State secures more than 3,000 acres for new park in Central Texas

Editor's Note: The photo featured in this story shows the existing Colorado Bend State Park, which is located across the river from the planned state park.

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said on Monday it finalized the second phase of purchases that included 1,100 acres in Lampasas and Burnet counties, according to a news release.

In January, Texas initially purchased a 2,020-acre property from Burnet County for the park. With this purchase, the new state park will now be more than 3,000 acres in total.

The state park will be located across from the river from Colorado Bend State Park and will include 1.5 miles of Yancey Creek, limestone bluffs and several natural springs, according to TPWD.

The state agency said the new state park will be created using the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, which was approved by voters in 2023. The $1 billion fund is dedication to the creation and development of state parks.

“It’s great to see phase two of the acquisition process come to fruition with the purchase of this 1,100-acre property,” said Jeff Hildebrand, Chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. “This property, combined with the previously purchased 2,020-acre tract near the current Colorado Bend State Park, will offer an exciting new state park experience for Texans.”

With the purchases now complete, TPWD said it will now work on a plan in collaboration with public feedback to determine recreational opportunities at the new state park.