A Central Texas state park near the fast-growing Austin metro has nearly doubled in size after Texas officials purchased hundreds of acres of neighboring land.
On Monday, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced Lockhart State Park had expanded by 188 acres through the acquisition of two adjacent properties, bringing the park to roughly 453 acres.
About 35 miles south of Austin, the park is best known as the only Texas state park with an operating nine-hole golf course, a layout originally designed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Officials say newly acquired land at Lockhart State Park includes prairie, creek frontage and wildlife habitat. (Sonja Sommerfeld/Sonja Sommerfeld/TPWD)
“State Parks are grateful for the opportunity to expand Lockhart State Park in a way that protects natural resources while opening the door to new recreational possibilities for Texans,” said Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks.
The expansion was completed in partnership with The Nature Conservancy in Texas and adds land with a mix of ecological features that are increasingly hard to preserve in a developing region. Officials said the purchase includes part of the Clear Fork of Plum Creek, native blackland prairie and wildlife habitat, along with shrubland and riparian woodlands.
The expansion of Lockhart State Park adds protected land in a fast-growing part of Central Texas. (Sonja Sommerfeld/Sonja Sommerfeld/TPWD)
Blackland prairie is one of Texas’ rarest native ecosystems, much of it lost over time to farming and development.
The larger of the two tracts, on the park’s southeast side, adds about 148 acres. A second parcel to the northeast adds another 40 acres. Both were previously family-owned ranches.
Newly added acreage at Lockhart State Park may one day be used for trails, camping and other recreation. (Sonja Sommerfeld/Sonja Sommerfeld/TPWD)
Before the new land opens to visitors, agency staff will conduct natural and cultural resource surveys to shape long-term management plans. Officials also said future public meetings will be held so residents and park visitors can weigh in on what comes next.
Possible future uses for the added acreage include camping, hiking and biking, though the state said planning could take months and no opening date has been announced.
More Parks & Wildlife
Lovebugs | This annoying insect is swarming Houston right now
Romance | Texas alligator Boots didn’t just relocate. He found love
Changes | Big Bend’s most anticipated upgrade just unraveled
Endangered | Black bears are coming back in Texas. These cubs are proof.
For the latest and best from Chron, sign up for our daily newsletter here.
This article originally published at This Texas state park near Austin just got a lot bigger.