New State Park in Texas
A piece of rolling prairie land in Texas is slated to become a new state park. Texas Parks and Wildlife has purchased 1,720 acres in Hill Country, where it will build the future Bear Creek State Park, named for one of the land’s streams, the agency announced Monday. The property is less than a mile from Garner State Park, one of the state’s most popular parks.
The agency said Monday it purchased the Uvalde County property for $33.5 million using a one-time funding appropriation. “The rolling grasslands and unnamed creeks stretching across the landscape will one day provide visitors with a new place to explore the peaks and valleys that make up Uvalde County,” Texas Parks and Wildlife Executive Director David Yoskowitz said in a statement.
Features of the New Park
In addition to Bear Creek, the new park will provide access to Spring Creek and the Frio River, which stretches 200 miles across Texas. Several streams, canyons and ridges are spread across the land, which is dotted with large cypress and live oak trees. Bear Creek is home to the endangered golden-cheeked warbler, the agency said in a news release. Initial surveys have also shown a potential for rare and sensitive floral species in the ravines throughout the property.
Bear Creek State Park will feature several streams, canyons and ridges.
Sonja Sommerfeld
Development and Funding
The park — which does not have an opening date — will be developed as part of the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, a $1 billion endowment fund approved by voters in 2023 to create a dedicated funding stream for acquiring and developing state parks. Since January, Texas has added more than 6,800 acres of new parkland. Acquisitions include 3,000 acres to expand Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and a 671-acre ranch along the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park.
Background and Context
The purchases come two years after the closure of Fairfield Lake State Park, about 100 miles south of Dallas. The park closed after a private power company that leased the parkland to the state decided to sell. Shawn Todd, a private Dallas developer, purchased the land to build a luxury housing development. That closure sparked widespread anger from park lovers and conservation advocates and helped spur support for the state to expand parkland.
Texas lags other states in public parkland, according to a 2022 report by the nonprofit Environment Texas. The state ranks 37th in the nation for state park acreage per capita. Texas has 8 million more people than Florida, but 86,000 fewer acres of state parkland. When notified of available properties, the parks department evaluates the feasibility of a state park. Next, the agency develops a plan with public input to determine recreational opportunities for the property, which could take months to complete.
Conclusion
The new Bear Creek State Park is a significant addition to Texas’s park system, offering a unique opportunity for outdoor recreation and conservation. With its rolling grasslands, streams, and diverse wildlife, the park is sure to become a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. As Texas continues to grow and develop, it is essential to prioritize the preservation of natural spaces and the expansion of public parkland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the new Bear Creek State Park located?
A: The park is located in Hill Country, less than a mile from Garner State Park, one of the state’s most popular parks.
Q: How much did the state pay for the property?
A: The state paid $33.5 million for the 1,720-acre property using a one-time funding appropriation.
Q: What features will the new park have?
A: The park will feature several streams, canyons, and ridges, as well as access to Spring Creek and the Frio River. It will also be home to the endangered golden-cheeked warbler and potentially rare and sensitive floral species.
Q: When will the park open?
A: The park does not have an opening date yet, as it is still in the development stage.
