Investing in parks conserves land and water resources, which protects Texas’ quality of life so future generations can enjoy our land, water, and natural beauty the way we do.
This November, Texans can vote on Prop. 14 to Grow Texas Parks
Vote YES on Proposition 14 to Grow Texas Parks.
This year Texas is celebrating the 100th anniversary of our system of state parks. To mark the centennial, Texans statewide will have the opportunity to vote on November 7 to support a Constitutional Amendment to create the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund. The $1 billion fund will help secure new parks for future generations of Texans to explore and enjoy without increasing taxes.
Earlier this year legislation to place the fund on the ballot passed both chambers of the Texas Legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support. In every poll on parks in the last two decades, Texans have signaled strong support for state parks. In fact, 77% of voters said they would support the constitutional amendment in a poll conducted this summer.
Texas State Parks attract nearly 10 million visitors annually, and the current supply of state parks can’t keep up with demand of our growing population. The fund will allow the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to buy land from willing sellers when unique properties that would make for beautiful state parks become available. Investing in parks conserves land and water resources, which protects Texas’ quality of life so future generations can enjoy our land, water, and natural beauty the way we do. Vote YES on Proposition 14 to Grow Texas Parks.
A healthy wildlife habitat and open spaces are critical to our quality of life.
The constitutional amendment would help protect the places we love to hike, bike, fish, picnic, view wildlife, and spend time with family.
- Less than 5% of Texas is publicly owned and available for public use and enjoyment.
- Texas is currently ranked 35th in the nation for state park acreage per capita.
- State parks total approximately 640,000 acres today, only 0.37% of Texas’ acreage. Clearly, more parks are needed.
Texas is growing. Let's conserve our natural areas.
With the rapid growth of Texas, we must protect Texas’ last remaining natural areas today so that they won’t be lost forever to development.
- Texas is home to 7 of the top 15 most rapidly growing cities in the country.
- Every year Texas loses nearly one quarter of a million acres farms, ranches, and open space to development.
Essential to Texans’ Health
Research shows that 78% of Texas counties will not have sufficient parks in the coming decades.
We All Benefit
More than 30 million people now call Texas home. State Parks are essential to providing every one of them with the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the great outdoors.
Clean water is vital
Nothing is more important than having clean water to drink. By protecting our land around rivers, lakes, and streams, we can prevent runoff and toxic chemicals from flowing into Texas’ water supply.
Grow Our Parks
Nearly 10 million people visit State Parks each year. Adding new State Parks today invests in a legacy for our children and grandchildren.
Strengthen Local Economies
Recent data shows every $1 invested in a park results in $4 to $12 in economic return.
What Texas leaders have to say...
“Today, 30 million people call our state home … It’s easy to get lost in the modern activity of our grand cities, but it’s important to take a break in the majesty of Texas nature, and that’s exactly what our state parks provide. Whether it’s the beaches of Galveston Island, the early Texas history of Mission Tejas, the mystical beauty of Enchanted Rock, the blue water and scenic shores of Possum Kingdom or the majesty and wonder of Big Bend Ranch, our many state parks offer Texans and visitors an awe-inspiring look at our great state.”
Governor Greg Abbott
“The Centennial Parks Conservation Fund would provide stable, long-term funding for new park acquisition that will empower us to protect Texas’ unique natural and cultural treasures while making them accessible to our growing population.”
State Sen. Tan ParkerLegislative Sponsor
“The fund would be an essential tool in ensuring Texans have access to public park lands for generations to come. This effort is a transformational effort, a Teddy Roosevelt kind of initiative.”
State Rep. Armando WalleLegislative Sponsor
