Opinion: We can launch a golden era for our state parks
By Luke Metzger
October 16, 2023
Originally published by Austin American-Statesman
In this photo taken Nov. 6, 2022, leaves begin to show signs of changing color at McKinney Falls State Park in Austin. (Credit: Aaron Martinez/American-Statesman/File) Aaron Martinez
My wife, three kids and I are well on our way to visiting every Texas state park. If voters approve Proposition 14 this November, that goal will be harder to achieve – but that’s a good thing.
When the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) released a scratch-off map of the state parks as part of this year’s celebration of the centennial of the state parks system, we bought one as soon as we could. My wife busily scratched off all 45 of the ones we’d visited. When she accidentally scratched off a park we hadn’t yet been to – Lost Maples State Natural Area – we hopped in the car and drove there straight away so as to correct the error. We liked it so much, we’re headed back there for two nights this Thanksgiving to see the fall foliage (recently declared the best in all of America).
We adore our state parks. We’re constantly delighted to be reminded of how gorgeous our state can be. When we arrive at one, the moods of our children, seemingly magically, improve dramatically. The bickering stops and the romping in the trees and waters begins…
