(Courtesy Photo)
Many Texans flocked to Fairfield Lake State Park this weekend to enjoy their last chance to visit before its closing to the public on Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Visitors included State Representative Angelia Orr (middle) who spoke with visitors and park staff.
“Met folks from Waco and Houston who just wanted to experience nature and get outside,” said Orr. “It was especially a joy to see children riding bikes and fishing and not on their phones or playing video games.”
In the past two weeks, Fairfield staff welcomed nearly 8,000 people to the park. Their yearly average is 80,000 visitors.
The park’s closure comes as landowner Vistra terminated their lease with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department pending final sale to Todd Interests of 5,000 acres surrounding the lake.
Fairfield Lake State Park sits on an 1,800-acre portion of the property.
TPWD have 120 days to vacate the park before it is turned over to the new owner, a development company from Dallas.
While the park is closed to the public, staff will be working to remove equipment and relocate staff members, according to a TPWD press release issued on Valentine’s Day.
State officials have publicly stated their support for the state park in Fairfield.
Rep. Orr has filed House Bill 2332 that, if passed, would grant TPWD eminent domain authority, specifically to acquire any property necessary to preserve Fairfield Lake State Park.
Citizens have been contacting their elected officials to voice their support.
And, on Tuesday, February 28th, the Environment Texas advocacy group planned to visit the Texas Capitol at noon with signs to “Save Fairfield Lake State Park!”
Facebook users are encouraged to join the Save Fairfield Lake State Park group for more ideas on how support efforts to keep the park open “for everyone to enjoy for generations to come.”
Pictured at top: Watching the ducks in the swimming area at Fairfield Lake State Park on Sunday, February 26, 2023. (Photo by Karen Leidy)
