/quick 9 holes
Trails/Walking/Nature:
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Walk around Trail…I see lots of people using the western part as an off – lease dog park in the
evenings- not technically allowed but it happens & works out
Enjoy watching the sunsets, going for walks
Community gatherings meetings
Frequently use trails around it
Bird watching
Walk, run, walk around the edge and wish I could access more of the green space
Daily dog walk
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Walk dogs, beauty of it from my home
Combination of uses/general:
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Trails, kids program, golf, picnics, community center programming
Trails, kids program, soccer field
I would use this place more if the practice facilities were improved
The green space is a source of well - being in the middle of urban setting
Practice short game, some putting Classes in Rec Center, enjoy open space OCC Meeting
Daily yoga walk & run, bird watching, neighbors
Yoga and walk
Community meetings, walks, stargazing, bird watching, Easter egg hunt
Golf weekly, yoga
I play golf regularly here. Easy to get here after work. Good idea to promote the accessibility
Golf, (20 years) playground (4x/week)
What do you appreciate most about this space?
Greenspace/open area/nature/wildlife:
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Maintained green space
The walking trail
The beautiful sunrises in the morning. Rainbows over the green spaces of the golf course
Open green space
It’s beautiful
Waller creek and its wildlife
Trees…
Quiet, green
The natural beauty, trees, green space, and birds/animals
Lungs of the City, great for open green space, essential for drainage, neighborhood flooding
I love the trails and greenspace, playground
Green, open, oaks, birds, neighbors
Car bans, green space which is going away
Central ATX Park – like perimeter trail
No Fence
No Fence around it! (except driving range)
Beautiful green space in the heart of the city
Beauty of green space where people are enjoying the outdoors and neighbors see one another.
I appreciate the fresh air and green grass at Hancock Golf Club. The city of Austin does not have
an abundance of green space and I would like to see more of it preserved. Thank you.
Very little green space in the city. The trails are ok, they are the border and adjacent to cars and
noise. Would be great to just have an open green space and be able to use the inner golf paths
for running, walking or biking. There are more than enough golf courses if you drive a little bit.
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No golfer that I know thinks is or could be a good course. Let’s turn it to park land for the
community
I want this space to be re-purposed as a public park that anyone can enjoy. This would mean
leaving the golf model and opening up the land for use for all kinds of recreation activities. My
child goes to the Rec Center everyday after school but they are only allowed to hang out within
a very short distance from the rec center building. If there is not demand for golf then change
the park to have more people enjoy it.
Green space in the middle of the city is crucial for mental and physical health of the population
and it also a big part of why Austin is a desirable city to live. Imagine New York City without
Central Park! There are things that are more valuable than earning a few dollars.
Greenspace and tree canopy
A natural open space in the middle of the city.
I love having this kind of green space in the middle of Austin, but as a golf course it isn’t really a
public space in a meaningful way. Would love for it to be open for wider use.
The green space! I wish I could take my dog or have a picnic there, though...
The large trees and open space in the heart of Austin. Would be lovely as a park.
It's a beautiful oasis of green in the heart of the city and an important piece of Austin history.
Open park-like space. I would like to see it used less for golf (a declining sport) & more as a
general park that everyone could use. I would also like to see more of a plant buffer along the
creek
I also enjoy walking the trails around the golf course. I think it is extremely important that Austin
maintain this beautiful green space.
It would be such a lovely addition to our area as a dedicated park. I've always believed this.
My whole family has enjoyed the Rec center and the invaluable green space for 30 years. There
are not enough spaces like this in central Austin as it is. I say public park space would enhance
the rec center offerings greatly - giving more area to the kids in camp, to the walkers and
runners.
I appreciate the open green beauty with majestic trees, which is one of the reasons this is my
main preference when I wish to take a walk or job. It is a peaceful place to be while still being
right in the middle of the city.
The golf course is beautiful and I love having an open green space in an urban area. I often run
along the trail and truly hope the city prioritizes the needs of its constituents over capital
accumulation. Keep Austin green!
Beautiful green space
Open spaces and parkland in cities are critical for public health. They provide opportunities for
exercise and social interaction. With a tree canopy, they literally cool the area (look at any urban
heat map). Hancock Golf Course has Waller Creek running through it which is an integral part of
the effort to revitalize the eastern corridor of downtown through the initiatives of the Waterloo
Conservancy (formerly Waller Creek Conservancy). There are so many reasons to preserve this
open space in perpetuity!
The nice trees and creek views. it is a wonderful large green space with plenty of parking and
walking access.
Green space. Austin doesn’t have enough of it
A tranquil green oasis in our neighborhood.
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Green space in the center city
The old trees. That it's a green space that is maintained by the city. It's an affordable place to
play golf and take classes. It does not need to be profitable! It has value in just being a green
space in the middle of our neighborhood.
I like having green space in the neighborhood with walking trails. Really an Austin treasure!
it's green and nearby. since I don't play golf, I'm barred from 90% of the property. I wish the city
could find a more democratic use of the space - it seems a waste when so many other public
green spaces generate so many visits
Historical significance:
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It’s history as a unique and quiet golf course
The history of the location the building!
Historic community center, the building
Historic Beautiful Flood control for neighbors
I love the historic recreation center. Happy to see it retain its original details. Love the
luminaries around Christmas. Great family experiences there every year.
That it is centrally-located, beautifully maintained, public, and keeps the heritage of that historic
beautiful building.
If it cannot be maintained as a golf course, I would want the space to be a city park and keep the
building as a rec center. It is of historical significance to Texas so I would want that to be
acknowledged.
It is an historical landmark in a city that is seemingly willing to give up such traditions for
business goals. Once gone, it's gone. As an area of land, it is beautiful and safe and walkable. As
a golf course it is challenging and fun, old-school golf for everyone, unlike most golf courses, and
definitely not a modern pitch and putt arena with joke holes and convenient lays. So I
appreciate it as an environmental treasure and a social good.
It is the oldest continuously run golf course West of the Mississippi. It is a fun, challenging,
convenient, and affordable golf course and should be recognized and appreciated for the jewel
it is.
Accessibility/affordability:
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Open to the Public.
Accessibility, affordability, cultural heritage, hilly terrain, makes gorgeous sunsets & challenging
holes
The closest “Park” to where I live, I can walk here, I walk the trail would love to be able to access
more of the space
Unfettered public access
Affordable golf for young & old
Very close to my house, more casual golf. Easy to walk
One of the few green spaces for walking near me. As senior citizen, I can drive to center at night.
