About Texans for State Parks
Texans for State Parks is a statewide, not-for-profit organization that works exclusively in support of the preservation and enhancement of the state parks, state historic sites, and state natural areas of Texas. Incorporated in November 1997, TfSP is supported primarily by membership dues and donations. Membership dues are tax deductible.

Galveston Island State Park / Courtesy of Texas State Parks
Texans for State Parks members include a diverse set of interests (campers, hikers, birders, bicyclists, rock climbers, equestrians, RV owners, swimmers, and canoeists to name a few) with a common concern for the well being of the state park system. TfSP’s goals include providing a united, statewide voice for users of state parks and related groups regarding state park system issues, and working in partnership with those groups and individuals interested in the future of the Texas State Park System. Texans for State Parks works to keep members informed about issues affecting the state park system in order to give them an opportunity to get involved and make a difference. TfSP, with E-news, a web page, and an annual members’ conference, forwards information about actions being considered by the legislature, Parks and Wildlife Commission and others in order that people have an opportunity to comment and affect the outcome of the proposed actions.
Goals of Texans for State Parks
- Provide a united, state-wide voice for users of state parks and related groups on park matters of shared concerns.
- Serve as an information resource for interested persons on state park matters.
- Educate park users, legislators and the general public about state park matters.
- Support stable and adequate financing for the state park system.
- Work in partnership with local state park support groups and other interested groups on state park matters.
- Advise the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Commission on State-wide matters of importance to state park users and related groups.
Texans State Board of Directors
- John Gosdin, President
- Austin, Texas
- [email protected]
- Mark Stine, Vice President
- Austin,Texas
- [email protected]
- Barry Hutcheson, Treasurer
- Austin, Texas
- [email protected]
- Barbara McKnight, Secretary
- Stephenville, Texas
- [email protected]
- Dixie Hoover
- Mexia, Texas
- [email protected]
- Ruth Jordan
- San Angelo, Texas
- [email protected]
- D. Jo Monday
- Galveston, Texas
- [email protected]
- Tom Rhodes
- Frankston, Texas
- [email protected]
- Pedro Riscado
- San Antonio, Texas
- [email protected]
- Sally Scott
- Austin, Texas
- [email protected]
- Offie Walker
- Missouri City, Texas
- [email protected]
- Linda Evans, Administration
- Austin, Texas
- [email protected]
Latest TfSP News
SAVE THE DATE! The Texans for State Parks Annual Conference will be April 24-25 2020 at Fort Parker State Park, Mexia, Texas The Conference, hosted by Friends of Fort Parker State Park, will be held at the Barracks Complex which includes Dorms, a Dining Hall and Rec...
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the people of Texas for voting to approve Prop 5. Texas voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 5 in the Nov. 5, 2019, election. Now 100 percent of the sporting goods sales tax will go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission. This funding will help secure the future of local parks, state parks and historic sites for generations to come. See what’s in store for Texas State Parks.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the people of Texas for voting to approve Prop 5. Texas voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 5 in the Nov. 5, 2019, election. Now 100 percent of the sporting goods sales tax will go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife...
We Have A New State Parks Division Director
We have a new State Parks Division Director! Rodney Franklin has been named to serve as the next State Parks Division Director and the newest member of Texas Parks & Wildlife agency’s senior leadership team. With a nearly thirty (30) year career at TPWD with our...