There's nothing better than life in the great outdoors. That's the message Purtis Creek State Park Supt. Mendy Davis brought to the Cedar Creek LaKe Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting April 14.
"Life is better outside," Davis said. "It's a beautiful place. Our main goal is getting people interested in being outdoors."
Davis highlighted the park's natural beauty and accomodating visitor facilities, planned activities such as the Kid Fish Day April 23 and its economic benefit to local restaurants, service stations, retail shops and grocery stores. Purtis Creek State Park adds $1 million in revenue to the local economy, Davis said.
The superintendent urged chamber members and their families to take advantage of the park and to encourage others to do the same. Volunteers are always needed to help park staff to stage activities that include group fishing, birding, wildlife and fauna explorations, she added.
"It's an opportunity for you to share your talents and interests," she said.
The park is on the shores of a small lake. It is stocked with Florida largeouth bass, channel catfish, coppernose bluegills, shad and redear sunfish. To keep the lake peaceful and enjoyable, only 50 boats are allowed in the water at one time and a no-wake rule is enforced. Bass fishing is restricted to catch-and-release activity.
The park features camping with water and electricity and primitive sites, picnic tables, a covered pavilion, a playground, a swimming area, boat ramp and dock, fishing piers and cleaning stations, trails and a park store selling camping supplies and rentals of paddle-boats, kayaks and canoes.
The park is in Henderson and Van Zandt Counties. Take Highway 175 to Eustace, then north on Farm Road 316. Go three miles to the park entrance on the left
Visit www.texasstateparks.org or call 800-792-1112. The park address is 14225 FM 316, Eustace, TX 75124. 903-425-2332.
During the chamber's monthly meeting, the organization honored Dairy Queen of Seven Points as the business of the month and it welcomed the Cedar Creek Lake Area Amateur Radio Club members.