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Galveston Island State Park to hold grand reopening celebration following major renovations

Reopening will take place on March 31-April 1

Galveston Island National Park. (NIECO PAYTON, Nieco Payton via TPWD)

Galveston Island State Park is celebrating its grand reopening following a years-long renovation due to damage from Hurricane Ike.

The beach side of Galveston Island State Park reopened in June of 2022, but a big two-day event will take place later this month to celebrate the reconstruction.

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March 31 will include speakers from local and state officials, activities and self-guided tours. April 1 will include more activities, with recreational events happening every hour.

“We’re excited to invite everyone to come celebrate with us and see the results,” Park Superintendent Steven Kimbley said in a news release. “It’s a small way to thank everyone for supporting us through hurricane and recovery. Galveston Island State Park is now fully open and our staff is excited to welcome all Texans to come experience the Third Coast.”

The park reopened with new campsites and amenities last year after Hurricane Ike damaged structures there in 2008.

The additions include 95 campsites, 20 shade shelters for day use, an equestrian area and a park headquarters building, as well as new restrooms, roads and changing areas.

There are also five miles of hiking trails, observation towers, boardwalks, kayak launches and a remodeled nature center.

“The new headquarters, campsites and day-use area are more elevated now,” Kimbley said. “Structures are built to flex with the landscape and be more resistant to future extreme weather.”

Reservations can be made by clicking here or calling the Texas State Park Reservation Center at 512-389-8900.

Beach campground at Galveston Island State Park (Photo Credit: Nieco Payton)
Galveston Island State Park beach headquarters (Photo Credit: Nieco Payton)
Beach access boardwalk seating at Galveston Island State Park (Image provided by TPWD, Photo Credit: Nieco Payton)
Outdoor showers and changing rooms at Galveston Island State Park (Photo Credit: Nieco Payton)
Beach tent pad at Galveston Island State Park (Photo Credit: Nieco Payton)
Galveston Island State Park (Courtesy of TPWD)
Beach campground at Galveston Island State Park. (Nieco Payton via TPWD)
Boardwalk seating at Galveston Island State Park. (Nieco Payton via TPWD)

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About the Author
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Rebecca Salinas is the Digital Executive Producer at KSAT 12 News. A San Antonio native, Rebecca is an award-winning journalist who joined KSAT in 2019.

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