Uresti: "Noisy" scouts show need to maintain funding for Texas state parks

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Note: Up to nine state parks would likely have to close if additional funds are not found for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in the upcoming biennium. Advocates have begun campaigning to keep the parks open, and they are gaining support. This week, Senator Carlos Uresti discusses the importance of state parks to Texas families and argues that none should be closed.

Senator Carlos Uresti: "Noisy" scouts show need to maintain funding for Texas state parks
I recently received a letter from a man recalling an overnight experience he had at Guadalupe River State Park. When he and his wife pulled into park headquarters to get a camping space, they were warned that some Girl Scouts were in the park and there might be some noise.

Turned out there were 200 girls and their fathers on a father/daughter camping trip.

"For over 48 hours," the man wrote, "the sound of girls laughing, screaming and giggling echoed throughout the park. The girls' bikes zoomed past our campsite at the rate of 1 per minute. The scout leaders lead the girls in sing-a-longs, nature walks, chants and prayers."

more

http://www.burntorangereport.com/diary/13136/uresti-noisy-scouts-show-need-to-maintain-funding-for-texas-state-parks

[Gothmog]

1. Closing State Parks is a bad thing

Back when my son was in scouting, we camped at a number of state parks. The closing of these parks will be a major loss to the State of Texas.

My scouts were alway well bahaved when we were at a state park.

[sonias]

2. Nice letter

Great to hear from people actually using our state parks and appreciating kids use of them too.

It will keep them healthy both physically and mentally.



I wish we had mandated "outside time" for everyone. Things would be a lot calmer if everyone got at least one hour a day to relax and enjoy the world around them.

Oh but that would be socialism - can't have that!

[Ilsa]

3. Closing good state parks is penny-wise/pound-foolish.

People need the parks to get exercise, sunshine, fresh air, etc during the five or six months when the weather is tolerable in Texas.

They have the money. They'd just rather use it on business incentives and tax cuts.