Texas is considering developing a new state park roughly 100 miles southeast of Dallas.
The 650 acres include woods, pastures, small ponds and lakes along Lake Palestine between Athens and Tyler in Henderson County
A new park would help boost outdoor recreation opportunities in a region the state considers underserved, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife.
The land is owned by a private landowner who is willing to sell the property, although a price tag has not yet been negotiated, the agency said.
If acquired, the property could offer camping, hiking, boating, swimming, paddleboarding, hunting and fishing, the agency said.
Texas launched an aggressive plan to expand public parkland after voters in 2023 passed the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund to create a $1 billion dedicated funding stream for new parks.
Since then, the state has announced plans for several new parks, including Bear Creek State Park in Uvalde County, Post Oak Ridge State Park along the Colorado River, and Silver Lake State Park in Edwards and Kinney counties. The latter will be the state’s second-largest state park.
Palo Pinto State Park opened this year in Strawn, about 75 miles west of Fort Worth, after years of delays.
Last year, Texas Parks and Wildlife commissioners passed a phased approach to open parks more quickly after acquiring land.
Texans can submit feedback on the proposed purchase on Lake Palestine until 5 p.m. Aug. 19.