History
Elm Fork Park was purchased by the City of Dallas in 1963. The course was designed by Donald Kleinschmidt and built by city staff in the late 60’s, opening for play in April 1969. The course was renamed in honor of L. B. Houston, former Director of Park and Recreation. Mr. Houston’s career as director spanned from the 1930’s to 1970’s.
In 1981, the golf course experienced summer long flooding caused by large water releases from lakes upstream on the Trinity River. To protect the facility from future flood periods, a perimeter berm was installed in 1982. In 1983, improvements were completed on the front nine to repair the flood damage. The front nine improvements included new tee areas, renovated fairways, the addition of sand traps and an automated irrigation system. In 1987, the driving range was constructed to provide a full service practice area for the public. The new driving range also presented the staff an opportunity to promote and teach the game. In 1989, an automatic de-watering system was installed on the south side of the golf course, adjacent to #3 fairway. The installation would further protect the golf course from long term flooding.
From 1985 through 2000, L. B. Houston Golf course recorded some of the highest attendance totals in the state. 1996 set a course attendance record of over 87,000 rounds. The explosion of new golf courses in the 80’s and 90’s began affecting the attendance at the turn of the century. Annual attendance totals have leveled off to the 50,000 round average.
The L. B. Houston Tennis Center is located adjacent to the golf course. In 1990, the tennis pro shop and four courts were added to the existing 12 tennis courts to create one of the busiest tennis centers in the metroplex. It is open 9 am – 10 pm daily and serves over 25,000 tennis patrons annually.