Quick access to 9 holes
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central location, close proximity, creek access, topography, green space, and the possibility of
actually accessing it if you develop with the community in mind versus a small population of
golfers
The accessibility to a beautiful green space open to the public that supports the whole of the
community. The space provides a low cost opportunities for golf enthusiasts, disc golf,
basketball, soccer, walking trails, and community center/programs. Green spaces as this have
long been understood by urban planners throughout the US as essential to the health and wellbeing of the community, and Austin should be a world leader in the preservation of this and
other green spaces in the city. Once it's gone, it ain't coming back.
It’s the closest green space to my house. I live between the golf course and 35 and there are no
park options close by
Golf course easily accessible from downtown
access for the community to golf
Central location
location and the fact that it is maintained and either free or affordable. It is a place people can
walk to.
Having such a large, open green space that I can walk to from my house. I wish there were
portions of the course made accessible for those who like to walk or bike, so that the public
could enjoy it as well as golfers. My kids have attended camps and played soccer at the rec
center for almost 20 years. I think there should be more consideration for how this space could
be reimagined to better serve the community.
It is a beautiful green space in the middle of the city, and very accessible for golf for those that
live in central Austin neighborhoods. It is a great park location for kids in the surrounding
neighborhoods.
In the area there are no other spaces to comfortably move around on foot without tons of cars
or street crossings. There are very few peaceful areas left in Hyde Park / Hancock.
In the larger Hyde Park, there is no other green space or park around. The closest park of any
significant size is on the other side of Lamar.
Golf:
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Green space for golf in in Central Austin
The easy pace of Play. Continue green space
Love the play station! Fewer carts during the week means better tuft quality
And I have friends who golf there; I'd like them to be able to continue to do so, unless you want
to turn into a park for everyone to use.
That it is an affordable place to play golf, I like to walk in a welcoming environment that doesn't
have the same pressures as a full blown golf course. I can take my time and enjoy the great
Austin weather.
It is one of the few green spaces in this part of town, and is fun to play golf on - despite the fact
that it is only 9 holes. Losing this golf course to development would be tragic to the people of
Austin.
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It's historic, low key ( great place for beginners to experience 9 holes, non intimidating for
female golfers) , has lush fairways and greens contrary to the opinion of lots of golfers who have
not played there since irrigation changes, great location
Hancock Golf Course is the where my father and I learned to play golf. It is a great 9 hole course
that allows beginner golfers to develop their skills and gain confidence in their game. Because of
the inexpensive fees, public access to the course, and its central location in austin, I believe this
space should continue to be a golf facility. Maybe we turn a portion of the course into a great
Driving Range or Practice area and the other half can be a short 3 to 6 hole golf course. There is
still plenty of space to add a running or walking trail around the property and expand on the rec
center.
Central location and 9 hole format allows Junior golfers and those new to golf accessibility.
Historic city treasure that deserves preservation.
Keep Hancock as is and turn it into a First tee friendly place to grow the great game of golf.
It's an undiluted green space. All other golf in the area is expensive and crowded. This is a simple
and uncomplicated space shielded from pro-style training for amateur people. There is place for
pro-style training, and that place is not here. They already exist. Please do not chase this
already-declining trend.
It’s low cost to hit golf balls and still have the opportunity to play with strategy.
The golf course. It is the very best 9 hole course I have ever played.
It is a gem. My six year old son loved the golf camp there last summer and I would love to see
more opportunities for him to learn and play there. Thanks!
That it is a jewel in the center of town; that it is historic and has played a role in the history of
Austin. Our Hancock neighbors run into each other and meet up at the golf course. With the
possibility of UT selling the land where MUNY is located, Hancock stands to become used at a
much higher level as a course. We walk around the golf course several times a week; my
husband plays a round occasionally. I don't regularly use the recreation center because I work
full time but had been planning on it becoming a source of classes when I retire next year. The
center could be remodeled and rented for more events such as weddings or parties. It seems
like leasing it to a corporate vendor is just another way the city is changing Austin so it becomes
like every other city--no pride in the wonderful parks that we have; disregard of the integrity of
neighborhoods
Location, history. Fun course to play.
Hancock is a beautiful and historic golf course. Green spaces, let alone golf courses, are a rare
find so close to city centers and should be preserved.
Hancock is a very convenient place to place golf inside city limits and a gem within the
neighborhood. Austin has a very rich golf history that I feel is being slowly pushed out and to
lose Hancock would be a travesty. Bluebonnet was recently closed due to a water dispute with
the city (from my understanding), Lions Muni is under constant threat, and now there is
discussion of turning Hancock into a passive park? I would much rather see it go under private
control rather than lose another golf destination in Austin.
Hancock Golf Course is tremendously valuable to the neighborhood as a green space, but it is
also tremendously valuable to the city as a golf course. It fills a need for the golfing community
that is not addressed by the other public or private courses. It would be a great loss if
redeveloped, although the proposal for put forward for golf education could also fill a need that
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is not currently covered by any other facilities in the city limits. I know that some in the
neighborhood resent that the space is almost fully occupied for one use - golf. I do think that
within either the current nine hole course model or a new golf model, there could be
opportunities to share the space creatively with other community uses like dog recreation.
Great golf course that most Austin golfers are really unaware of its fine condition. Some clever
publicity could increase play and revenue. I would hate to see it changed as proposed.
Rec center, programing, and other recreational opportunities:
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Playgrounds rec regions
Christmas, luminous trails
Greenspaces, rec center, kids programs
Ping pong
The community center and its programs: they offer real benefit for the community, especially
for birds
A place for rain to soak in, a place for wildlife to live
Luminous and hot chocolate during the Holidays
I love it as a running trail. It's beautiful!
I have been in that aerobics class for over 25 years. It's a wonderful opportunity for those of us
who are aging (and anyone else who would like to join us!) to get in some exercise we might
otherwise not be able to do. While it's not extremely demanding, it gets us up and moving 3
times a week, and for that I am grateful!
I no longer live in Austin, but I'm very disappointed to hear about the proposal to dismantle the
recreation center and golf course. When I lived in Austin, for two decades I participated in the
twice-monthly fiction writers critique group in the rec center, and I also saw many other diverse
community groups meeting there regularly. I believe it would be a mistake and disservice to the
community to dismantle this and create Yet Another commercial development.
A public meeting place with plenty of parking near the middle of town is extraordinarily valuable
to Austin, so that groups can provide benefits to citizens of the entire city.
Free meeting space in a central location in a beautiful setting. The Slug Tribe science fiction
writing group has met there for more than 20 years.
The green space it provides to the neighborhood and the city. And most importantly the
community programming especially the programming aimed at children.
