Fairfield Lake State Park sold to developer, set to close after 50 years
Officials at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are heartbroken after revealing a state park will soon close as it was sold to a private developer. The department said it has 120 days to vacate Fairfield Lake State Park, according to a news release from TPWD on Tuesday, February 14.
After more than 50 years of public use, the park, about 100 miles southeast of Dallas-Fort Worth, will close permanently at the end of the month on February 28. Since 1976, the 1,800-acre state park that looks over a 2,400-acre lake has been offering miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as fishing.
TPWD was notified by Vistra, the owner of the site, that the land lease for the state park was terminated due to the impending sale of the property. According to TPWD, Vistra was not interested in selling the parkland by itself. Todd Interests has plans to build a gated community with multimillion-dollar homes and a private golf course.
Texas State Parks has 120 days to vacate the property before it is handed to its new owner
Shannon Faulk
“Losing Fairfield Lake State Park would represent a significant step backward in our efforts to expand outdoor recreational opportunities for Texas’ booming population,” Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Chairman Arch “Beaver” Aplin III said. “This loss is especially unfathomable at a time when we are celebrating 100 years of state parks, yet absent any cooperation or interest in working with us from the developer, we have no other options. Rest assured Commissioners remain committed to working with Todd Interests to maintain this important public asset and grow outdoor recreation in Texas.”
The state agency said state lawmakers strongly support helping TPWD acquire the land that is now Fairfield Lake State Park. The department said funds now available from the constitutional amendment dedicating sporting goods sales tax to support state parks could be tapped to make the land purchase, along with federal land and water conservation funds.
“Today’s heartbreaking announcement of the closing of Fairfield Lake State Park is a tremendous loss for Freestone County and all Texans who enjoy our state’s unique parklands,” Sen. Charles Schwertner said. “It is unfortunate that Vistra and this private developer were unable to come to an agreement that would have allowed the state of Texas to purchase the park from Vistra to maintain it for future generations of Texans.”
Lake Fairfield property.
Shannon Faulk
Beginning on February 28, visitors will no longer have access to Fairfield Lake State Park, officials said. During this time, park staff will remove equipment and relocate staff members. Closure of the park also means the removal of access to the two public boat ramps and a fishing pier on Fairfield Lake, a popular bass fishery, TPWD said.
Public recreation on the lake will cease following the closure of the park, and TPWD will no longer manage the fishery resources. TPWD will begin contacting visitors to cancel upcoming overnight reservations for dates after February 27, which will immediately impact more than 2,700 people.
“I am extremely disheartened that Fairfield Lake State Park can no longer provide the outdoor fun and memories it has created for families in the local community and across Texas for nearly 50 years,” Rodney Franklin, Director of Texas State Parks, said. “I would like to thank the community, partners, visitors, and all the employees for their hard work and unwavering support to bring incredible recreation and outstanding service to the state of Texas for so many years.”
The Dallas Morning News reported that Texas Rep. Angelia Orr filed a bill that would give the state the power to acquire the land through eminent domain, saying it has a vested interest in preserving the park. It’s not yet clear whether the eminent domain bill will gain traction in Texas, which has historically been supportive of private landowner rights.
