Texas State Park given 120 days to vacate, land sold to private developer

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says they were given 120 days to vacate Fairfield Lake State Park before the land is handed over to a new owner.

After more than 50 years of public use, the park will finally close at the end of the month on February 28th.

Fairfield Lake State Park is located in Freestone County, southeast of Dallas.

It is reported by the Dallas Morning News. The popular state park is planned to become an exclusive community with multi-million dollar homes and a private golf course. The document says that the property belongs to Wistra Energywho leased the land to the state for free. vistra sells Todd Interestsdeveloper in charge of high-end projects in downtown Dallas, including National And Eastern Quarter. developer, Sean Toddindicated that he would no longer lease the land, government officials say.

“The loss of Fairfield Lake State Park will be a significant step back in our efforts to expand outdoor recreation opportunities for Texas’ rapidly growing population,” Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Chairman Arch “Beaver” Aplin III said. “This loss is especially incomprehensible at a time when we are celebrating 100 years of state parks, but with no cooperation or interest in working with us from the developer, we have no other options. Rest assured, the committee members remain committed to working with Todd Interests to preserve this important public asset and expand outdoor recreation opportunities in Texas.”

David Yoskowitz, Ph.D., chief executive of TPWD, said Tuesday in a statement that the parks department has been trying to find a solution that would allow the state to acquire some or all of the property, but that agreement has not been reached with Wistra or the buyer. TPWD said the funds now available through a constitutional amendment to allocate a sporting goods sales tax to support state parks could be used to purchase land.

From February 28, visitors will no longer have access to the park, public boat ramps and the fishing pier. Public recreation at the lake will also be closed.

TPWD reported that about 2,700 people have made reservations for overnight stays at the park after February 27, and they will be cancelled.

“I am extremely disappointed that Fairfield Lake State Park can no longer deliver the outdoor fun and memories it has created for families in the local community and across Texas for nearly 50 years,” said Rodney Franklin, director of state parks. Texas. “I would like to thank the community, partners, visitors, and all staff for their hard work and unwavering support to provide incredible vacations and outstanding service to the state of Texas for so many years.”

TPWD said in a statement Tuesday that “the park’s recent lease with Vistra has been extended through the fall of 2022, subject to the sale of the property after the power company shut down the lake’s coal-fired power plant in 2018. TPWD sought to acquire the state park site, but Vistra would not consider selling just the parkland. TPWD also hoped to partner with a potential buyer, or possibly acquire property for further operations. The new owner does not intend to use the property as a state park. “

TPWD said it will continue to work on the purchase and potential expansion of the park.

NBC 5 has reached out to Todd Interests for comment but has yet to receive a response.

TPWD said Fairfield Lake State Park averaged 80,000 visitors a year and was known for horseback riding, family reunions, rowing, fishing, camping and hiking.