Friday, March 29, 2024

Park It!

By Reyna Gobel

Among Texas’ wide open spaces are 95 state parks with meeting spaces ranging from picnic areas to a state-of-the-art pavilion at the bottom of a canyon. Plus, at these state parks, you can take a hike, ride a horse or play some of the cheapest (and most challenging) golf in the region.

“Our group facilities are in demand for all sorts of meetings and get-togethers,” says Bryan Frazier, public affairs officer of promotions and marketing for Texas state parks.

Alligators and Trails
Huntsville State Park is located 50 miles northwest of Houston and has 2,000 acres to explore. The park is home to Raven Lodge, built to host meetings and events. In addition, the park’s list of pre- or post-meeting activities is nearly endless. Explore the trails on horseback or tour the shores of the park’s 210-acre lake, which is home to at least 50 alligators. Fortunately, there’s a designated alligator-free swimming area, adds Ray Black, Huntsville State Park manager.

With 4,000 square feet of meeting space in Raven Lodge, groups have plenty of room to explore the great indoors, too. The lodge has hardwood floors and stone walls flanked by large picturesque windows.

Stellar views aside, the most pleasing thing about the lodge may be the price. It can host up to 200 people for less than $250. Tables and chairs are available on-site, and a kitchen is available for meeting planners to bring in a catering crew.

Meet in a Canyon
It’s not every day you can say you planned a meeting in the second largest canyon in the United States. But those experiencing the new Mack Dick Group Pavilion can say exactly that, says Cory Evans, Palo Duro Canyon State Park manager.

The pavilion-located about 30 miles southeast of Amarillo-has a full commercial kitchen, seats 160 people in air-conditioned comfort and has a 1,200-square-foot wraparound porch. An all-day rental begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 10 p.m. Meeting planners are provided with a list of recommended caterers, including Feldman’s Wrong Way Diner, a local restaurant that has catered everything from filets for executive boards to barbecue for large groups, says Joe Marion, Feldman’s manager.

Typically, a corporate event involves a workshop, dinner or seminar. The rest of the day, participants are able to explore 30 miles of multiuse trails by foot or horseback.

Check Out the Greens
Nearly any golfer would appreciate a $9 weekday green fee. That’s why Texas state parks, such as Lockhart State Park, are popular for corporate retreats filled with golf enthusiasts.

Golf carts cost $11 for nine holes. Often, groups will have a brief meeting in the park’s recreation hall that accommodates up to 75 people. Afterward, the meeting-goers golf or hike along the nature trails, says James Hess, Lockhart State Park manager.

Convenience for both Austin and San Antonio companies is a huge factor in picking this state park for a daylong corporate retreat. “Come here and have a function for the day and be back to Austin in 30 minutes or San Antonio in an hour,” says Hess.

Another state park with a golf course is Bastrop State Park, located 35 miles east of Austin, which features an 18-hole golf course. The course’s greens fees are less than $15 Mondays through Thursdays, and there is a group dining hall that accommodates up to 80 people.

See Texas First State Park
A roundup of meeting options at Texas state parks wouldn’t be complete without including Mother Neff State Park, about 35 miles northwest of Temple and southwest of Waco.

The park was named after Isabella Eleanor “Mother” Neff, the woman who donated six acres of land along the Leon River in 1916 to become Texas’ first state park. After her death, Mother Neff’s son-then-Texas Gov. Pat Neff-deeded additional land to increase the park’s size.

The park has a natural rock shelter that resembles a cave. The 250-plus acre park is so sprawling, it has three ecosystems: the river bottom, the limestone embankment and the prairie. Up to 250 people can be seated in the group picnic area, referred to as Rock Tabernacle, which is just above the Leon River. A nearby indoor recreation hall offers air conditioning and seats 75. Both group areas have day rentals of less than $80, but none allow alcoholic beverages, says Leah Huth, Mother Neff State Park superintendent.

Just a Short Drive
With 95 state parks, there are bound to be a few near top Texas destinations.

Cleburne State Park is located 40 miles southwest of Fort Worth and corporate retreaters can enjoy the 100-acre Cedar Lake. For a true weekend retreat, there are group barracks that sleep 44. An accompanying dining hall has air conditioning. The full barracks and dining area rents for $450 a night, and tables and chairs are available on-site.

 

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