Agreement Reached To Keep Eisenhower State Park Open

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The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) have reached an agreement for Eisenhower State Park to continue to operate as a unit of the Texas State Park system. After months of lease negotiations, an agreement was reached in early October for both agencies to continue their long-standing partnership to provide recreational opportunities at Lake Texoma.

TPWD and the Corps worked for several months to resolve issues about the roles and responsibilities of each agency. This had hampered renewal of the lease agreement, which expired more than a year ago. (TPWD operates the state park through a lease with the Corps, which owns the land.) This summer, state park system leaders notified the Corps that unless a new agreement could be reached, TPWD would no longer be able to operate the site as a state park after Sep. 30.

TPWD and Corps representatives say that the resolution of this matter is in large measure due to the diligent support and involvement of elected leaders, including Congressman Ralph Hall, State Rep. Larry Phillips, State Sen. Craig Estes, and State Sen. Chris Harris. These leaders and their staffs attended meetings and spent many hours working to reach a positive resolution.

“We are pleased with the positive outcome of the lease negotiations,” said Walt Dabney, TPWD state parks director. “Rep. Phillips and other elected leaders have said they believe this new agreement will benefit the citizens of Texas and Oklahoma for many years to come, and we agree.”

Eisenhower State Park, with 423.1 acres, is located in Grayson County northwest of Denison on the shores of Lake Texoma. The park was opened to the public in 1958. It is named for the 34th U.S. president, Dwight David Eisenhower, who was born nearby.

A variety of facilities, trails, and a Texas State Park Store are available at the park. Popular activities include picnicking, hiking, biking, nature study, fishing, boating and boat rentals, water skiing, swimming, wildlife observation, and camping. Nature and environmental educational programs are frequently scheduled throughout the year and upon special request. There is a small amphitheater available for group use.

Eisenhower Yacht Club, a full-service marina, is also located within the park. The marina is operated by a private company under a concession agreement with TPWD.

The park is open seven days a week year round. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Current conditions and fire bans can vary from day to day. For more information, see the park Web page or contact the park by email at espc@texoma.net or phone the park at (903) 465-1956.

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