This year marks a milestone for Texas State Parks–100 years of providing visitors a place where they can explore nature and Texas’ rich history. “We invite all Texans to experience these precious public lands that truly belong to them,” Rodney Franklin, Texas State Parks director, said. “We hope this is the year every Texan visits at least one state park. We are going to take advantage of the excitement about the centennial to showcase everything our parks have to offer.” Centennial celebration events kicked-off in January with first day hikes. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), nearly 8,000 participants traveled to one of the 83 participating state parks and hiked, biked and paddled a combined 17,190 miles.