I do not play golf. My child goes to the Golf Academy every year. Even more, he attends Hancock
Rec Center for summer camp for at least 5 weeks in the summer. The City of Austin should not
turn this beautiful place over to private hands.
The "old Austin" feeling of the building and grounds with the heritage oaks. The exercise classes.
The luminaria walk at Christmas. I've been coming to the rec center since the mid-eighties.
There's no place with such a beautiful space for parties or exercise classes as the ballroom.
Please don't turn the park over to a private contractor. Please preserve the trails for walkers and
runners, those with dogs, etc., and please keep offering programs through the activity center.
This is a valuable green space and a private contractor might decide to stop letting people enjoy
the park unless they're golfing, or not offer the many programs nearby residents enjoy. I would
be devastated to lose access to the Hancock Park walking trails.
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As a family, we enjoy many of the programs the Rec Center provides throughout the year.
I love our Fit 'n Fun class on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. I've made good friends there,
plus it encourages me to stay fit when I have others to work out with. The staff of the Rec
Center are friendly and helpful. The flora around the park is well-kept and peaceful. Thank you!!
I have been attending programming at the community center since I was 14 years old. I have
found the community there as well as the central location invaluable.
This is a great facility for our aerobics classes. I attend a series of classes for seniors. Very helpful
in keeping fit.
Mixed use space:
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Historic, golf & mixed activities
I love the building, and the feeling of wide open space in the middle of a major City
The variety of use including golf and community programs and usage
Trail, community Rec Center, the ability to quickly play golf w/dog and family affordably and in
in non – pretentious environment
I enjoy the trees, the creek, the history of the golf course and the building. I appreciate the
availability of classes and camps at Hancock Rec Center. Keeping green space in the middle of a
busy city is imperative!
That it is available to the community for a variety of programs.
Historical, Rec Center, golfing, green space for walking
The green space in the middle of the neighborhood. The activity center. The youth soccer field.
Personally I could do without the golf activity and would rather use the space as a park.
Green space in the middle of the city which is super rare to find. Great for getting a workout
around the trail and playing with my dog. It would be ideal to have some food truck options as
well!!
The history and green space it provides. Loved the recreational activities during the Summer
when kids were young!
I appreciate that it is open and green, and that it has trees and hills. It is really nice. I like that it
is in a neighborhood and centrally located. And I like that it is a golf course.
It's an aspirational space in the middle of the city. It offers democratic access to a sport enjoyed
by millions of people worldwide.
Respite from City life/urban development:
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A greenspace in the midst of increasing development/urbanization
An open space to see the stars in the middle of the City
Please don't turn it over to a private entity.
That it exists in the heart of the city, providing a beautiful green space, and some relief from the
building boom.
Its a beautiful space here in central Austin and if you delete it and turn it over to private
corporations, you will be complicit to the erosion of the wonderful place I call home. I have
great-grand parents in graves nearby and they would never agree to further destruction of
Austin greenspace. I will fight you tooth and nail. My name is Monty Bintliff and I have spoken
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This is an amazing resource for Hyde Park and a rare gem in the city. My family and I use it
regularly for golf, ids program and just running the trails. I do not have an issue with selling it to
a private entity as long as there is some agreement to continue operating the existing programs
and making it inclusive of the neighbors in hyde park. I do not see value in turning it into
another mixed-use or commercial development that would create a traffic nightmare on 41st,
38th and Red River.
Nature in the city. A green respite for animals (including humans). It’s trees and Waller creek
flowing through. It’s historical reminder that sometimes even great city leaders make short
sighted decisions to trade something of infinite value for a fixed dollar lump sum. Its location - a
respite in close proximity to the HEB shoppers and mass/active transit users that travel up and
down red river St. The funny old stories of golfers playing over Red River St and sometimes
hitting cars with golf balls. I’m unaware of the degree of environmentally sound maintenance
practices PARD uses here but I expect the qualified staff are careful to care for our sensitive
watershed. I’m not a golfer, but believe a diversity of accessible activities across our parks
system is important and recognize there may be value in preserving the public’s access to this
sport.
I've been a resident of the City of Austin and Travis County since February 2003. I appreciate
Hancock Golf Course's historical input into the people of Austin. It is a BIG DEAL for people to be
able to play golf without big expenses, even though that is not how I have used this park. This is
like the free neighborhood pools around town--it creates a culture of wealth for the common
people. Personally, I've enjoyed more than one type of recreation activity at the center: both a
writer's group and a folk dancing group. I strongly feel the City can and should figure out how to
continue funding the park to operate in the way it has served the community for so long. Please
do not try to create a "shiny object" out of this true cultural gem. You will lose something very
valuable.
Peaceful and beautiful space.
It's a peaceful space in the midst of a growing city.
As a lifelong Austinite in her mid twenties I have felt more and more like there is not room for
me as the city continues to grow. It may sound dramatic, but if Hancock was sold to a private
company it would feel like another sign that my city is increasingly a place that does not have
room for me and where I will not be able to afford to live in the future. Moving away from from
my hometown would be devastating, but as these things continue to happen and as a public
school teacher, it begins to feel more and more inevitable.
The green space in the middle of town that breaks up the density of the university, shopping
center and neighborhood nearby.
The tranquility and escape in the middle of the city
Green space in increasingly dense area.
Having a green space in the city
This is a unique open space centrally located in the middle of a lot of neighborhoods.
Open space, not developed, green area. This area should never be developed with any housing
or commercial properties. While a golf course may not be the best use of space for the
maximum number of people, this should be preserved as parkland for all people in Central
Austin.
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I like having this open green space in our neighborhood even though I'm not a golfer. I would
hate to see it developed into yet more housing or commercial space.
it's a park. Please don't sell it to developers. I also really enjoy the trail along the edge of it.
The fact there isn't a shopping center or a high rise apartment complex on it. The fact it is a large
green space in the city with increasingly less green space.
That it is and should remain an; open, public, green space which is well-maintained by the City
of Austin and that no future plans, development, or contractual obligations to private
corporations (i.e. private development investments) will erode the accessibility, ownership, or
use of this beautiful natural in the heart of the City now or forever.
When did parks need to earn money? Seriously, when did we as Austonians want less green
space?
Public asset:
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Love the Golf Course as a Public Good!
Greenspace, nature, trees, historic building, the whole space is an asset to the community &
should be accessible to all
As a growing city, we must place increasing value on our existing parks and green spaces. New
land is not being set aside in the central city neighborhoods, but more people are housing are
being added. It’s critical that we enhance and maintain our existing green spaces for current and
future uses.
