UVALDE COUNTY, Texas - Garner State Park is on the verge of significant alterations that will commence in December. This extensive project aims to enhance the park's facilities and overall visitor experience. The southern section of the park will be closed from December 1st, enabling the Texas Department of Transportation and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to complete crucial road construction and facility repairs. The anticipated completion date for these works is summer 2025, yet the park will have a limited reopening in March.

Enhanced Visitor Experience

According to Jaime Creacy, the regional director for Texas State Parks, once the construction is finished, visitors are expected to have a much better time when visiting Garner State Park. For instance, one of the key repairs that will be focused on is the scenic overlook on Park Road 29 along the Madrone Trail, which has been closed for an extended period of three years. The reopening of this overlook is highly anticipated as it will allow visitors to once again immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the park.The closure will affect several areas within the park. Pecan Grove and Oakmont camping loops along with the cabins will be closed. The Pavilion, Park Store, Garner Grill, day-use picnic area, Frio River dam, and Rock beach will also be part of the closure. Additionally, all trails except the Nature Trail and the Frio Canyon Trail will be inaccessible during this time.

Still Open Areas During Construction

Despite the closure, there are still several areas that visitors can enjoy. Over 200 campsites at River Crossing, Shady Meadows, Rio Frio campground, Live Oak, and Persimmon Hill campgrounds will remain open. The Cypress Springs Group area and group hall will also be available for use. Moreover, visitors can explore 3.5 miles of hiking and biking trails, engage in interpretive programming and activities, and visit the playscape and the bird-viewing blind.Garner State Park is located at 234 RR 1050 in Concan, which is about 32 miles north of Uvalde. For more details about the park and the closure, visitors can click here.The park's transformation is a significant step towards providing a more enjoyable and sustainable outdoor experience for visitors. With the completion of these construction projects, Garner State Park is set to become an even more appealing destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.