FAIRFIELD, Texas — Editor's Note: The videos above are to other published, yet, related stories.
As Fairfield Lake Park prepares to permanently close, texts obtained by the Dallas Morning News show it could have been saved.
However, the offer was ultimately passed up by state officials due to a catch... they would have to close the hiking trails.
The 1,800-acre park overlooking a 2,400-acre lake is now set to close on Tuesday, February 28.
The state park had been open to the public since 1976.
It will now be owned by a private developer, Todd Interests, which plans to build a private golf course and gated community, with homes already being valued in the multimillions
According to the text messages, Shawn Todd, the founder of Todd Interests, offered the property again to the state for $60 million.
But there was a catch, Todd wanted to keep the northern peninsula private, alongside keeping the water rights and regulating boating.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commissioner Arch "Beaver" Aplin said the resulting closure of the park's hiking trails became the deal-breaker for the state, as first reported by the Dallas Morning News.
Aplin said Todd - citing "altruism" - declined the state's revised offer that would still pay $60 million for the parkland, but for the entire park.
The Dallas Morning News reports these texts were received and exchanged around February 2.
In response to the report, TPWD said in a state to 25 News:
"Today's Dallas Morning News story provided a snapshot view into ongoing, private negotiations regarding Fairfield Lake State Park. Details of portions of a text message conversation between TPWD Chairman Arch Aplin, Todd Interests founder Shawn Todd and Vistra CEO Jim Burke, do not reflect the entirety of a complex and ongoing negotiation process to save Fairfield Lake State Park from development at the best possible deal on behalf of the state and taxpayers. Texas Parks and Wildlife is resolutely committed to keeping this park publicly accessible in keeping with our mission to conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and provide recreation opportunities for the enjoyment of present and future generations."
A Republican representative has since filed a bill to take the parkland from its private owner via eminent domain, as first published by the Dallas Morning News.
Should it pass, however, the state would still be required to pay for the parkland.
