New state parks are being planned across Texas for citizens to enjoy.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) announced on May 2 that a total of six new parks are scheduled to open over the next 12 to 15 years.
The organization previously announced the development of three of these new parks, Albert and Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area, Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, and Powderhorn State Park, all of which were made possible due to legislative changes.
“There is a need to provide more recreational opportunities for the growing population of Texas,” said Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks, in a press release. “Until the recent passage of Proposition 5, we haven’t had the funds to develop some of the properties we have in our inventory. So, it’s exciting that we can build new state parks for future generations of Texans to enjoy.”
Fairfield Lake State Park recently closed after 50 years of operation due to the site being purchased.
In addition to the three parks previously announced, the other three parks are the Dan A. Hughes Unit of the Devils River State Natural Area near Del Rio, the Chinati Mountains State Natural Area near Presidio, and the Davis Hill State Natural Area near Houston.
The Dan A. Hughes Unit is an 18,000-acre plot of land located 13 miles from Del Norte. Officials acquired the Del Norte Unit in 1988.
This land features a great deal of archeological and cultural significance, including Pecos rock art and items and relics preserved by the Devils River. This park is set to open in 2024.
Chinati Mountains State Natural Area is a 39,000-acre area formed by volcanic activity that occurred about 35 million years ago. Peaks and canyons showcase the area’s past, in addition to artifacts from Native Americans, including rock paintings and carvings.
This land was originally bought in 1978 and was used as a spiritual retreat and wildlife sanctuary before being donated to TPWD.
Finally, the Davis Hill State Natural Area is a 1,700-acre tract of land located east of downtown Houston. This land was acquired in 1983 and named after General James Davis, a Texas Revolutionary War hero who owned a plantation on the property.