A new state park in Central Texas is in the works. Why it matters: With so much of Texas property in private hands, the new park will be key to expanding public access to the state's natural spaces. Driving the news: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has purchased 2,

The land is right across the Colorado River from Colorado Bend State Park. The new park may be open in about two years.

Texas Parks and Wildlife purchased about 2,000 acres near Colorado Bend State Park in Burnet County, which will become a new state park. The property, shown in yellow, is across the Colorado River from the existing park. State officials have finalized a $35 million deal for 2,020-acre tract that will be part a new Hill Country state park.