I appreciate that this is city-managed parkland in the heart of Austin.
It’s critical to the fabric of this city. It should remain as is!! It is a treasure to central austin and
deserve preservation!
I love playing golf and running around this beautiful public space. This should be kept as a public
space and not sold off to private interests.
I appreciate the green space and how it encourages people to be active outdoors. Please keep
this as a golf course or deem it a park. It is an incredible asset to the neighborhoods directly
surrounding the course, and it would materially change the neighborhood for the land to
become anything even remotely commercial.
I love that we have a piece of TEXAS history right in The heart of Austin. This is a wonderful place
that generations of UT Alums and neighbors have played and enjoyed. It should not be sold off
to a private entity. It is meant to be enjoyed by the public for generations now and in the future.
This green space is cherished and well-used by many residents and its continued presence will
become even more critical the central city continues to densify. The children's programs at
Hancock Rec Center, particularly the youth soccer and tiny tots programs, have been
indispensable to our family. Maintaining Hancock as a publicly accessible green space is crucial
to the ongoing livability of central Austin.
Undeveloped green space, free and open to public
The green space, golf course, and well-maintained trail are all huge assets to the surrounding
neighborhoods. Please keep this as a golf course or a park, since we do not have anything else
like it nearby!
What are your primary concerns about the current use of this space?
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Have all funding opportunities been explored? Water catchment & solar panels on buildings?
While short, current design is not great for beginners. 4th green is secure, 6th hole too tough, 7th
hole tee shot trees over – hanging, 9th hole hill too steep
I love the running trail
What happens with the 1899 layout
Golf course is not worth the greens fee compared to other City options
Not accessible to non – golfers
Building infill by the back door
Do not trust the City to protect our Green space
Why not raise fees $5/round to break even?
No range, slow greens, funky tee boxes
That we spend the Capex to try and increase revenue but the development programs still fall
short. Operationally still losing money
That it is not appreciated for what a special golf course it is.
That it may one day be developed as the other 9 holes
One audience use as a golf course versus multi – use to serve many.
I would like this space to be a park for everyone.
Interested in true consideration of the passive park option. This is something neighbors are
interested in at least exploring. Please don’t dismiss this idea out – of – hand.
I support golf at Hancock in either the current or proposed version
My son attends after school & camps here along with hundreds of other youth who cannot go
beyond the immediate 50 feet from the building because of the golf course designation & no
golfers in sight use the space.
Current 9th hole is awful and unsafe.
Adding night time use of golf facilities could require extensive lighting that would ruin nature
and neighborhoods.
Underutilized now.
Should not be thought of as a profit center should be utilized as a public service cost similar to
parks
How can more public input be had for a passive park
I would like to see the use of the space change so that it is not so heavily focused on golfing.
Golf may not be the best use for this space as Austin continues to densify. A wider swath of the
community would likely benefit by converting at least some of Hancock to public parkland.
Golf is an elitist sport enjoyed by few. I wish it could be open to the entire city as a park.
o This is not help. You could just as easily say that DOG OWNERS are polluters of our
natural resources because their animals create toxic waste in public areas.
It would be great if it could stay green forever and be able to be used by more Austin residents.
Loss of green space would be a terrible detriment to the neighborhood and city.
Considering the population size of Austin, unsure if a large percentage of residents benefit from
the use of the space.
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Risk of the city selling the property or trying to monetize it. This is precious public space that
should be held and used in the public trust forever.
It would be nice if the area could be used more by non-golfers for walking, picnicking, etc. The
worst thing that could happen would be for it to be developed into housing or commercial use.
No concerns. It's a beautiful space and should be kept by the City.
Elitist as a golf course. Not welcoming to just sit under a tree.
o You're opinions about the demographics of the golfers who play there is not
constructive. The course is cheap to play & you see college students, dads with their
kids, couples, retirees ... on a daily basis.
That the actual green space is primarily only usable for those who are golfing
as a non golfer, wish i had more access, BUT love that it is a non-corporate public space
Nothing really
It would be nice for the stone steps along the south border of the park on the walking trail to be
repaired. Parts of the trail are uneven due to rains creating small culverts in the path. More
trees and shade would be appreciated during summer, especially along the east/west borders of
the park.
Leave it as it is. It is a gem and there is nothing else like it in the area.
The trail needs to be better developed and maintained.
Golfers currently fight our way through pedestrians that believe that it is an open park rather
than a paid facility. There have been more times than not that I have to wait for someone with a
dog off leash running around, kids playing frizbee or people picnicking in the middle of the
fairway. I am concerned that people in the area want a passive park that their taxes don't pay
for, rather than a golf course that I pay for with my green fees. I don't like my rounds being
devalued by their entitlement. We need a fence to keep them out.
None. It is perfect. Keep it the way it is.
The space is limited to a very small population of users. Hundreds of kids descend upon Hancock
Recreation Center daily to only have access to the immediate 50 feet surrounding the building
due to the golf designation.
I think that the use is appropriate, but as mentioned above, there might be more opportunities
for sharing with non-golf activities. It is important to remember that a pure park model might do
more for the residents in the immediate area, but the golf model supports the entire city. I have
played at least 100 rounds at Hancock, and the customer base is definitely not just from the
neighborhood.
I have no current concerns other than the fact that the future use for the public and those in the
neighborhood could be limited if this becomes managed by a private entity.
I have lived in this area for more than 30 years. The space is currently used for a variety of
purposes that support the local community and I don't have any concerns about the current use
of the space, as it is. It's a piece of Austin's history, that should be appreciated and preserved for
future generations to come.
Nothing!
None
The space is wonderful as it is. Destroying one more piece of green space in Austin so a few
developers could make large amounts of money would be shameful.
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Nothing! Please don't take away our green space!
Needs to focus on junior golf. Austin has no place where kids can play.
It’s awesome!!!!
That it might be cease to exist
It's the only centrally located green space dedicated to golf that remains accessible to residents
regardless of their socioeconomic status.
It's draining parks budget for other locations and amenities for very little actual golf.
I would like to city to do more research/effort into making it sustainable as is - remain a 9 hole
course !!!! other courses have driving range, practice areas, teaching facilities etc - the history
and beauty of hancock is unique !
I have no concerns with how it is currently being used. My children go to golf camp and then to
the other summer camps in the rec center. They have sat on Santa's lap there and asked for
presents. Please don't change it at all.
The city is subsidizing rich people by using it as a golf course. It should be converted to
something everyone in the city can enjoy.
Losing the green space in proximity to Hyde Park and other neighborhoods.
