Some Texas officials are asking voters to approve funding for a $1 billion parks fund in November

The fund would allow the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to acquire land to create and improve state parks without increasing taxes.

Officials are asking for voters to vote for Prop 14 during the 2023 election.
Ashley Brown/Houston Public Media

Houston Public Media
ASHLEY BROWN
POSTED ONOCTOBER 5, 2023, 4:49 PM

A constitutional amendment on the November ballot could provide funding for future state parks. Proposition 14, if approved by Texas voters, would establish a $1 Billion Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, money that was approved with bipartisan support in the Texas legislature this year.

Texas state parks attract nearly 10 million visitors annually and as the population increases, the demand is growing as well. The fund would allow the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to acquire land to create and improve state parks without increasing taxes. In a survey conducted this summer, 77% percent of voters polled said they'd support the amendment.

"We also need parks that are close to us so that our kids here in the inner city of Houston, Texas have the opportunity to view those parks and partake in that outdoor activity," said State Representative Armando Walle, who sponsored the bill along with Senator Tan Parker.

Walle represents parts of Houston's Northside and Aldine neighborhoods. He said it was important for him to champion the bill because parks are sometimes out of reach for residents.

"I've been to Big Ben, I’ve taken my kids to Big Ben, it’s beautiful, I’ve taken my kids to Garner State Park, it’s beautiful," he said. "But a lot of kids don’t have access to that, to be able to travel that far – So that would be my goal is that with the passage of this constitutional amendment on November 7, that we would do that.”

More than 90 statewide organizations have come together to create what's known as the Texas Coalition for State Parks, to support and educate Texans on the ballot measure. Some organizations include Austin Outside, Bayou Preservation Association, Galveston Bay Foundation, and more. Andrea Laureano is with non-profit Environment Texas, an advocacy group for clean air, clean water, and parks and wildlife. She said with so much urban development occurring and limited space at campsites and parks – expansion is needed.

"Our parks aren’t just places where people go to escape the big cities," she said. “They are where families go to make lasting memories, kids can ditch the screens and explore forests, swim in rivers and camp under the starry Texas skies."

Laureano said the fund would mean a huge investment for Texas nature – one that future generations can enjoy like herself and so many others.

"It’s our chance to preserve our natural treasures, keep our waters clean, and ensure that Texans can keep having wild adventures," she said. " Proposition 14, isn’t just a proposition – it's a promise to the future of Texas."

Early voting starts October 23 and Election Day is November 7.