Daingerfield State Park to Showcase Host of Improvements

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DAINGERFIELD – One of Texas’ oldest state parks, closed for almost a year for $5 million in capital improvements, has been born anew and will host a free grand reopening on Saturday, Oct. 15.

Carved out of the pine and hardwood forests of northeast Texas in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Daingerfield State Park had a soft opening in late June, but is pulling out all the stops on Oct. 15 with a 1 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony, a host of exhibits, interpretive programming and refreshments. The $3 entry fee is being waived for the day.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., park visitors will be able to participate in a host of special activities and peruse the Operation Game Thief and Latino Legacy exhibits while listening to live music. There will be park staff-led canoe tours, nature hikes and geocaching, and inflatable “jumpy place” for kids.

Visitors to the 500-acre park will discover three new restrooms, upgraded campgrounds that include full hookup sites, a new wastewater system, a new dock with boat rentals and refurbished boathouse/interpretive center, a new State Park Store and major renovations to a number of CCC buildings, such as the popular group facility. Historic Bass Lodge, which sleeps 13 in five bedrooms, has had a total makeover inside and out, with new central air and heat, new furnishings and appliances, and a remodeled bathroom that meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

“When people who haven’t been here in a while, come back to visit, they’ll notice some real major changes,” says park superintendent John Thomas. “There will be a ‘wow effect” for sure. Having this park open again is a big deal for this part of Texas.”

Down by the 80-acre lake, park visitors will see how construction crews have converted the large pavilion/bath house that once served as a concession area into an air-conditioned and heated park store and group dining hall with upgraded kitchen facilities for day use.

Thomas expects the coming fall months to be as busy as ever, as customers welcome cooler weather conducive to camping, hiking and fishing, and relaxing amid the colorful foliage that adorns the park’s sweetgums, oaks and maples.

Campers can choose from 40 campsites with full hookups, water and electricity, and 12 water-only tent sites, ranging from $10 to $20 a night. Persons seeking more creature comforts, can book one of three climate-controlled cabins, featuring either two or three bedrooms, a bath room, fully-equipped kitchen and screened-in front porches.

For more information about Daingerfield State Park or the grand reopening, call (903) 645-2921.

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