SUBSCRIBE NOW

Enjoy all your local news and sports for less than 6¢ per day.

Subscribe Now or Log In

Burnet County gets 800-acre land donation for public use

Burnet County received a donation of 800 acres, divided into four tracts, set for public use only. Map courtesy of Burnet County Commissioners Court

The Burnet County Commissioners Court accepted the donation of around 800 acres of land valued at $17.2 million with the stipulation it be public and not commercial. The four unlinked tracts near the intersection of Texas 29 West and FM 2341 potentially could be used for recreation and conservation.

Known as the Hattie and Laymond Parks Family Ranch, the land was bequeathed through the probated wills of Donna Parks and Doris Parks Gonzales. Before the two women died, they shared their public-use wish for the property with Burnet County.

“Commissioner (Jim) Luther and I met with (Donna) about three or four years ago,” Burnet County Judge James Oakley told DailyTrib.com. “We confirmed the family’s intent and vision (for the land), and I committed to her that we would fulfill that.”

The donation comes with a second stipulation: that Parks’ family friend, Arnold Warden, has the right to use the property during his lifetime. He also has grazing lease and deer lease rights.

The donated acres are in Precinct 1, represented by Commissioner Luther, who explained that the county came by the donation through family ties.

“My dad knew Mr. Parks way back in the day, and so did Oakley’s parents,” Luther said.

When Parks and Gonzales sent a letter to Burnet County and other government entities expressing their desire to donate the land for public use, Judge Oakley was the first to take them up on the offer.

“The letter was very vague; it didn’t have any contact number, only a Dallas address,” he said. “But I recognized the names, so I did some research and talked to (Donna).”

Oakley called the donation “good news for Burnet County—today, tomorrow, and the next century.” 

He would like to see the land developed for public use with hiking trails, public facilities, and recreational areas focused on conservation.

“It’s a canvas, and we have the privilege of being the artists while respecting the boundaries set by the Parks family,” Oakley said. 

The planning process for the land could start in early 2025, commissioners said. 

“This is truly a game-changer for Burnet County,” Oakley concluded. “We are honored to steward this land and ensure its legacy endures for generations to come.”

elizabeth@thepicayune.com

4 thoughts on “Burnet County gets 800-acre land donation for public use

  1. That’s right where a geological fault line is: to the west – precambrian granite, and to the east cretaceous limestone.
    Probably need a traffic light there, for safety to handle traffic, in the event ppl come. Sometimes I wish Haley-Nelson Park would get more use. We may end up with an abundance of park land, unused. I’d suggest maybe some type of camping, for after the Asphalt Inc. rock plant ruins Camp Longhorn with carcinogenic dust, discussed at last Tuesday’s meeting.

  2. Something in the spirit of Selah Ranch–education towards conservation of uniquely Texas land.Beauty and function–to preserve native texas animals, vegetation, prairie grasses and trees and create a beautiful, restful setting for people. hiking, bird watching picnicking.

  3. Looks like a prime opportunity to get with Texas Parks and Wildlife for assistance in laying out a great public use area. Many thanks to those wonderful ladies.

Comments are closed.

DailyTrib.com moderates all comments. Comments with profanity, violent or discriminatory language, defamatory statements, or threats will not be allowed. The opinions and views expressed here are those of the person commenting and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DailyTrib.com or Victory Media Marketing.