Lockhart State Park poised for possible expansion
By Anthony Collins
LPR Editor
Lockhart State Park might be getting a lot bigger, nearly double its current size, if a new proposal from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) moves forward. The plan calls for adding about 200 acres of nearby land to improve wildlife habitat, give park staff more room to work, and open more space for visitors to explore.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission is set to consider the proposal at its next meeting on November 6, 2025, at 9 a.m. in El Paso. The public will have a chance to comment on the idea before any decision is made. Folks who want to share their thoughts can reach out by mail to Trey Vick at the TPWD Executive Office in Austin, email real.estate.comment@tpwd.texas.gov, or use the online comment form at tpwd.texas.gov.
Interestingly, park staff at Lockhart State Park say they learned about the proposed expansion around the same time as everyone else. “We have just as much information as you do,” one staff member said. “Our regional resource specialist sent us the link for public comment on Wednesday. We don’t have any plans for how the land would be used yet because it’s still so far from being finalized.”
There’s still a long way to go before anything becomes official. Staff say three big things must happen first. Public comments to the Commission need to be positive, the landowners who are willing to sell must stick with their decision, and finally, the Commission itself must approve the purchase. “That’s the biggest one,” a staff member explained. “It’s a lot of money to expand a small park, and just because there’s a proposal doesn’t mean it’ll get approved.”
If everything goes smoothly, planning will start only after the land sale is finalized. The Lockhart crew already has a wish list of ideas, but the actual design, whether that means more trails, another campground, or something else entirely, will come from TPWD’s Park Planning Department in Austin. That process, from survey to design to construction, takes years. “Right now, all we can do is cross our fingers and wait,” the staff member added.
They also encouraged locals to get involved. “If the community wants to help, they’re welcome to leave comments on the proposal,” they said. “The Commission is more likely to accept it if the comments are overwhelmingly positive.”
If approved, the expansion would bring about 200 acres of new land under the park’s care, giving more room for nature, recreation, and maybe even new campsites down the road. The funding would come from the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, the $1 billion voter-approved program created in 2023 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Texas State Parks. It’s the largest investment in parkland in Texas history and is helping expand parks and preserve public spaces across the state.
For Lockhart, the proposal is part of a bigger statewide push to grow the park system, which currently ranks 35th in the nation for park acreage per person. Whether it’s more trails, better habitat, or just more space to stretch out and enjoy the outdoors, the future looks promising, if everything falls into place.
“The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission on Nov. 6 authorized the executive director to take steps to acquire parcels from willing sellers that would expand three state parks and protect habitat….Trey Vick presented the Lockhart strategy and said staff received 814 responses (799 in favor, 15 opposed).” Way to go Lockhart!