Texas Pays $43M to Expand State Park

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Texas Hill County

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) recently announced their purchase of over 3,000 acres that will be used as an expansion of one of the state's most popular parks.

With the purchase of a 3,073-acre property adjacent to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in Llano County located in Hill County, this park will double its size.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area by Chase A. Fountain, Texas Parks & Wildlife via Flickr
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area by Chase A. Fountain, Texas Parks & Wildlife via Flickr
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TPWD purchased the property for $43 million. Funding for the purchase came from the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund and will prepare the area for public use. The Centennial Parks Conservation Fund is a $1 billion fund that was approved by voters in November 2023. One of the things this fund allows is to purchase and develop new state parks.

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Governor Greg Abbott said in a press release,

Texas is home to 88 state parks that showcase our great state’s natural beauty to Texans and visitors from all over the globe. The expansion of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area will allow tourists from across the state and around the world to enjoy even more of the majesty of Texas. Together, we will continue to ensure that what makes Texas unique and beautiful is preserved for generations.

 

When notified of available properties, TPWD reviews newly available properties to see if they would be feasible as a state park, natural area or historic site.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area by Chase A. Fountain, Texas Parks & Wildlife via Flickr
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area by Chase A. Fountain, Texas Parks & Wildlife via Flickr
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The property was previously private land that was used for hunting.

Soon the TPWD will ask the public for their input in what types of recreational activities they might like to see with this new expansion when it eventually opens to the public.

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