Once fully developed, this 4000 acre tract, rich in wildlife and botanical diversity, will join the more than 90 parks in the Texas system.
About 50 miles down the interstate from our home is the turn-off to the newest state park in Texas -- the Palo Pinto Mountains State Park. "Mountains" might be a slight stretch for these hills and canyons, but hey, this is Texas.
Texas Parks and Wildlife purchased the land with the intention of attracting visitors to camp, hike, stargaze, mountain bike, fish and ride horses.
Over the last 5 years, state park visitation has increased 10 percent. In 2013 alone there were more than 8 million visits to our parks. A recent impact study by Texas A&M showed that Texas parks generated more than $774 million in sales and supported about 5,871 jobs within the state in 1913. The state spent $74 million for state park operations, and $44 million was recovered by earned revenue. So the state's net investment was roughly $30 million which is the equivalent of about $1.13 for each Texas resident. Our parks help support our economy.
A recent poll found that 92 percent agree that parks are important to families needing an affordable recreational outlet; 84 percent view parks as essential to healthy, active lifestyles. Also 80 percent acknowledge the need to protect natural areas. The majority agree that we must do what we can to sustain a viable parks system. The poll showed that 70 percent of voters support a constitutional amendment to permanently guarantee that revenues generated from the sale of sporting goods will go to support state and local parks.
Ensuring proper, consistent funding for our parks is good for Texas and for Texans.
Quote: The best way to solve your own problems is to help someone solve his.
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