In the remaining weeks of summer they will ride mountain bikes, visit the Bison herd, see the Indian rock art and the dinosaur tracks, study wildlife, try their hand at canoeing, and horseback riding and studying the stars. Polly Vaughan is directing the program begun by a committee of Friends in response to a grant opportunity offered by Texas Park and Wildlife Community Outdoor Outreach Program. Friends of SASP established partnerships with Tom Green County Juvenile Justice, House of Faith Neighborhood Centers and Dads Make a Difference. The agencies provide transportation and supervision. Friends, with funds from the grant, provide food, activities leaders and equipment, as well as fund horse and llama outfitters.
Local contributors provide food in the form of lunches and WTU sponsored t-shirts.
The third go-round of sessions will begin in September and conclude in October. 2000 participants will be encouraged to take part in a one-day conservation project in the fall. All activities will be repeated in 2001. Park users now have the ability to reserve campsites and pay deposits via the Internet and upon their arrival at the park, can pay all fees and purchase products with the simple swipe of a credit card. Discover, MasterCard and VISA are accepted at all but 8 state parks.