In what advocates are calling a historic move, Texas voters approved $1 billion in funding for the state's park system last week.
The investment is made up of two separate bills, Senate Bill 1648 and Senate Joint Resolution 74, that, together, create a Centennial Parks Conservation Fund. This fund will be used to buy more land for the state parks system.
This $1 billion is the largest investment in nature in Texas' history, and it is widely supported by Texans—76% of voters, in fact. The Centennial Parks Conservation Fund enables the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to thoughtfully purchase property that will become protected and create new state parks for anyone to visit and enjoy. Increasing the amount of state parks is good for residents, as studies have shown that access to natural spaces and water are crucial elements of mind and body wellness.
This comes at a fitting time: This year marks the 100th anniversary of the state's park system.
"This would create a new golden age for our state parks," Luke Metzger, the executive director of Environment Texas, told the Texas Tribune. "We have a lot to celebrate. What a great birthday present to give all Texans for the state parks system's 100th."
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A report from Environment Texas stated the many benefits of state parks, beyond the health perks. State parks protect water sources, create jobs, and benefit the local economy and outdoor recreation industry. Texas currently ranks 35th in the nation for state park acreage per capita, with about 636,000 acres of parkland total. This investment in the state's parks may change that ranking in the future. At the very least, it will open up much more acreage for Texans to enjoy.
"Open spaces are critical to our quality of life," Joseph Fitzsimons, former Chairman of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission and Co-Founder of the Texas Coalition for State Park said. "With a thousand people a day moving to Texas there is no doubt we need more State Parks, and clearly Texas voters agreed! The Centennial Parks Conservation Fund will help protect the places we love to hike, bike, fish, picnic, view wildlife, and spend time with family. Because of the passage of Proposition 14, more Texans will now have the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the great outdoors."
READ MORE: 16 Texas National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores Worth Visiting
