State Parks Getting An Upgrade

Some of those shorter vacations may have families headed to Oklahoma's state parks.  Parks are putting their best foot forward with $20 million worth of improvements. News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports many needed improvements for the state's aging park system have been put on the back burner for years, because of a lack of funding.  But, they've dusted off the wish list, and with extra state money set aside just for state park improvements, they're doing a modern day makeover.

It's been decades since the cabins at Western Hills State Park have seen major upgrades.  Resort Park Manager J.W. Wright has been hoping for improvements for more than 20 years.  Now, those improvements are underway.

"I am excited about it.  And, I think everybody that comes out here and they see the improvements are going to be excited also," said Resort Park Manager J.W. Wright.

The old cabins feature cinderblock walls, outdated furniture, dark paneling, and drafty windows.  By contrast, the new ones are sheetrocked with nicely painted walls and rustic furniture.  There are new tile floors and refurbished bathrooms.

"It's direly needed and we're just appreciative of the funding to get it done," said Resort Park Manager J.W. Wright.

The improvements are part of a $20 million fix-up for parks statewide.  Half of the projects, like the cabin restoration at Western Hills, are taking place now.  The rest will start July first.

Many of the upgrades are to keep the parks competitive in the travel market.  And, many agree it's a good start toward a nearly $90 million backlog of projects at state parks and lodges.

Altogether, 12 of the rooms in the cabins at Western Hills will be renovated by the first of September.

"The ones that come out here and stay in the cabins are going to enjoy it ten times more than they have before," said Resort Park Manager J.W. Wright.

Western Hills is also getting new playground areas, barbecue grills, a new pavilion in the camping area and a new roof on the riding stable.

There are also upgrades at other state parks in our area, including Sequoyah, Robbers Cave, Natural Falls, Eufaula and Greenleaf.