# Texas Ranch Becomes State Park

> Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation secures 650-acre Lake Palestine ranch for state park.
- Title: Texas Ranch Becomes State Park · The Texas Tribune | Shortify
- Summary: Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation secures 650-acre Lake Palestine ranch for state park. texas, lake palestine, state park · reported by The Texas Tribune.
- Keywords: texas, lake palestine, state park, texas parks and wildlife foundation, sam pollard, pecan nursery, henderson county, news, local, Ranch, Becomes, State
- Source: The Texas Tribune — https://feeds.texastribune.org/link/16799/17489734/lake-palestine-east-texas-park
- Author: Alejandra Martinez
- Published: 2026-10-02T18:07:55+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: texas, lake palestine, state park, texas parks and wildlife foundation, sam pollard, pecan nursery, henderson county, news, local
## Texas Ranch Secured for State Park
A 650-acre ranch on Lake Palestine in Henderson County is on its way to becoming Texas’ next state park.
## Foundation Secures Land Deal
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation sealed the deal for more than $10 million to secure one of the largest remaining contiguous tracts of land on the lake.
## State Purchase Timeline
The foundation will hold the property until the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department can purchase it, likely in late 2027.
## Centennial Fund Strategy
The extra time allows the state to earn interest on money in the voter-approved Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, a $1 billion investment passed by lawmakers in 2023.
## Property Features
The property includes pine forest, native grasses, a pecan orchard, a 58-foot-deep lake and roughly 10 ponds, providing habitat for white-tailed deer, bobcats and waterfowl.
## Owner's Legacy
Sam Pollard, president of Texas Pecan Nursery, said the land is part of his soul and he hopes to leave a legacy for future generations.
## Future Park Access
The park will open with guided access before adding day use, overnight opportunities, trails, and habitat restoration projects.
## Key takeaway

Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation secured a 650-acre ranch on Lake Palestine for state park development after a $10 million deal with owner Sam Pollard's family.