Course conditions aren’t the best, but would support modernizing into a state of the art golf
learning center, but still keep the green trails and park features that the community loves
The course is short and the practice options are quite limited, which limits the use. It is
effectively an executive course. Even for putting, the green is notably slanted and there is not
much room for chipping. The concrete parts of the creek are particularly unappealing
aesthetically. These and other factors limit the potential traffic and, more to the point, the fees.
Diversifying practice options and enhancement of those options would be good for players of all
abilities and from all over Austin.
I like it’s current use except for all the red ink it generates
Keep it as is but promote the fine condition of the course!!
Golfers who don't want to play at Hancock are overly picky. It's a fine course for all abilities. Golf
as a sport is in decline and Hancock can be a great place to introduce more people to playing.
The golf course is a bit too short by modern standards and lacks a practice facility.
Providing physical separation from golf & the public - nets, etc.
Poorly maintained.
I would love to see some of the green space used as a dog park. The current one in central
Austin frequently has what is basically a small pond in it (Hancock), which isn't great
People can learn how to play golf in the suburbs. I suspect very few people who live nearby use
this space for golf. There are many, many things this space can be used for other than golf,
which is not space efficient.
o This is not just a golf course it's a part of Austin, and golf, history. Do some research and
understand what you're really saying.
I like the fact that it's a historic golf course, and the uses of the beautiful building.
I don't have concerns about how it is used currently.
The mindset that because it has been a golf course in the past, that is what it will be in the
future. When you hire a company whose stated goal is to advance the sport of golf, don't be
surprised if they recommend more golf.
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Actually, they made three recommendations, the first one of which was converting the
space to a park. But PARD did not even consider this option.
No concerns. It's nearly perfect.
None
I'm OK with it as it is, or it could be turned into a public park for all to use.
What are your primary concerns about the future use of this space?
Development
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There’s limited open green space in this park of Austin. Don’t develop this space.
Land would get sold and developed
No development except for golfing and park services
Keep open space, get historic design for Golf course, keep “ “ “ historic, protect from
development
Eventual Development (I think it should stay green)
I am concerned that the city will allow this green space to be taken over by developers
It will be taken over by developers
I’m concerned that if the city sells the property it will no longer be available for community use.
Very worried it we’dill lose its historic overlay and then the city would sell it
I worry that developers want to get their hands on it and develop it into residential and
commercial space. It should be protected as irreplaceable Austin heritage and green space, part
of our city's "lungs"
Concern that it will no longer be a public space and we will lose a green area in a growing city.
It needs to remain available to the community; if the city sells it, that’s unlikely to happen.
Losing the green space in proximity to Hyde Park and other neighborhoods.
It would be a shame for it to be anything other than what it is....Dismantling it will lead to the
development of this green space, since it would protected in the Historical Register.
I am concerned that developers will ruin the easy affordability of using this space. It is public
space and must remain so. It is not for some corporation to monazite. We have more than
enough of that in Austin. If people want to go spend money on products, drinks, snacks, and
experiences there are more than enough places to go do that but too few free and affordable
pleasing places that promote health and community, The value just can't be calculated.
I just don't want to see it developed, like the back nine that became Hancock Shopping Center.
That being said, perhaps allowing the course to be used for other purposes for one day a week
should be considered.
I am concerned that our city leaders are more concerned with dollars related to development
and tax revenue. We need our city leaders to place a high value on our urban green spaces.
I oppose anything that might lead to rezoning the land for commercial use
Primarily that it not be developed. Preserve the trees and the greenery. A close second is that it
maintain a golf function and also offer some general open public space. It would be great to see
a comprehensive practice options here.
Do NOT allow this beautiful space to be turned into yet another development!
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It will become developed as a building, paved over.
that we will lose the green space and it will be developed. Legit I love density and want there to
be more housing in central Austin, but I really want to keep some park space
Primary concern is that the city will not designate/dedicate Hancock Golf Course to remain as
open space/parkland in perpetuity (and better yet, keep it as an affordable PUBLIC golf
course...note I am not a golfer, but appreciate affordable options for others to play sports and
access to healthy exercise). With city leadership voting to densify our neighborhoods through
the new Land Development Code, we will need open space more than ever to accommodate the
increase in residential population.
Concerned that the city will sell the property and turn it into retail space and condos. It should
stay a golf course and leave a bit of green space for all to enjoy.
Greenspace
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Support passive park green space
I have lived for 6.5 years and accepted that it is a course and that the way I can use this space is
by walking the perimeter. But when invited to think about the future I would love it to be a park
open to all neighbors and be able to use more that the perimeter trail, as we think about
climate change and reducing our reliance on vehicles, having true parks within walking distance
becomes even more important. I think this space could better serve that goal as what was
today called a “passive park”.
I prefer either part golf/ part passive park, or all passive park
Who actually cares about golf? Public Park
Maintain trees and nature. The birds love it here!
It is important to keep this Vista (green space in perpetuity! Especially as Austin Grows)
Keep it as natural as possible – being close to nature makes humans better
I am concerned about the way this presentation assumed – the presenter even said – no one
here wants the space to be a passive park. I realize some attendees had strong feelings about
keeping golf, but the show of hands revealed many attendees do want the passive park option
to be considered.
Park option should be explored not rejected out – of – hand
I am concerned that it will remain a golf course that a majority of the people who live near it do
not use. This will keep access limited. I do not want the golf course. It should be a park.
Doesn't need to be commercialized. Maybe it should just be a park.
How the city continues to balance green space with the growth of residential needs.
That unlike the other half of the original course, it be preserved as green space to serve future
generations.
I'm concerned that Hancock will continue to be reserved (at city expense) for a handful of rich
white men. There are women and children (and maybe people of lesser means) that play golf,
but they're barely represented. Meanwhile, public play areas, sports fields, and general green
spaces that the public can enjoy are oversubscribed.
it would be great if a large portion of it was turned into an off leash park. Austin really needs
more of these, especially since the off leash part Pease park will not be fixed for some time.
I’m concerned the green space will not be preserved.
Golf/Continuation of golf
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As a weekly golfer here I would like it to remain a 9 hole course – no driving range the course is
actually in great condition – no one know about it
Love the idea of a practice facility. I would buy a membership & be here 4 days a week
I would prefer a fun par 30-31 course over a par 3 course w/range. Make a nice short game area
for practice.
Usage for golf provides a service for the whole city. Conversion ton an open park benefits only
the immediate area.
Fencing off the golf space for safety concerns would effectively cut it off from the neighborhood,
not desirable.
