State Parks Getaways - February 2017

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State Parks Getaways
Centennial Plan

Centennial Plan for a Brighter Future

Can you believe our Texas State Parks system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2023? To get our parks in tip-top shape, a blueprint for maintaining and modernizing them has been put into place, the Texas State Parks Centennial Plan. It is built on the foundation created by the Texas Legislature in 2015, when they dedicated 94% of state sporting goods sales tax revenue to parks. 

Nearly 2/3 of all state parks will receive upgrades in the coming years, with a focus on sprucing up facilities and infrastructure. The plan also calls for developing 5 new state parks at sites where land has been acquired but planning and construction still need to take place.

Your parks system continues to reflect the extraordinary history and natural diversity of our state. It is also prepared to serve the needs of our diverse, urban and growing population of park visitors when our 100th anniversary arrives. We hope to see you at a state park then – and now.


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Love-ly February Activities

paddlers with ducks

Who needs a table for 2 when there are kayaks for 2 waiting for you? There are plenty of parks where you can try the popular sport of paddling. Some even have mapped Texas Paddling Trails. We have a list of parks that rent canoes, kayaks or other watercraft to make things easy - just pick one up and start paddling.

 
couple with fish

Studies show that fishing improves relationships. Fish up a little romance at a state park, where you can fish for free. Many have tackle they’ll let you borrow, and we're still stocking rainbow trout. What are you waiting for? Bring a friend or bring a date, but be sure you bring some bait!

 
Sauer-Beckmann farm wagon

Do you find the idea of time travel romantic? Then visit one of Texas’ many well-maintained historic sites. They include the 1st brewery in Texas, working turn-of-the-century farms, frontier forts, Spanish missions, a battleship and more. Many sites are over 100 years old, and all are uniquely Texan. Here’s a list of 10 favorites.

 
 
 
 

Let Nature Inspire You

2nd place winning art - child looking up

It's all over but the oohs and aahs - the winners of the Youth Art Contest outdid themselves, and now we get to enjoy their work. We've gathered together all of this year's entries for your viewing pleasure and made a PDF calendar of the winners you can download to enjoy all year long. 

photographer in flowers

Creating art can relieve stress and give you a sense of accomplishment. We host arts events like watercolor painting, writing haiku and journaling. Or get out on your own with your phone/camera, sketchpad or guitar and capture a moment. Inspiration is just a state park away. 


Get the NEW state parks app
Banff Film Fest, benefiting Texas state parks

Insider Tip:

The best time to fish for trout in a state park is right after it's been stocked.


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