Cleburne State Park or "I've Waited Long Eenough!" - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

Turn Key · 09-26-2008, 11:08 AM

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)
........................................................................................................

rockhill · 09-26-2008, 03:17 PM

Turnkey
I applaud your 'first shot' in this issue. For several years I have been angered that our elected officials 'redirect or re-appropriate' funds intended for our parks. I look upon it as our legislators thumbing their nose at the will of the people and doing dang well what they want. I have reservations for Cleburne on October 17th so will see first hand the condition you describe. I will also join in the letter writing campaign.

Turn Key · 09-26-2008, 08:28 PM

Quote:

...will see first hand the condition you describe.

I would hope not but I don't expect results that fast. You never know though.

Quote:

I will also join in the letter writing campaign.

Thanks in advance and I hope you have a great trip!

Happy Camping!

Troop198 · 09-26-2008, 08:38 PM

Great letter as I copy and paste to send it off to Austin

thanks

srds · 09-27-2008, 12:30 AM

Allright Turn Key we are sign on ,hope it helps to make our parks a better place.

srds

Have Fun

Turn Key · 09-30-2008, 01:45 PM

Got a call this morning from Representative Zedler's office. They have been in touch with the TPWD and I am to be getting a letter from them in the near future. We'll see what happens.

Happy Camping!

Turn Key · 10-05-2008, 07:38 PM

Well, I got a response yesterday (10/04/08) from the Honorable Bob Orr, Texas House of Representatives (District 58). Between all the "legal-eze" and passing the buck, I gather he isn't going to address the issue. Passed it on to Rep. Zedler, even though the park is in his district. I was going to attach the letter here but had no luck at that (like that's a surprise with my computer skills

). If your interested, PM and I'll try to send you a copy.

BTW: I'm still waiting to hear from TPWD as the folks at Rep. Zedler's office said I would. We'll see.

Happy Camping!

rockhill · 10-05-2008, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turn Key

Between all the "legal-eze" and passing the buck, I gather he isn't going to address the issue.

I wish I could say I was surprised, but I can not. Our state legislators are just the minor league version of the fools in Washington. We are an ungodly amount in debt, and they add millions for pork barrel projects. Head of Dallas schools can not add and makes a $64 million dollar mistake. Makes you wonder does it not?

Not my intent to go off on political rant, but mis-appropriation of state park funds,, which is what they are doing, points to a systemic problem of accountability or lack of.

I now step down off my soap box. Turnkey thanks for the effort, although probably futile.

Turn Key · 10-11-2008, 10:31 AM

Well, I was poking around on the TPWD's web site last night and guess what was let for bid back on the 16th. You guessed it!
TPWD: Bid Opportunities — Construction
It will be a while before anything gets done but at least its a start. Only part that ticks me a bit is that I understand that this process was already done once about 4 years ago. That bid woldn't be valid anymore so now we get t do it again. Oh well. At least we're moving.

Happy Camping!

rockhill · 10-19-2008, 04:47 PM

Well we enjoyed a wonderful weekend at Cleburne SP. You could not ask for better weather, severe clear skys, lows in upper 40's with highs in low 80's. You just have to love October weather.

The park was crowded with what appeared to be a couple of large groups. The park facilities were clean and appeared to have been painted recently. Unfortunately the bath house/park store building is probably worse than TurnKey's description. No fault of his, it is just hard to describe a delapidated building with siding falling off or missing. It was a true eyesore compared to the other facilities.

We also drove thru Dinosaur Valley as it is very close by. Chock full of scouts and their families. Did not visit any buildings so can not comment on those. However we did make the obligitory stop at the river. The rock steps/seating area was in need of a lot of attention. The river was way down and I believe has been for some time. The middle of the 'river' looked more like a forest. I have been told that situation is due to the lack of 'cleansing' floods over the past few years.

In spite of the bath house I do recommend Cleburne for those folks nearby that have never been. The only minor complaint I have is that I could the cement plant that is nearby. Do not recall ever hearing it in our other visits.

Turn Key · 10-19-2008, 08:14 PM

Quote:

The only minor complaint I have is that I could the cement plant that is nearby. Do not recall ever hearing it in our other visits.

Some times you do and some times you don't. Depends on the wind and how busy they are. Never thought much of it even though I've always known it was there.

Also, I still haven't heard from the TPWD. I'm going to be on vacation over the next couple of weeks but will follow up on it when I return.

Happy Camping!

Turn Key · 11-19-2008, 08:30 PM

Ok, guys. Here's where we're at.

While I was on vacation, I received a very nice letter from Mr. Carter P. Smith, Executive Director, TPWD. He went into great detail concerning the plans for Cleburne State Park, the recent history concerning efforts to get the work done and how funding is managed in all Texas State Parks. I found that his letter satisfied all of my questions and I am letting the matter rest for the time being. I have sent letters and copies to Mr. Smith, State Representative Zedler and Officer Park informing them of my intention.

As I mentioned in a prior post, after I sent my original letter of September 26, TPWD placed bid requests for the needed work at Cleburne State Park. If you have taken the time to look at these requests you will have seen that the plans are very extensive, involving not only the Park Store but also the Group Camp Area. It is my understanding that there have been four (4) bids submitted by area contractors and the TPWD is in the process of evaluating these at this time. I intend to continue to watch this process and keep close tabs on the work as it progresses.

At this time, I think we can call this matter "closed" and look forward to an improved Cleburne State Park! Thanks for all your help and support and as always,

Happy Camping!

Turn Key · 06-08-2009, 09:19 PM

Went out to Cleburne SP this last Friday. Took the 'yaks out and did a bit a fishing. Also checked on progress and found that they have been busy out there. The old Park Store, shower houses, and bunk houses are gone. It also looks like all the new grading is complete except for where the new store is to go. Also, the forms for the foundations for the new bunk houses and shower houses look to be near complete. Things are progressing but it looks like it will still be a while.

Also, if you look west from the boat ramp or any part of the eastern shore of the lake, you'll notice a new "mountain" has been built just outside of the park boudery. It appears that the quarry has been pretty busy of late.

Happy Camping!

Troop198 · 06-08-2009, 10:37 PM

Are the any current facilities for showers there? Is the Lake open for swimming? We are considering this park for later this month and prefer to shower in the park rather than the trailer (a room thing)

Turn Key · 06-09-2009, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Troop198

Are the any current facilities for showers there? Is the Lake open for swimming? We are considering this park for later this month and prefer to shower in the park rather than the trailer (a room thing)

Oh yes! No problem there. There are two more shower houses, both up and running. Unless you choose to camp in the "Cedar Grove" loop, you can walk to one shower house or the other.

For my money, the best sites are "22 in "Shadey Springs" loop ("Power & Water") or #45, #46 or #48 (lake front, FHU) in the "Poplar Point" loop. Any of these puts you in easy walking distance to a shower house. Also, the 3 sites mentioned in "Poplar Point" gives you the best swimming in the park.

Hope this helps and you have a great trip!

Happy Camping!

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