TEXAS (KXAN) — Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is expanding its parkland after state park leaders announced a 630-acre purchase of adjacent land.
The private property neighboring Enchanted Rock had originally been considered as the future home of a new subdivision. Instead, it will now be a site of added recreational opportunities, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) shared in a release.
Enchanted Rock is one of the state’s busiest park facilities, said Rodney Franklin, state parks director with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. That popularity echoes the need for expanded parkland and access, he noted.
“People need the opportunity to expand and use the trails and walk, so it’s critical for us to try to provide more outdoor space for the people of Texas, and we’re just glad we were able to expand the footprint of Enchanted Rock,” Franklin said.
Funding for the extra acreage came via a 2019 voter-approved sales tax allocation, where Franklin said all the existing sales tax from sporting goods went to state parks and Texas historic sites. A portion of that budgeted sales tax use goes toward land acquisition, including expanding existing parks “being encroached on” as well as those needing a bit more breathing room for added amenities and recreation.
With the property purchased closed on and finalized, Franklin said subject matter experts will head to the property to analyze existing buildings on it and determine if they’re safe for public access and use. Experts will also aid the state agency in assessing where to place trails and what critical habitats are on site and need specialty care while developing the expansion.
In TPWD’s release, officials added that expansion plan development process could take months to complete. Doug Cochran, superintendent of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, said in a statement this purchase is critical in ensuring the “protection of resources and recreational opportunities in the area,” adding it minimizes the prospect of development impacting parkgoers’ experiences or the natural environment.
As Texas continues to boom in population size, Franklin said leaders need to be proactive in chasing these opportunities when they arise — particularly with so much of the state privately owned and not publicly accessible.
“We’re very pleased to add this addition to Texas State Parks. Texas is 95% privately owned, which means we need more public land,” Franklin said. “We’re looking forward to adding many more critical pieces for the public to enjoy in the future.”