Bastrop State Park opening pushed back

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) - As wildfire clean-up efforts continue, the reopening date of Bastrop State Park has been pushed back to December 1, due to scheduling delays for ongoing and start-up capital repair projects affecting the various parts of the park.

Customers who have cabin reservations at the park in the upcoming months will have to adjust their plans.

The Central Reservation Center has been contacting customers with reservations to let them know about the delayed opening.

The reroofing project on the cabins, which originally had been slated for completion by the end of December, has been delayed due to the fire and cleanup efforts. The reroofing project is now scheduled to begin later this year and wrap up by the end of February 2012.

All but 100 acres of the 6,000-acre park was charred in the Bastrop Complex Fire.

Although the fire has scarred the landscape, Todd McClanahan, superintendent of the Lost Pines Complex , said campgrounds will be reopened by the new target date, despite the ongoing demolition and replacement of two restrooms (alternative restrooms and showers will be made available).

Campers will also find resealed or new roads, parking areas and RV pads being paved by the Texas Department of Transportation.

While Bastrop State Park will be closed for the next few months, visitors are encouraged to visit nearby Buescher State Park, which was untouched by the wildfire.

For Texas State Park reservations, call (512) 389-8900 or by e-mail: reservations@tpwd.state.tx.us.