The Richardson City Plan Commission voted unanimously on Oct. 8 to recommend approval of Golf Ranch Richardson’s proposed special‑permit amendments. The plan calls for a major expansion of the driving range’s facilities, including 28 new covered hitting bays, a new paved parking lot, and additional buildings for food, beverage and administration.
Expansion details
Golf Ranch has operated the Richardson driving range since 2023, though the property has been a community fixture since 2008. The land is owned by The University of Texas at Dallas, and a large portion of the range’s staff and patrons are UTD students, according to Josh Burr, head of operations for Golf Ranch.
Currently the range offers 71 hitting bays – six inside a barn and 45 under an aluminum canopy equipped with advanced ball‑tracking technology, seating, TV monitors, outdoor fans and heaters. The proposed renovation will replace all existing uncovered bays with a new covered structure that houses 28 additional bays, each featuring the same advanced technology. Once completed, the total number of bays on the property will rise to 79, allowing golfers to practice comfortably even during rain or other inclement weather.
Parking and site improvements
City documents note that Golf Ranch has an “immediate need” for more parking due to rising customer demand. The existing site includes a paved lot with 114 spaces and a temporary gravel overflow lot. The renovation plan adds a new paved lot with 109 spaces. After the new lot is built, the gravel area will be converted into a landscaped space with soil, groundcover, shrubs, flowering perennials and trees.
Additional site work includes modifying the median on Renner Road to create a left‑turn lane and a median opening that improves access to the facility.
Food, beverage and administrative upgrades
The project also expands the range’s food and beverage operations. A shipping container currently used for service will be enlarged by 500 square feet, and a new 1,500‑square‑foot building will be constructed near the new covered bays. This building will feature a 5,000‑square‑foot outdoor patio for diners.
Near the existing covered bays, a 100‑square‑foot administrative building will be added, providing a dedicated check‑in counter and office space.
Community response
“It’s a great amenity for our city and especially UTD,” said Richardson City Council Chairman Bryan Marsh. “What Golf Ranch has done is really upgrade the experience and the facilities, and obviously that’s shown with the demand and popularity. I think these improvements are only going to make it better.”
Following the commission’s recommendation, the special‑permit amendments will be presented to the Richardson City Council for final approval.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Richardson — read the source article.
