Pool main attraction at Lake Livingston State Park

LAKE LIVINGSTON — In a state where mid-day summer temperatures simmer in the mid-to-upper 90s, hovering year-round between 70s-80s, many might find Lake Livingston State Park's limited pool hours maddening — especially if disappointed by the destination's lack of beachfront.

At the crest of the park's glittering curving shoreline, locked behind extra-tall fencing, shimmering in quiet hues of reflected blue, resides every little traveler's destination.

The pool.

"In the summer the swimming pool is probably the biggest attraction," said assistant park manager Sheldon Kauitzsch, even though, at 60 by 30 feet, "it's a third of the size" of Abilene State Park's pool — his former assignment.

A Texas parent trying to keep her children out of the sun during the hottest hours might scratch her head at the pool's posted hours: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Even more confounding to northern snowbirds and their brood escaping to East Texas' mild climes for winter-break is the declaration: "Open: Memorial Day - Labor Day."

Even then, it's closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

"We don't have the funds to operate it seven days a week," said park manager Wilburn Cox in an e-mail interview, adding that staff uses that time to maintain the pool.

"Funding is always a major issue with state parks, and having adequate staff," said Kauitzsch. For every 25 swimmers, a lifeguard is required.

Maintaining the 104,000 gallons of water overseen by four lifeguards costs $24,000 to $30,000 each summer, Cox said.

"So what," you might say, "this is after all Lake Livingston State Park."

Built in the historic shadow of early-19th century steamboat/ghost town Swartwout, today's soothing waves lapping and slurping at the edges of this peaceful lakeside park are a world away from the raw frontier Trinity River familiar to yesteryear's pioneers.

Since opening in 1977, visitors have pulled off U.S. 59 in the town of Goodrich to camp, hike, boat and fish along the park's 2.5 miles of pine-shaded shoreline bordering the second largest lake inside Texas.

In lieu of sandy beaches, though, a concrete and tin bulkhead erosion barrier separate land from water "due to how rough the lake gets" here on the lake's southern end, Kauitzsch said. During Hurricane Rita, he said, nearby Trinity River Authority observed 117 mph wind and 10-12 foot waves.

Instead, there are trails for hiking, biking or riding horseback on a rented steed; and plenty of piers for fishing.

Coming from West Texas, Kauitzsch still marvels at the park's wooded lake-front setting where waterfront campsites witness "beautiful sunsets."

"The trees are overwhelming, how tall they are. It's kind of neat when you are driving at night," he said.

Only an hour from both Lufkin and Houston, Lake Livingston State Park's 180,000 annual visitors are mainly Houstonians, says Kauitzsch, cautioning would-be visitors between spring break and July Fourth to make reservations.

Visitors at the park and in online reviews alike note the park's family-friendly atmosphere, and its clean facilities, which just underwent a $5,700 replacement of 18 new shower fixtures. Next on the park's wish list is a $200,000 electrical update for RV campsites.

BY THE NUMBERS

Land acquired: 1971

Opened to the public: 1977

Park size: 635.5 acres

Lake size: 84,000 acres

Elevation: 194 feet

Record catfish catch: 114 lbs. in 1976

Entrance fee: $3 per day, per person 13 and older

Group School-Sponsored Trip entrance fee per person: $1 - $5

Checkout time: 2 p.m.

Campsites with water hookup: $10

Campsites with water and electric: $15

Campsites with sewer, too: $25

Screened shelters: $30

Group campground/ open pavilion: 50 people, $35/night

Enclosed group pavilion: 50 people, $100/day

Amphitheater: 100 people, no charge

Playgrounds: 1

Boat ramp: 3

Boat dock: 1

Lighted fishing pier: 1

Bicycle rentals: $15/day or $10/4 hrs.

Hiking trail: 4.4 miles

Mountain biking trail: 4.5 miles

Equestrian trail: 2.5 miles

Nature study trail: 1.25 miles

2005 visitors: 183,721

2005 revenue: $571,582

2006 budget: $532,246

Sales tax generated: $25,736

Impact on sales: $5.14 million

No. of jobs created: 108.3

Miles southwest of Livingston: 10

Reservations: (512) 389-8900

If you Go

Camping: Yes

Picnicking: Yes

Swimming pool: Yes, Memorial Day-Labor Day

Mountain biking: Yes

Nature study: Yes

Fishing: Yes

Horseback rentals: Yes

Fish-cleaning facility: Yes

Canoe/kayak rentals: Yes

Seasonal store: March - November

Playground: Yes

To Get There

Take U.S. 59 one mile south of Livingston, travel 4 miles west on FM 1988, a half mile north on FM 3126 to Park Road 65.