Fairfield Lake State Park in Texas closes to public

FAIRFIELD, Texas — Fairfield Lake State Park had its final day of public entry on Monday. 

Locals and campers from throughout flooded the state park in Freestone County in the final couple weeks after the termination discover went out. 

Park superintendent Daniel Stauffer mentioned roughly 6,000 individuals have proven up in its final days. The park has an annual attendance of 80,000 guests a yr, in accordance to Texas Parks and Wildlife.

“They’re sad and they’re upset. We’re having folks hoping they can win the lottery so they can put down the $110 million to purchase the park,” Stauffer mentioned.

The state leased the 1,460-acre park from Texas Utilities in 1971-1972 and opened it in 1976, in accordance to Texas Parks and Wildlife.

In early February, it was introduced that the almost 50-year state land lease had ended. The state’s bid to purchase the park and lake fell brief, and a Dallas-area non-public developer named Todd Interests is anticipated to finalize buy of the property.

“We’re losing a treasure, a state treasure,” mentioned a Fairfield resident. 

“Private development or whatever, we need to save the state park, period,” mentioned Julee Emmons of Armadillo Emporium in the city of Fairfield.

Many locals in the city of Fairfield have solely recognized the place as a state park. They keep in mind when the coal plant operated there up till 5 years in the past. 

While it’s nonetheless unclear what could come of the park, there are rumors of high-end properties, a gated group and a golf course. The new mission might be a supply of tax income and jobs for the county. 

WFAA has made a number of requests to converse with Todd Interests in regards to the deal and calls and emails haven’t been returned.

“The loss is tragic. I particularly feel for my kids because they grew up here. It’s sad that this might set a precedent for other parks,” mentioned Dennis Walsh, a former park ranger of 15 years for Fairfield Lake State Park.

State Rep. Angelia Orr has filed HB 2332, which asks the state to use the ability of eminent area to purchase the park. 

“The state of Texas and the Parks and Wildlife Department have invested over $70 million in the development and operation of Fairfield Lake State Park,” learn the proposed House Bill. A petition has additionally been despatched round in an effort to save the park.

The residents WFAA spoke with want the state, lawmakers, public and even the media had acted sooner. Shop house owners in town of Fairfield mentioned they depend on the park tourism for enterprise.

“To lose the park in the year Abbott and the state of Texas has made it a priority to have public lands, that’s a shame,” mentioned Sandy Bates Emmons. 

Emmons is referring to a February announcement by Gov. Greg Abbott on the Texas State Parks Centennial Celebration. During the keynote tackle, Abbott praised the work of TPWD on its conservation efforts.

Stauffer mentioned when he closes the gate for the ultimate time, it will likely be a “surreal moment.” The park staff might be on the grounds till June to assist “demobilize and relocate.” 

According to Stauffer, they’ve 120 days from the time of the termination discover to take away benches, signage and different park and lake gadgets.