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TPWD advances new-park development policy requiring phased openings and annual reporting
Summary
The commission heard a recommendation to adopt Commission Policy CPO‑22 to require phased plans and timelines for opening new state parks; staff recommended placing the policy on the public agenda for action.
Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks, presented Commission Policy CPO‑22, a proposed policy to require TPWD to develop and publish phased plans for the timely opening of new state parks.
Franklin said the policy sets milestones for public access: within 12 months staff would enable limited public day use (guided tours, hunts, special events) and initial hires; within 18 months expanded day-use infrastructure (parking, trails, signage, restrooms); and within 48 months utilities, roads and facility infrastructure sufficient for full public access, with continued development afterward as demand and conservation priorities require. Franklin said TPWD will publish progress updates on a public website and will report back to the commission annually on milestones.
Vice Chair Bell praised the policy as a ‘‘backstop’’ to keep park projects moving, and Franklin said TPWD has hired a centennial planner and other staff to support early planning; he said a superintendent for Post Oak Ridge is expected to be approved imminently. Chairman Hildebrand and commissioners discussed the goal of increasing urgency and private-sector partnerships to accelerate openings.
Staff reported eight public comments received by the work session, all in agreement with the policy. Franklin recommended placing CPO‑22 on the Thursday commission meeting agenda for public comment and possible action. The commission chair directed staff to include the item on the public agenda for Thursday’s meeting.
