Is That a Light?
August 2025
By Ranger Kate
Hey Reader! Would you like to know something interesting? I’m slowly running out of updates to give you. And this is a good thing!
When I started writing these Ranger Notes and writing the virtual End of Month Updates for our Facebook and Instagram pages back in 2023, I had a long list of projects to discuss and share with you. Let’s look at a few! 
- Maintenance Building – finished November 2023
- First 12 Miles of Trails – finished May 2024
- Courtesy Dock and ADA Kayak Launch – installed December 2024
- Equestrian Loop Bathhouse – finished January 2025
- Day-use Playground – finished March 2025
- Canyon View Day-use Picnic Sites and Walkways – finished April 2025
- Headquarters Building and Restroom – finished April 2025
- Four Vaulted Restrooms – installed June 2025
- Interpretive Center in HQ – installed June 2025
- Pavilion – finished July 2025
I know there’s plenty of other important features that have been finished that I’m forgetting about as I’m writing this. A few more facilities are still in the works, but that list is noticeably shorter.
But what does this mean? Well, it means we’re starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel! While that light is still far enough away that its distance is difficult to determine, the fact remains that that light has not been seen before now.
Rangers are ready!
It gives a new underlying sense of excitement and anticipation amongst rangers and construction crews. Some of our staff have been here since the beginning of planning and are finally seeing the dream of this park become a reality.
“Let’s get it done! Been sitting in a state of anticipation for a decade now. Over a decade. Let’s do it!”
- James Miller
Our assistant superintendent, James Miller (We currently have four rangers named James!), started as a maintenance specialist back in 2012. For reference, TPWD officially acquired the initial 3,000 acres of this property in 2011. However, Ranger Miller has been exploring this land longer than any other staff member. Raised in Strawn just four miles down the road, Ranger Miller spent his childhood exploring Tucker Lake and Strawn City Park which are now our equestrian camping loop and day-use areas. To him, this park is home and something he’s looking forward to seeing finished:
“I’m excited for people to see this place. It’s worth showing off!”
-Ranger Jimmy
Ranger Jimmy, our assistant office manager, started in 2015 as a seasonal ranger for nearly a year, then continued as a volunteer until permanently joining the Palo Pinto Mountains State Park team in 2018. As Ranger Jimmy gives property tours to each new ranger who comes aboard, his constant admiration of this gorgeous landscape and his enthusiasm to share it is contagious: “I’m excited for people to see this place. It’s worth showing off!”
These rangers, as well as the rest of staff, eagerly await the opportunity to invite you out. It’s been a long time coming, and this park is too pretty not to share!
Y’all keep an eye out for more updates, and I’ll keep y’all posted.
