Building an Experience
October 2021
By Ranger James
- Hand excavation of a prehistoric fire pit, roughly 3,500 years old
As work on the park continues, I find myself thinking more and more about the wildness of this place. How was life for the people who wrote the history of this area with their blood and sweat?
That line of thinking inevitably leads me to ponder the lives of those who were here before “history” even began. This area and this park are bounties of historic and prehistoric tales, as well as natural beauty.
Part of building a new park is crafting the experience of the park’s future visitors. We strive to find the best way to communicate the park’s story to everyone. Generally, we do this through interpretation, which is a way of conveying information that helps form a connection between the audience and the park and its resources.
- Rock oven built in 1880 during construction of the Texas and Pacific Railroad
Over the next several months, park staff, resource specialists and interpreters will work together to identify ways to connect people to the natural and cultural wonders here. You have likely seen the results of these efforts at other parks. Think orientation panels, wayside exhibits, artifact displays, and other educational items.
Our goal is to provide an experience to this and future generations that will connect them to the natural and cultural resources of this park and Texas and inspire more stewards of this state’s very special places.
