Greg Abbott delivered remarks Friday at the newly founded Post Oak Ridge State Park in Lampasas, marking the park’s opening following voter approval of a constitutional amendment that allows the state to create and expand public parkland.
Abbott thanked Texas voters for approving the amendment, which authorized the creation of the Centennial Parks Fund, a dedicated fund used to acquire and improve state park properties.
“I want to thank the voters for passing the constitutional amendment that allowed not just the creation of this park, but allows us to be able to create parks like this for many years going forward,” Abbott said. “It’s important that every family in our state and every child in our state is going to have access to more parks like this. This is a great day for the future of Texas and for future generations.”
The governor was joined by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Executive Director David Yoskowitz, TPWD Commission Chairman Paul Foster, Senator Charles Perry, Representative Armando Walle, other state and local officials, and Texas sportsmen.
During his remarks, Abbott reflected on growing up in East Texas and his experiences as a Boy Scout exploring the outdoors. He said those early experiences helped shape his appreciation for conservation and stewardship, and he emphasized the importance of ensuring future generations have similar access to Texas’ natural spaces.
The Centennial Parks Fund was established in 2023 after Texas voters approved Proposition 14, a constitutional amendment authorizing the fund. The Texas Legislature appropriated $1 billion to the fund for the acquisition and improvement of state parks. Under state law, the money may be used only for park creation and improvements and may not be spent on park operations or maintenance .
Post Oak Ridge State Park is one of three properties acquired using money from the fund, according to state officials.
