Lockhart State Park

February’s park combines all the benefits of visiting a state park plus a day at the golf course for those who enjoy the sport. Yes, my husband and I played golf at scenic Lockhart State Park in December of 2015! I went in December for two reasons. Reason one: we were in the area and I don’t like to camp in cold weather but wanted to keep up the blog-a-month during winter months. Two: it was an unusually warm day with Christmas right around the corner; what better day for golfing?

Knowing I would be there for only a day, I still picked up a trail map–and a couple of other handouts–at the front office. The trails were all noted on this map as well as the five pools along the spring fed Clear Fork Creek. The creek is supposed to be a good spot to catch bass, catfish and sunfish.

The Entrance sign isn't clear since the picture was taken mid-day. The golf carts we rented were parked a short distance from the front office building.

  I also walked over to the swimming pool area, an easy walk from the front office/check-in building. The original stone walls built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) still exist around the pool area but the first pool was replaced in the 1970’s. There was no water in the pool but it will be filled before re-opening, around Memorial Day, and will be an ideal place to cool off then.

Going back to my ‘to-do-list-at-Lockhart’, my husband and I quickly rented a golf cart and started down the course. We had hardly any company while playing the game since it was a weekday. That was great since it was a challenging 9 holes for me.

After golfing, I took a walk down one of the shorter trails. The one I chose, the CCC Trail, was a winding, very hilly trail. I was glad the trail only covered .08 of a mile. There was a handrail along the first part of the walk that I used and stone steps on the path were constructed by the CCC workers back in the 1930’s. The trail started at a trailer camping area and ended at the golf course.

The beginning and end of the rugged CCC trail.

Looking for other activities, I noticed another handout for park visitors titled “Public Programs”. It included archery lessons that were part of a Homeschool Series for ages 10 through 18 years old. I’m sure the front office would be glad to tell anyone interested if these public programs continue in 2016.

I didn’t pick up trash at this park. I saw no trash on the golf course, where I spent most of my time.
Before leaving Lockhart State Park, I took a picture of a CCC building that I was told is now being used as the park director’s residence.

I applaud the state parks for keeping up these CCC buildings. I'm sure it requires hard work to maintain them.

This is a park worth visiting, especially if you’re a golfer, even a real amateur like I am. In the summer, it would be an adventure to take in a golf game in the morning and a swim in the pool in the afternoon. Swimming and golf on a warm day? What a plan as I sit in front of my computer on a cold winter day…

 

In March, it will likely be warm while I’m enjoying another Texas state park.