Kaila Williamson | FreeCo Reporter for The NavCo Chronicle
Good news! Fairfield Lake State Park is currently under temporary day access, completely free
and limited to the park’s daily capacity. There will be no camping or overnight stays. This is a
bittersweet opportunity for visitors. However, there is no word about when this ‘free pass’ will
end or if this means the developers plans have changed at all. This time, it is just an extended
opportunity while things finalize.
Photo credit: Mildred Tee Hempel
As a community, all members are feeling worried and let down by their state. Many people
fighting for this park have been going since they were children. They then took their future
children, and grandchildren. This is more than just a simple good-bye.
“When does this sale officially close?” “Do we still have time to make a difference?” “If this
moves forward, what will this mean for our town?” “Will this really boost our economy, or will
this simply create a “gated community” and still leave us all on the outs?” These are just some of
the concerns and questions that come from talking with the locals. The struggle here is this
challenge is ongoing. For those who need that update, this park is still in the process of being
bought by Todd Interests, a Dallas-based real estate developer. Unfortunately, there is no clear
idea of what will happen to this beautiful place once everything is said and done. There is talk of
a high-end community behind a gate with a massive golf course. How can locals be excited about
potential when this is what they are losing?
Photo credit: Mildred Tee Hempel
There are many challenges ahead. This park has quite the History, not to mention it being one of
the many things that brings in tourists. This park is home to Chancellor Union Cemetery, which
serves a lengthy line of descendants. This cemetery is still in use and has been for 140+ years.
There are several historical locations and markers throughout.
This park was opened to the public in 1976. It has been updated and upgraded over the years.
Loaded with many attractions, camping/picnicking (day and overnights), nature walks/study, water
sports of all kinds, wildlife observation, photography, trails/hiking/biking/horseback, group
gatherings, playgrounds, the State Park has many more things to make a day/overnight stay extremely
enjoyable and comfortable. The campsites are some of the best around. In fact, the park won
Park of the Year in 2022. It is easy to see why with stunning views like this.
Photo credit: Mildred Tee Hempel
This past Thursday, March 23rd, a hearing was held of the House Culture, Recreation and Tourism
Committee. At this hearing, the public was informed that the previous plan to move forward with
requesting ‘Eminent Domain’ has been removed from the language of her bill. (Rep. Angelia Orr).
Orr addressed those other colleagues as well as herself, who were hesitant to use this language
and how it could make things harder or potentially ruin the overall result. Orr explained that the
efforts at this point will be moved towards pursuing the water rights. The current issue here is
the developers’ plans to potentially sell the lake’s water. This is an issue Orr is taking to TPWC.
At this point, Vistra and Todd Interests are still under contract and intend to move forward. With
the amendments made to Orr’s bill, if approved, it would require approval from TPWC before
anything can be changed regarding Fairfield Lake’s water. The efforts made to protect the water
are quite frankly a ‘snowball effect.’ This can not only disrupt our environment, but the wildlife
living within. The resources they access from this park for survival. It is clear nothing can be done
until it has been passed by the committee, then approved by House and Senate chambers and
signed into law by the Governor.
This bill is still pending, more information to come soon about a future hearing.
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