Parks are going to get even better, thanks to a historic funding breakthrough. This spring the Texas Legislature passed, and Gov. Greg Abbott signed, House Bill 158, sponsored by Rep. Lyle Larson and Sen. Craig Estes. The landmark law specifies that 94 percent of the state sporting goods sales tax may only be used to support state and local parks (the other 6 percent goes to the Texas Historical Commission).This dependable and steadily-growing funding source bodes well for the future of parks in Texas.

In keeping with the new law, this year the Texas Legislature stepped up to approve an unprecedented level of funding for parks. For the two-year, 2016-2017 biennium, legislators appropriated $179.2 million from the sporting goods sales tax for state parks/construction and $32.8 million for grants to create or enhance city and county parks across Texas.

One thing this means is state park visitors can expect to see cleaner, safer, and better maintained facilities. For 2016, most of the money will go for sorely needed capital repairs and improvements, addressing a backlog of deteriorating facilities, water and wastewater projects, restroom replacements, visitor center upgrades, and electric utility system overhauls. 

The legislature helped in other ways too. For example, specific riders direct funding to plan and develop Palo Pinto Mountains State Park southwest of Fort Worth, and to plan and construct a new visitor center at Franklin Mountains State Park in El Paso, among other things. 

A broad base of statewide support made this happen, including elected state leaders, Texas Parks and Wildlife Commissioners, nonprofit groups, industry professionals, local volunteer and friends groups and corporate partners. The coalition worked for many years through multiple legislative sessions to advocate for this breakthrough achievement.

It’s a great time to visit Texas State Parks! While a few parks are still recovering from flood damage or undergoing planned park facility updates, most parks are flourishing after spring and summer rains that benefited flora and fauna. Boating and swimming opportunities are more robust than they have been after years of unrelenting drought conditions.

A few parks are still experiencing closures or partial closures, so check the status your park destination on the Park Alert Status map before you go.

Here are 3 ways to get outside and beat the Texas heat!

1. Stargazing: Look up at night. Many state parks offer stargazing events and the summer and fall meteor action will bring special opportunities to stargaze. The next meteor shower is the Perseids on the night of August 12.
2. Caving: A few state parks give you the chance to go underground and enjoy nature’s version of “indoors."
3. Swimming: Jump into some cool, clear Texas water. Try lake/river/creek swimming, ocean swimming, or swimming pool options. Be safe out there - read these swimming safety tips before you head out.

Envision  the possibilities.

Dreaming of cooler weather and fall foliage? Now is a good time to start planning your fall trips to State Parks.

However, during the summer, the Call Center experiences higher than normal call volume, often resulting in long hold times. So making camping reservations online is the best way to go. However, some facility reservations, like cabins and group lodging, have to be made through the Call Center.

Try these tips to get the reservations you want:

• When making telephone reservations, try calling mid-week and earlier in the morning when call volume is typically lower. The Customer Service Center (512/389-8900) is open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (closed major holidays).
• For your convenience, reservations for shelters or campsites can be made online up to 333 days in advance.
  

What type of park visitor are you: adventurer, comfort traveler, detailed planner? The 2015-2016 State Park Guide is your passport to personalized outdoor adventures in Texas State Parks and State Natural Areas. Learn what’s new, find parks close to you, and study details of all amenities.

Here are 5 ways to make the most of this resource:

• In person: Pick one up on your next visit to a Texas State Park
• See the digital version online
• Download and peruse the PDF
• By mail: Have it sent directly to you at no cost when you take the pledge to “Take Care of Texas”

Checkout all the possibilities for a summer experience on the State Parks Events Calendar. Here's a fanciful sampler:

• July 25 - Night Sounds at Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway west of Fort Worth. Listen to the sounds of a Texas night. Actual and recorded sounds of the insects, birds, frogs and mammals will be heard and identified with slides of the animals. Bring a lawn chair.
• July 25 - Cowboy Songs at Copper Breaks State Park northwest of Wichita Falls. Singer and horse whisperer Larry Hannon will join park ranger David Turner to sing traditional cowboy songs and tell traditional Native American stories.
• July 22 and July 28 - Night Sky Party at Inks Lake State Park between Llano and Burnet. Use the park's telescope and laser pointers to see extraordinary things when the sun goes down. Bring your blankets and something to sit on. If you have binoculars or your own optics you are welcome to bring them.
• July 25 and Aug 22 - Intro to Archery at Lockhart State Park east of San Marcos. Learn the basics of international style archery in a safe and fun 2-hour workshop!  All equipment is provided.  Preregistration is required.
  

While enjoying the breeze, you’ll see ghost crabs skittering to their holes in the sand, sea beans from half a world away, several species of shells washed up on shore, and a myriad of birds feeding in the surf and sand. Watch the dunes to catch a glimpse of spotted ground squirrels or kangaroo rats scampering around the colorful railroad vine. During the late spring and early summer keep an eye out for tracks left by nesting Kemp’s Ridley and green sea turtles.

See all the ways to enjoy this park in this video. 

With hiking shoes or barefoot, any way you choose to enjoy the park, your stress will wash away with the surf!

This moment in nature is brought to you by the EMMY-winning Texas Parks & Wildlife TV Show which airs on every Texas PBS station. Find your local stations and city government channels.

You can also find the program on:

• YouTube – see individual stories that interest you
• PBS – watch full 30 minute episodes on demand