Texas family’s 650-acre ranch to become state park in $10 million deal
In a strategic move for conservation, a sprawling 650-acre ranch in East Texas is set to transform into a state park. Acquired by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation from the long-time Pollard family, this land has a rich history dating back to 1940. The park’s development will proceed in stages, initially offering guided access before introducing more facilities for visitors.
A 650-acre family ranch situated on Lake Palestine in East Texas is poised to become the state's newest park, after being purchased for over $10 million, according to reports from The Texas Tribune and The Dallas Morning News. The property, owned by the Pollard family since 1940, offers a significant opportunity for recreation and conservation. It will not open as a public park immediately, with development occurring in stages and visitors potentially waiting several years for full access.
Sam Pollard, the family's president, expressed deep personal significance for the land, describing it as part of their soul. The property features native East Texas forests, a pecan orchard, ponds, and diverse wildlife, including white-tailed deer, bobcats, and waterfowl. It lies strategically along the shores of Lake Palestine, which provides a major recreational reservoir for the region.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, a nonprofit supporting state parks and wildlife programs, purchased the land, temporarily holding it while the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) seeks additional funding from the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund to complete the acquisition by late 2027. Once acquired, TPWD plans to open the park in phases, starting with guided access and expanding to day-use facilities and overnight access.
The property is expected to offer hiking, biking, boating, paddling, swimming, fishing, and various day-use areas, campsites, and lakefront recreation. Future plans include trail development, primitive camping, and lakefront access. The state's $1 billion investment in 2023 for park expansion made this purchase possible. Both the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation and the Texas State Parks department emphasized the importance of preserving such significant properties for future generations.
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