Connect with us

COUNTY LIFE

Updates from the director of Texas State Parks

Published

on

We hope that you and your family are staying safe and healthy during this unprecedented time.

Up until recently, most state parks have stayed open. Park employees across the state rose to the challenge of providing safe outdoor access to about 740,000 visitors in March. But as demand increased, following social distancing and sanitation guidelines became more difficult.

At the governor’s direction, we closed all Texas state parks. This was not a decision that was taken lightly, as we are honored to provide access to the outdoors for millions of Texans. However, the safety of our visitors, staff, and volunteers is always a chief consideration for us.

The current crisis is not a state park problem or a Texas problem. It is much broader. It is now time for all of us to focus on doing our part to slow the spread of COVID-19. We would love to continue helping Texans make memories and smiles when they need it most. However, I feel this temporary closure is prudent, given the current situation. 

Here are the steps we are taking:

  • All state parks are closed to the public. If you had a camping or day pass reservation in April, we will automatically refund the full amount of your booking. You do not need to contact our customer service center.
  • We have extended the term of Texas State Parks Passes by two months. This extension will happen automatically for any Texas State Parks Pass holder whose pass was active on April 7, 2020. You don’t need to take any action for this benefit.
  • We are not taking new reservations for any state park. This includes both day pass and overnight reservations.
  • Existing reservations for May and beyond are still valid but could be cancelled, depending on the situation. We will let you know if things change.
  • You may cancel your May reservation without cancellation fees. Contact our customer service center at (512) 389-8900 or by email.


While the parks are closed, we will be hard at work maintaining and improving our facilities and grounds.

On behalf of the Texas State Parks and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, we are looking forward to the day when we can welcome you back to your state parks. We’ll be ready when that time comes. Until then, I encourage you to find nature a little closer to home and enjoy springtime in Texas as best you can. Stay healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

Rodney Franklin
Texas State Parks Director

Continue Reading

COUNTY LIFE

Jammin’ at the Justin makes temporary move

Published

on

The March 30 Jammin’ at the Justin makes a move to the Nocona Senior Citizens Center, 400 Boston due to a scheduling conflict.
Jammin’ begins at 6 p.m. Come out to play or sing, or just sit back and enjoy the music at the free show. Tips will go to the senior center.

Continue Reading

COUNTY LIFE

Bowie one-act advances to area

Published

on

Bowie High School’s one-act play, “A Monster Calls,” advances to area on April 13 in Clyde after a great showing at bi-district competition.
The production got second place and advances with Eastland and Early. Lia Meier and Corban Word received All Star Cast, and Owen Hofbauer received honorable mention All-Star Cast. The tech award went to Adamari Alonso for lights.
The show is directed by April Word. A time for the area performance will be announced as soon as it is released. There will be a public performance of the play at 6:30 p.m. April 7 in the Bowie Junior High Auditorium.
Area OAPs
Gold-Burg, Saint Jo, Forestburg and Bellevue High Schools take their plays to district contests on March 29 at North Central Texas College theater.
Bellevue will be the first play of the day at 10 a.m. The rest perform at about one-hour intervals with a break for lunch. Saint Jo is next followed by Forestburg and Gold-Burg.

Continue Reading

COUNTY LIFE

Nocona Easter Egg Hunt kicks off the week

Published

on

A large group of youngsters and families came out for the Nocona Easter Egg Hunt this past Saturday. Hosted by Nocona General Hospital and the Lions Club, it was a fun morning for the families.
A brightly colored inflated Easter Bunny was a great picture point for families. (Courtesy photos NGH)
Continue Reading
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad

Trending