Fairfield Lake State Park closes as state fights for land from luxury developer
as the property is decommissioned for the end of its lease on June 13. Park equipment began being removed Monday, June 5 with staff being relocated. The two public boat ramps and fishing pier to Fairfield Lake have also closed.
The future of the park is uncertain as Texas Parks and Wildlife Department fights for ownership of the land. Todd Interests, a Dallas-based luxury real estate developer, purchased the land from Vistra Energy to make way for a gated community and golf course. However, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission voted to, including Fairfield Lake State Park. It extended an offer of $25 million to Todd Interests to relinquish its contract purchasing the park, but the developer rejected that offer.
A special meeting of Parks and Wildlife commissioners is scheduled for Saturday, June 10 to consider acquiring the land through condemnation, meaning seizing the property and then compensating Todd Interests. Fairfield Lake State Park is in Freestone County, along Interstate 45 North between Houston and Dallas. It is one of the state's most popular parks with more than 80,000 visitors a year, according to Parks and Wildlife. Since 1978,
at no cost. TPWD tried to purchase the state park but Vistra would not consider a sale of just the parkland. Vistra then terminated its lease with the state in preparation for its sale to Todd Interests in February.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Texas state park with 2,400-acre lake may have just closed for goodTexas legislators are still trying to prevent land developer Todd Interests from turning the property from being turned into a multimillion-dollar private home community with a private golf course.
Read more »
Man drowns at Palisade State ParkA man drowned at Palisade State Park on Saturday, a park official confirmed.
Read more »
Fairfield Lake State Park is closed. Again. Texas officials still hope it’s not for goodOne of Texas’ state parks that’s been at the center of a months-long property rights saga — which isn’t showing signs of being over anytime soon — has closed to the public for the second time this year and possibly forever.
Read more »
Man drowns in Lake Villa's Petite Lake, police sayPolice said the man tried to swim across the channel between Petite Lake and Spring Lake before disappearing under water.
Read more »
Bicyclist killed in hit-and-run in Highland Park ID'd: Lake County coronerA bicyclist was killed in an apparent hit-and-run Friday afternoon in north suburban Highland Park, according to the city’s mayor.
Read more »