SRA Reveals Plans for 'First-Class' Pendleton Park and Boat Ramp

By the time 2023 gets here, things could be looking quite a bit different on the Texas side of Pendleton Bridge at Toledo Bend Reservoir. At least, that's the target if everything goes to plan for a new venture being launched by the Sabine River Authority of Texas (SRA).

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The SRA has recently completed the acquisition of the Pendleton Harbor Marina property. The plans are to construct a new park facility that will included recreational opportunities and improved boating access.

Conceptual plans for the 15-acre Pendleton Park site on Toledo Bend include a new multi-lane boat ramp with protective jetty and fishing pier, enhanced parking, pavilion, swim beach, playground areas, public restrooms, walking trails and other amenities. The facility will go a long way to accommodating recreational fishing, small fishing tournaments, community gatherings and recreational enthusiasts on Toledo Bend Reservoir.

Additionallly, the Sabine River Authority is working with TxDot to provide improved turn lanes on Highway 21 for safe entry and exit to the facility. Future plans for the property include a new SRA Administrative office to better serve the residents near the shoreline of Toledo Bend. A visitor center is also in the works to welcome folks to Texas from out of state.

David Montagne, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Sabine River Authority of Texas noted, "In addition to being a major water supply reservoir for the East Texas area, Toledo Bend has earned a reputation as a premier fishery. The new construction will provide a first-class park facility and administrative offices to better server our customers and welcome visitors to Texas."

Conceptual Design Produced by MHS Planning and Design, LLC, Tyler, TX /contributed by SRA

Currently, the SRA is in the permitting process as well as doing the engineering planning. The bidding process is expected to begin in December or January. Although the conceptual drawing (pictured above) shows a phase by phase construction process over time, the hope is now to have most, if not all of the facility constructed and fully functional by the start of 2023. It's somewhat the aggressive timeline, but we can't wait to see the progress and the completed product.

Created by the Legislature in 1949, the Sabine River Authority of Texas is an official agency of the State of Texas. The Authority was created as a conservation and reclamation district with responsibilities to control, store, preserve, and distribute the waters of the Sabine River and its tributary streams for useful purposes.

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