Adding netting on Red River St will degrade the beauty of the Hancock Golf Course
No netting on course
Avoid barriers and netting
No extreme night time lighting
No lights on a driving range if that occurs.
That a vocal minority, with an agenda that includes stereotyping the sport of golf with
unfavorable types of people, will create the impression that the use of this space for golf is
offensive. What's offensive is the idea that Austin's willing to wipe away the history of this space
& a world-famous golf personality named Harvey Penick.
As a golfer, I would like to see some changes to address the poor course conditions during the
hotter months. I am sure this has a negative effect on revenue. As a neighbor, I am concerned
that losing the historic designation of the golf course could make non-recreation development
more likely in the future.
Turn it in to a short course with a driving range would be the best option where more people
can use it.
It will still be wasted as a golf course.
Worried that golf would be lost here
Redevelopment of the space. It is a huge asset to the community and greater Austin at large
That the city will be tempted to remove the green space and use it to build housing. While we
need housing we should reserve some green space. Plus we should preserve some of the history
of this space.
As long as I have a way to walk nine holes, whether they are par 3 or the way they are now, I will
be content. I think that having a learning facility with programs to grow the game is wonderful,
and I will use it as such. However, I am concerned that any concessionaire will fight the same
pedestrian problem the course currently faces without a fence. People in the neighborhood
think that the course is their own back yards, letting their dogs run around off leash without
paying a bit of attention to how destructive they are being or how disruptive their picnics in the
fairways are being. Who ever gets the contract on this place needs to build a fence around the
perimeter, or have a fenced in area that is designated for their use only; along with the rights to
be more forceful with getting pedestrians out of the golf facility than the current city employees
do. Neighbors just yell loud and no one can really do anything about it.
this course remains an accessible golf course to local citizens of Austin. Lots of other nearby and
intricate and better park systems. Would be sad to loose the only golf in the central area
Public-Private partnership/RFP
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Private entity should not make $ off of us. This should stay accessible.
What restrictions would the City /Vendor place on access to the community center?
Consider Non-profit running course.
No privatization
Not turning it over to for–profit use as its primary purpose
Why is a public good only viable when a business can make profit here?
Will the RFP include plans for water when the course floods during rain?
Going with a for profit company will make the space even more costly and exclusive against the
goals & purpose of the neighborhoods & Parks dept.
Privatization is taking over every aspect of our lives as the wealth is sucked ever upward
No Privatization!
Why will a private company be able to turn a profit on this course when the city can't? If all it
takes is a $700K-$900K investment to make it profitable in the future, as we've been told, the
city should make that investment and keep all of Hancock in the public domain.
I don't want access to the park to be restricted by a private company contracted to run the
space.
Trying to turn it into a profit maker without regards to what the neighborhood wants solely to
make a profit is my primary concern. The enterprise fund does not apply to this area. This is not
a pure golf course and should not be evaluated as such. This in NOT ans Enterprise. This is a
combination golf course and neighborhood park facility. There is no other place in Austin like
this. The consultant evaluation was not done appropriately. The operation was not properly
compared to other nine hole courses serving small townships like Lockhart, Elgin, Flatonia,
Schulenburg, to name a few. The towns are the same size as the neighborhood and all have
successful models to run their courses. DO A BETTER JOB, CITY OF AUSTIN. YOUR JOB IS TO
SERVE THE PEOPLE AS THEY DESIRE, NOT AS YOU WOULD LIKE TO!
Any attempt to commercialize this space will likely destroy the beauty and accessibility to it for
current and future generations. Why is the focus on monetizing this space rather than
preserving a rare and beautiful green space for the common good? I fear that our city leadership
has lost perspective that their predecessors had to create and preserve the green spaces in this
city that made Austin a desirable place to live. With the proposed zoning changes becoming a
reality and disproportionally impacting this part of the city, we need this space to remain
publicly supported parkland more than ever.
The city is prioritizing private interests over public needs. Austin residents are tired of their city
choosing short-term money-making opportunities over long-term public welfare or city planning
initiatives. Green space is important not only for the aesthetics of an urban space, but also for
the health/happiness of the community surrounding it.
I don't want to see this irreplaceable public asset turned over to private entities for profit.
I have general concerns about the privatization of public park space in central Austin no matter
how well intentioned. There are still to many unanswered questions about continuing use of the
recreation center protection of the historic clubhouse and continuing public access to the
property
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We've been told that the rec center and kids programs will be maintained, but what happens
when the private entity comes back to the city and says, "Well, we just can't make the numbers
work without turning the soccer field into a parking lot." Or, "We need to take over more of the
rec center for our pro shop, restaurant, whatever."
Turning Hancock over to a private for-profit entity raises a number of questions and concerns.
Privatizing a public park space seems to definitely be in the best interest of the Parks and Rec
budget, but not in the best interests of the community. I am concerned about the lack of
communication and transparency surrounding the decision making process and time line. I am
deeply concerned that options other than privatizing the golf course have not been EQUAL
consideration. I am concerned that privatizing the golf course means removing its protected
park land designation leaving the land open to future development.
The idea that public space is a business proposition tells me we've given up all pretense at civics
and allowed the profit motive to drive every decision. The course has introduced reclaimed
water, lessened the dept, and could actually cover costs with a careful rethinking of price for
golfers but instead, we hear a private enterprise wants to come in, revamp it into a smaller
course, erect fences for a driving range, increase parking, and make money. And if they
cannot...do we just sell it all off for development? The management of the Hancock have not
made a good faith effort to have the place cover its costs. We don't need new missions or new
companies, we just need better management doing the job they are supposed to do.
If the city puts a concession business in charge of Hancock it will ruin it
Public access to space
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Accessible, Open/Green space, Forever!
I would love to see more park space accessible to more people
A meaningful portion of the Green/Shady space should be accessible to non – golfers
Needs to stay open for non-golfers and maintain green space for walkers
Restricted access to public green space
We need greenspace for children, family & everybody in perpetuity – it is a public health
concern – do not remove green space access
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a private entity?
Rec Center, programming and other recreational opportunities
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Needs to keep the community centered programming especially children’s programs! Tiny tots
school, sports for kids, etc.
where will parking be if a facility format takes place
Parking for golfers would spill into neighborhoods
What happens to the existing historic clubhouse?
What becomes of current use of clubhouse as community center?
My primary concern is the potential loss of the community center with plenty of parking and the
much-needed green space.
We don’t need more traffic in our Hyde park neighborhood, we can barely drive down our
streets now due to cars parking on both sides,
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Based on the public meeting, I am really concerned about the future of very important
community programs like Tiny Tots (which is an amazing program), sports activities for kids, all
the other programs that are offered for the community. These programs are extremely valuable
to the community. Concerned that a private operator will close them down or restrict them
heavily. Concerned about the long-term future of it and the potential slippery slope of
redevelopment.
