OK Guys, I've had enough and I've taken action. I've been waiting for waaay too long for the razing and replacement of the old Park Store at Cleburne SP and after being out there last week, I decided to do something. I'm also not pleased about state financing in the park and tackled that as well. I've sent the letter below to State Representatives Rob Orr (58th District) and Representative William Zedler (96th District). I have also sent a copy of it to Officer Park (Park Manager) with encouragment for the job ahead. If you are aware of what I am writing about and agree, more letters to State Representative Orr would not be amiss. If this doesn't get things moving, I'm ready to go to "Phase 2"!
Happy Camping!
......................................................................................................
Return Address
September 26, 2008
The Honorable Rob Orr
Texas House of Representatives
201 W. Ellison
Suite 201
Burleson,
TX 76028
Dear Mr. Orr,
For a number of decades my wife and I have enjoyed our State Park system. More then that, we have come to regard Cleburne State Park as our “home park” and have enjoyed many days there camping, fishing, boating and just relaxing. Unfortunately, our enjoyment has been somewhat marred over the last couple of years. I believe this is due to the State’s failure to take proper action concerning maintenance and financing in this park. I will elaborate on two particular points here even though there are others that could be discussed.
In 2005 a major project was undertaken at Cleburne State Park. At the time, the entire sewer system for camp sites 32 through 58 was replaced. I took the time to interview Officer William Grubbs (retired Park Manager) to discover the intended plans for the park. He informed me that part of the project being done included the razing and replacement of the old Park Store/ Beach Shower House. This structure was already “closed”, being dilapidated and no longer safe or serviceable for its intended purpose. Using the internet, this information was passed on through a number of camping related message boards. All who are familiar with Cleburne State Park stated their affirmation of the plans in progress.
As the months went by with no removal of the old structure, I asked the status of the project. Park personnel informed me that objections to the removal of the store had been raised by an un-named historical society. I let the question stand until early this year when I was informed that all objections had been overcome and the project was scheduled to move forward. You can imagine my surprise when I arrived at the park on 9/17/08 (my first visit since early summer) to find the old park store still standing, more dilapidated then ever. When asked, park personnel had no answer for this and questioned themselves as to why this structure still stood.
Sir, the park store structure at Cleburne State Park has long outlived its useful purpose. Due to the structure’s failing condition, there is no useful maintenance that can be done. Further, I’ve been informed that all power has been disconnected. The structure is an eye-sore and a danger to visitors, particularly children who are likely to find such a site appealing as a place to play. Additionally, the shoreline directly behind the store is littered with old construction/pier material that is in need of removal. The entire site is a blight on what is generally a very pretty little state park. I am not sure if I would be in favor of its replacement but its removal is long overdue.
My second concern regarding Cleburne State Park involves park financing. Over the last decade or so, I have had many park personnel tell me that all Texas State Parks are expected to be self-supporting. This expectation would appear to be contrary to Chapter 13, Section 13.004 of the “Parks and Wildlife Code” which states that financing for parks is to come from the General Revenue Fund and other such funds. If state parks are expected to be self-supporting as I have been told, I find myself wondering what became of what had to have been a sizable amount of income to Cleburne State Park. I refer to signing bonuses for three (3) gas wells adjoining the park. I knew of two such wells but have since become aware of a third. Even with my limited involvement in the Barnett Shale project, I know that significant funds have exchanged hands for the right to drill. I have also been informed that Cleburne State Park has received no additional funding as a result of this windfall income. If the parks are to be self-supporting, why has this park been denied the income that it is entitled to? Chapter 22, Section 22.095 of the same code guarantees monies received from the sale of timber at Mission San Francisco De Los Tejas State Park be credited to that state park’s account. I would think that income from the sale of drilling rights and all residual payments would be credited to Cleburne State Park.
Under the Freedom of Information Act, I would request that you find out the amount of money acquired due to the gas well drilling in and around Cleburne State Park. Also, I would like to know the disposition of all of these funds. Further, I request that you take the needed steps to have those funds recovered and deposited in Cleburne State Park’s account.
Sir, my wife and I have a great love for our state parks. We find our park system to be one of the gems of our great state. I never tire of bragging about our parks’ diversity to those who have never been here and always encourage visitors to enjoy our state parks to their fullest. To be able to continue to do this, needed repairs and updates plus proper funding are vital. To that end, I request that you take the needed steps to see that the problems I have noted are reviewed and corrected. If you need further information from me, I am available daily before 11 AM at the telephone number shown above. If needed, a face-to-face conference could be arranged. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future and I trust in you for a positive resolution.
Sincerely,
Sender's Name
Cc;
The Honorable William Zedler (State Representative, District 96)
Officer Collis Park (Park Manager, Cleburne State Park)
........................................................................................................