Sen. Burns files bill to designate Hugo Lake Park as State Park

Burns Files Bill to Transfer Hugo Lake Park Properties

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 7th) – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has introduced legislation to transfer the management and operation of Hugo Lake Park to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. Senate Bill 121 proposes transferring all properties currently held for Hugo Lake Park to the department by January 1, 2026.

The bill aims to designate Hugo Lake as an official state park, improving oversight, enhancing amenities, and streamlining management responsibilities to provide a better visitor experience.

State Sen. Burns files bills to increase state park oversight, remove fees for Oklahoma residents

Burns Introduces Legislation to make State Parks more accessible to Oklahomans

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 14th) – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has introduced Senate Bill 1253 to make State Parks in Oklahoma more accessible and affordable for state residents. This legislation, if passed, would allow the Commission to establish an annual pass or other varied passes as appropriate to the park for visitors, while also removing fees for Oklahomans.

House Committee hears study on economic impact of State Parks

Committee Hears Study on Economic Impact of State Parks

OKLAHOMA CITY – A study on the economic impact of Oklahoma State Parks have on their communities met Monday before the Oklahoma House Appropriations & Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee. The study was organized by Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore.

Townley opened the meeting by expressing her gratitude for everyone participating in the study.

"I hope this study will bring awareness to the fact that we need improvements in capital infrastructure. It is all of our desire to see want to see Oklahoma growing and thriving," Townley said. "Oklahoma State Parks are a vital part of our state and have the potential to create more growth."

Townley reminded attendees that the tourism industry is the state's third largest economic driver and should be invested in regularly.

Hugo Lake Park would become state park again under bill passed by State Senate

Senate approves measure to restore state park status of Hugo Lake Park

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 23rd) – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, is the author of Senate Bill 675, which was approved Wednesday and would transfer Hugo Lake Park back to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.

State Senate approves bill to remove state park entry fees

Bill to remove state park entry fees approved by full Senate

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 10th) – Senate Bill 637 was approved by the Senate on Wednesday. Burns’ bill eliminates state park entry fees with the exception of motor homes and travel trailers. The fees are not to exceed $8.

State Sen. Burns files trio of measures related to Oklahoma state parks

Burns files trio of measures related to Oklahoma state parks

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has filed three pieces of legislation related to state parks and their operations.

Lt. Gov. Pinnell announces bidding open for new state park restaurant contract

In the aftermath of ongoing scandal over a contractor's sweetheart deal to operate restaurants at multiple state parks and questionable spending (covered well by The Frontier), Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell has re-opened bidding for a new contractor to replace Swadley's Foggy Bottom Kitchen:

LT. GOVERNOR MATT PINNELL ANNOUNCES RFP FOR NEW STATE PARK RESTAURANT CONTRACT

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (May 6th) – One week after accepting a larger oversight role of the agency, Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, in his role as Secretary of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage, today provided an update on the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. He also announced a new requests for proposal (RFP) for new state park restaurant concession contract(s).

Reps. Hardin, Townley worry new State Park fees will lead to decreased tourism

Hardin, Townley Worry Park Fees Will Lead to Decreased Tourism

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 12th) – State Reps. Tommy Hardin, R-Madill, and Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, today expressed their frustration following the recent announcement by the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department that state-owned parks would now begin charging parking fees.

“I was extremely disappointed and downright insulted by the answers I received today from Director Winchester on park fees,” Hardin said, “I believe the fees should be put on hold until Tourism corrects the reservation fraud going on and local representation has the opportunity to voice their concerns. Apparently people are making large profits on reservations they make and then resell. The fraud and the proposed fees are taking away the ability of local people to enjoy their state parks.”

State Rep. Grego questions new State Park fees

Grego Questions State Park Fees

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton, today said he was in total dismay after learning of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department’s plan to start charging fees to enter state-owned parks, which traditionally have been free except for extra amenities.

Rep. Grego worked tirelessly alongside Rep. Johnny Tadlock, R-Idabel, during the past legislative session trying to postpone or eliminate what he is calling a new tax.

“In committee hearings, Tourism Director Jerry Winchester continued to try to sell us his cause,” Grego said. “We introduced House Bill 2884, which would have allowed exceptions from these fees for local citizens. It’s hard for me to understand when a lake was built 90 years ago on donated land and the cost of construction was paid with public funds, that now we are going to charge our citizens a fee to enjoy this body of water.”

Grego said as a child growing up in Latimer County, going to Robber’s Cave State Park’s Lake Carlton was one of the few outings his family of 12 could afford.