The rec center should be kept open and expanded if possible.
A driving range is one of the potential uses. What will be the restrictions on night time lighting?
Mixed use space/flexibility
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Include in 6 acres lawn that is flexible (including occasional croquet)
Learning academy should include amenities for non – golfers (food, drinks)
I am in favor of maintaining golf at Hancock in some form. I believe that the community could
also be better served by careful use of some of the space for non – golf purposes (dog park,
walking trail, etc.)
Must be multi – use and accessible to all while honoring the history of the space
Keep green space in perpetuity, keep public access + all kids + community programs
Golf should be kept as the primary use for the site, but a small, well maintained dog park and
picnic area should be added to encourage more public use
Echoing the sentiment that the space needs to accommodate non-golf activities.
The future use of this space needs to accommodate non-golf activities.
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Will the footprint of the space be changed in any way?
Do not change the Course
We do not trust the City! Don’t mess this space up!
That it will change
Process seems pre – determined by certain interests
Don’t trust the City to leave our green space alone
That is will cease to be the special golf course that it is.
KEEP IT AS A GOLF COURSE AND A CHILDRENS REC CENTER!!
No development, no private hands. Keep the rec center as is for us middle class residents in the
area who send our children to their programs.
That it changes. Please keep it as is!
That it changes. It is peaceful.
That it remain as is!
Anything different than what it is now will be a travesty and miscarriage of stupidity.
There are a lot of parks in the area. Don’t turn it into another park.
a practice facility with driving range would require unsightly netting, the peaceful park like
nature of the space would disappear
I would like to see this space continue to be under the Austin Parks & Rec' Program. This is a
treasure for our community and local neighborhoods worth preserving.
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This is a well used and enjoyed space by many both in the neighborhood and surrounding areas.
It would be a travesty to have it lost to anything other than what it has been for the past 120
years.
Please don’t take any more of our green spaces, you have ruined our once beautiful city enough.
We will voice our wishes at the ballot box if you don’t start listening to us.
that it will cease to be the Historic Hancock Golf Course
In what ways can PARD honor the history of golf in this space?
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Make sure it always stays a greenspace
Enhance golf education component
Remove driving range for proposal
To protect this green space/golf course forever investigate historical status!!!!
We must preserve this greenspace
Make it a teaching facility
Make it a teaching facility to grow the next generation of golfers
Get and keep historic designation for the gold course
No dog park…keep golf, have golf for geezers, maintain green space
Invest with it, and honor it for what it is
Disc golf as an update
The history of golf is a history of people with nothing better to do. Not a priority
By not trying to make money off it
Keep it golf centric and family friendly
The golf is no longer competitive, have to leave the space for the common good and do a park.
Keep it and share it
Keep open, keep public, keep forever!
Keep it a section dedicated to putting or pitch –putt while opening up the majority of space to
non – golfers
Keep it a PARD Public Golf Course
Historically should stay a golf course in some capacity
Retain golf purpose & activity
Training and development mission has real potential for success
By taking what began as a private country club and opening it up to the entire city as a park
Keep a section of the park designated for pitch and putt use - this fills the void left by Butler and free up the rest of the park to parks and rec for repurposed green space use related to open
park space, dog park, fitness, team sports, or other more universally appealing activities.
A small plaque
If the space has enough demand to remain as a golf course, then keep it. But if the demand is
not there, you can honor the history by making it a park that everyone can enjoy, with walking
trails that still highlight the course. You can maintain a smaller putt and pitch course or driving
area.
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Why do we need to honor the history of this space as a golf course? We should be concerned
about preserving a green space available to all instead of dedicating it to an elitist sport.
Take better care of the course so it's more playable, and FIGHT to protect this community asset.
Our city is the fastest growing in the US, but City Hall wants to cry poor every time there's
money to be made from our public land. Say NO to public/private deals that give our assets to
private investors.
Keep it public
Keep it public and free of private enterprise
Keep a public golf course for the public - not the few who can afford massive fees to join and
play at other courses and clubs.
And maybe PARD should stop hiding behind the 'separate rules for golf courses than parks'
argument while acting helpless. Do your duty.
Preserve the historic clubhouse. Preserve golfing options including disc golf disc draw more
younger users from the university area
Continue to make it a place where all of Austin cam congregate for activities.
By not allowing a private entity to take it over and modify its usage. Keep the park under city
control and continue to make it a space for all Austin residents to enjoy, not just those with the
money/privilege to play golf.
Recognize the loss of the other half of the land by telling that story.
It serves as it's own statement if it is maintained as is and we continue to enjoy it as a
community.
By ensuring that it stays a golf facility in some way, and respecting the golfers enough to stand
up to people abusing the course. Allowing dog walkers and other pedestrians to use the facility
is disrespectful of those of us who pay to use it, as well as being disrespectful to the history of
the course. Current city staff is overwhelmed by the sheer volume of those people, and have
indicated it is a lost cause to fight them all off because the local regular abusers are hostile. City
staff has given up on defending it, don't let a contractor do the same.
By keeping it a golf course, but perhaps expanding the use for neighbors as a green space that
can be used at certain times.
Keep a few driving ranges where golfers can practice different strokes while sharing the other
areas of this treasured green space with joggers, dog owners, recreation, lesire, Hancock RC
program activities, etc.
By keeping it as a golf course.
Continue to maintain it as is. Add more activities to celebrate its history and to bring more
people to use the facilities.
Preserving this as an open and public green space, Ideally as it currently is.
Keep it as is.
Keeping it as is.
Keep the green space just as it is.
Don't sell it to the highest bidder. Let it remain as it has been. Figure it out.
Value the space —to remain as is!
By keeping it as is!!
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Creating an art installation that either tells the story through the art and/or includes a plaque
detailing the story of the park.
Keep it as is. Public spaces should be paid for with our tax dollars, not be expected to be
revenue generators.
The golf course and it's history should be promoted better in order to generate more revenue.
The new hotel popping up across the street will surely also help in making money to support the
Golf Course as is.
By retaining it as is. It is one of the few affordable yet challenging places for ordinary people to
play some golf. The game is otherwise out of the reach of most people but the price here puts
the course within the reach of most. Half of this historical course has already been given up, let's
draw the line there.
Keep it as is! Keep it green.
keep it just like it is !
Keep it as public space, green and open to all.
Keep it the way it is!
By keeping it the exact way it is.
