Friends 'turned loose' to raise funds

January 26, 2011

The Friends of the State Park are about “to be turned loose” to officially raise funds for a new nature center at the park.

For more than a year, the group has been advocating the construction of a combination nature/visitor center at the state park, an addition they believe would draw more visitors to this area.

The biggest stumbling block, as to be expected, is money. Preliminary estimates put the cost of a new center at around $600,000, and considering the state is dealing with a $15 billion budget shortfall, group members realize they'll have to raise most or all of the needed funds through private efforts.

In a Tuesday meeting with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials, the Friends learned they will soon receive a charter authorizing them to officially raise funds on behalf of the facility project.

For more information, you may subscribe to the Big Spring Herald or purchase an e-edition.