What it takes to build a new Texas state park
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Texas is undertaking a historic expansion of its state parks — but transforming ranchland into trails can take years.
Why it matters: The Lone Star state's vast land mass ranges from forests and swamps to canyons and deserts, but much of it (95%) is privately owned. Texas ranks 37th in the nation for state park acreage per capita, per Environment Texas, a research and policy center.
Catch up quick: Voters in 2023 approved a $1 billion fund dedicated to new state parks.
- The state uses the interest on the fund, or about $40 million per year, for land purchases and park development, J.J. Fleury, program director of planning and geospatial resources with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, tells Axios.
- The goal is for it to be a permanent source for new state parks.
The big picture: Two new parks (Bear Creek, Post Oak Ridge) and one expansion (Enchanted Rock) are in the works now under the fund approved in 2023. They are all in the Hill Country.
- At least six others across the state were underway before the new fund: Palo Pinto Mountains in North Texas, which opened this month; Davis Hill outside Houston; Powderhorn on the Gulf Coast; Chinati Mountains in West Texas; and Albert & Bessie Kronkosky and Honey Creek in the Hill Country.
State of play: When eyeing new land, TPWD is looking for properties that are within a day's trip away from major population centers. The state is also looking for significant resources for recreation, like rivers or areas with interesting history, or if there are endangered species living in areas that can be protected.
- That's partly why many new expansions and additions are in the Hill Country — a short drive from San Antonio and Austin with significant natural resources.
What they're saying: "Building a park is like building a small city from scratch," Fleury says. "There's a lot of investment and time and planning into the things folks don't see."
How it works: TPWD has to construct park roads and figure out how to bring in utilities like water, wastewater, electricity and internet.
- Creating a trail system is typically the largest investment. TPWD will locate an area with a lot of space, ideally anchored along a unique feature like a river or a great view — all while making sure the water won't encroach on the trail.
- The agency is often buying family ranches, which can come with houses or other buildings that have to be removed. Owners sometimes leave things behind — a piano, artwork — that make their way to an auction or state surplus.
The intrigue: One of the most interesting remnants from a prior owner that Fleury recalls is a heart-shaped hot tub in the ground at Goose Island State Park on the coast.
What we're watching: TPWD is expected to close soon on the 54,000-acre Silver Lake Ranch west of San Antonio, Fleury says.
What's next: While the parks take years to fully develop, TPWD now offers activities like guided hikes and public hunts within a year of purchasing the properties.
- That's already happening at Post Oak Ridge, Honey Creek and at the expanded area of Enchanted Rock.