Keep it the way it is, open to the public, dual use hike and bike
Carve out a small miniature golf course.
Maintain at least some of the space for a golf use and for children's clubs. At a minimum, it
should be used in a similar way as Butler Park is used on Riverside.
Please keep the history of Hancock golf course in some way. Memorial/museum in some way, or
keep two holes of the course intact
Maintaining an attractive space that offers diverse opportunities to practice and play golf for all
levels. Perhaps also add a modest display about the history of ACC and the course at Hancock.
Keep the clubhouse.
Keep it as a 9 hole golf course but publicize it more
Make the space better suited to all golfers. A high-quality practice facility would benefit both
avid golfers and those learning, and a pitch and putt course would benefit casual golfers and
provide an on-ramp to those trying out the game for the first time
Keep it alive as a historic golf location in the heart of Ausitn
most importantly, keep it golf. With private management maybe the game can be expanded to
more people in the area! Very few sports allow this sort of interaction with nature and can be
playing all life long
Keep it!
Not sure.
By keeping it a golf course
Maybe keep a driving range and putting green. Maybe keep frisbee golf.
Keep it as a public space for all to enjoy.
Preserve the clubhouse. Fix/expand the parking lot.Hire a golf historian as a community service
to research, compile documents and pictures to tell the story of how the place was formed, how
it was developed, the acquisition why the city wanted it and then why the city and the council
want to walk away from its original mission. THIS PLACE WAS NOT MEANT TO BE AN
ENTERPRISE. IT WAS MEANT TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
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I don't know, but I like the idea of doing something to honor the golf course's history; maybe by
keeping it open?
Additional Comments: Please post any comments you may have that can help improve the
program
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Get U.T. to Partner Money ($) allow students to play, say ½ m$ year
I would prefer to convert to passive park
I like the passive park option far better than the golf concession concept.
Parks shouldn’t have to be profitable.
Look to conservancy model for funds.
What about supplementing with HOT funds?
Concerned that this is a done deal!
Have you considered Public – Private Partnership model?
Share the beautiful green space with non – golfers
As a Regular Golfer here I do like the aspect of getting more green use out of it. Perhaps
redesign a few tee Boxes to increase park space
The process seems predetermined
Would hate to lose the course (except for #6)
Prefer request for information instead to request for proposal
Consider different fee structure to lower debt & costs
No private contracts
It’s beautiful trails nature funky
I like the dedication of part of the space to community park use, but it should be more – at least
half and half.
If we are taking a “headcount” I would like to express my interest in keeping it a golf course as
green space.
What is overall revenue of Golf Enterprise Fund & why can’t this be evened out? If you have
some moneymakers like Greystone, why can’t that offset courses like Hancock that provide a
clear community benefit?
Neighborhood donations to pay for current golf course
I feel like there are many other options to tap into before such a drastic step. Why is it suddenly
so urgent given it has been non – profitable to so long 120-160k is not anywhere near
insurmountable that could be made up through at least looking at other options such as local
fundraisers tapping into community organizations for fundraising/funding. Increasing green
fees, etc. Seems like it would be in the best interest of the city community to try these relatively
simple and accessible options to overcome such a relatively small revenue deficit.
Neighborhood donations to pay for current golf course.
Outside the box idea: Many Canadian golf clubs fund operations by adding a curling facility.
Austin’s Curling Club is largest in TX & looking for new home. Such a facility would support food
operations, staff, Pro Shop. Plus it could add additional meeting space for community & kids
programs. There are grants or subsidies for building curling facilities. Also it would attract
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competitors around the country, major amateur competitions & potential tourism. This overall
could subsidize all golf programs & keep things affordable.
Also – if the 2wk Jr Golf Program is so successful and sold out why can’t that be extended or run
in 2 sessions to generate additional revenue?
Is the City of Austin Changing Land from Dedicated Parkland?
If it costs 200k to maintain as park – how much does it cost as a Golf Course what is Budget
Expenditure now?
Do a fund raiser to get the $ for improvements.
Do RFQ RFI!
Save Hancock Golf Course
Do all parks have to “cover their costs”? Of course not
Interested in consideration of a passive park option that more neighbors can use without getting
in their cars to drive to a park.
We can raise the money to support Hancock Golf Course as it stands, food trucks, music
concerts, etc. etc.
A Park!
For me personally, the idea presented would be wonderful.
Why not hire professional management to run Hancock, increase programs
Doesn’t seem the city has tried very hard to raise funds, and concur this doesn’t need to be
profitable.
I have two golf balls in my yard now. One in front on Beaker. I detest golf & have always wished
this lovely spot were a park we could walk safely thru.
Hancock Golf Course and Community Center is The Heart of Central Austin.
Pools, basketball, tennis, etc. are not expected to be profitable. Parks are not a profit center &
shouldn’t be.
Get a donation to fix & maintain.
I would prefer a Park
Proposed concept greatly lessens golf course range & surely adds fence to driving range!
Can we add a small dog park?
The course is in good shape (good job George) considering the situation not Augusta but
good…does not need 700 – 900k upgrades
Include revenue from golf camps in Hancock system. Increase fees & more money
It would be nice to have concessions onsite for the community to enjoy.
Make the land multi – use
*Friends of Hancock Fundraising to offset costs & maintain course as – is.
I don’t support the idea that HGC should be required to breakeven the loss is small and it serves
to support the other courses through new golfer development and keeping off Muni
HGC is a valuable piece of the City Golf portfolio, serving a unique slice of the population
Audubon Park in NO, La closes the course before sunset and it becomes more of a general park,
new commenter – I love this park
Increase Green fees $5. Increase Membership Golf ATX $100
Golfers don’t know how great this is – fairways & greens are in better shape than Lions
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Course can accommodate non – golfers by closing course early on evenings or certain days. St
Andrews is a public park on Sundays w/no golf.
Players from all over need a good practice area and would make the trip for a good facility,
especially centrally located.
Why not have some leased food truck space to increase traffic and raise $
Need to communicate & include Wilshire woods neighborhood. It’s within walking distance
I would personally like a park
Analyze income and funding for successful 9 hole courses in Austin Centex region.
Once again a broken process…should be RFI before RFP
I would like to consider options 1. Park 2. City Before moving ahead with 3rd party
Would like to add trails within the golf course. Maybe solar lighting for evening usage.
I suspect the hotel developers would be willing to offset maintenance costs in order to maintain
the space. Would be great if the city could strike a long term O&M fee deal with them as their
property and revenues will benefit from this public amenity.
The people trying to change Hancock are buffoons.
Thanks for this survey
Stop this insanity
KEEP HANCOCK