TPWF: We’re now offering improved amenities for visitors to state parks in South Texas

WESLACO, Texas – State parks in South Texas now have many more offerings for visitors, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation has announced.

Among the parks with new amenities are Estero Llano Grande and Falcon state parks, and Lake Casa Blanca International State Park. 

At Falcon State Park, there are new kayaks and spotting scopes. Archery equipment is now available at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park. And at Resaca de la Palma State Park, visitors can explore starry skies in a portable planetarium.

TPWF Executive Director Anne Brown said that in honor of the centennial anniversary of Texas State Parks in 2023, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation raised almost $2 million in private funds to enhance the visitor experience at every state park across Texas. 

Most of these projects are now in place for visitor use, Brown said, with several other projects still to come.

“Thanks to private donations from individuals, foundations and corporations across Texas, we have expanded the amenities of our parks while helping to conserve the wild places we all treasure,” Brown said. “Half of the projects have made our parks more accessible to all visitors, and we hope these improvements will be enjoyed by visitors for many years to come.”

Jessica Burke, accessibility manager for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, said the projects were identified by park staff across the state. Burke said many of the projects provide additional accessibility options for visitors with disabilities, including all-terrain wheelchairs, wheelchair-accessible kayak launches, viewing scopes with corrective lenses for color blindness, and even a braille trail in East Texas. 

“The fact that so many park superintendents picked accessibility-related projects demonstrates the need and our commitment to improving access in our parks,” said Burke said. 

“About one in four adults in Texas have a disability, and while we are working to ensure our park infrastructure meets ADA requirements, these extra donations provide more thoughtful amenities that enrich a visitor’s experience. We’re very grateful to all who donated to Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation’s Centennial Fundraising Campaign to make these projects possible.”

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