State Parks Getaways - Texas Parks and Wildlife E-Newsletter

A Campfire Chat

With Bill and Bonnie Allison

Bill Coakley
Name:
Bill and Bonnie Allison
Position/Occupation:
Park Hosts
State Park:
Tyler State Park
Closest city/town:
Tyler, TX
Region:
Pineywoods
Years with TPWD:
4
Years at this site:
3
Place of birth:
Bill – Abilene Texas
Bonnie – Gonzales, Texas
Home:
Cardinal 5th Wheel “where we are parked” (currently site 69 at Tyler State Park).
Daily work duties/activities:
Site checks; cleanup; public relations – anyway we can help rangers/office staff/ assist campers with set-up; give out park information.
Favorite job duty:
Greeting and helping guests.
Accomplishment in the past year you are most proud of:
Being able to help people.
Most unique/interesting thing about your park or site:
Hiking, biking, trails, beautiful trees, and lake.
Most memorable state park moment:
Donkeys running loose in Big Pine area
Favorite outdoor activities/hobbies:
Hiking, fishing, geocaching.
Non-outdoor hobbies
Reading.
Who introduced you to the outdoors?
Family.
Favorite quote about the outdoors or parks:
“It’s just camping” “Remember things will go wrong – you will forget things and it WILL rain” “have fun”
Advice for people wanting to explore the outdoors or any state park:
Use the internet to look up the park you wish to visit. Call with any questions ahead of time. Remember to leave the area clean. Don’t be afraid to explore and try new experiences.

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