SRA Developing Sabinetown Park “World Class” Fishing Tournament Venue on Toledo Bend
Conceptual plans for the Sabinetown Park site on Toledo Bend include a 6-lane boat ramp in a deep water protected cove, parking for approximately 300 trucks and trailers, pavilions, public restrooms, and other amenities. The facility will accommodate recreational boating and fishing, regional tournaments, and marque professional fishing tournaments. The project will be built in phases with the first phase focusing on the tournament venue and road access improvements.
The facility will be located at the end of Bayou Fork Road North, off FM 83 east of Hemphill. SRA has partnered with Sabine County and the USFS to improve the road by upgrading to an asphalt surface. Permitting and engineering are under way for phase 1, with construction planned to begin in 2023.
Sabine County Judge Daryl Melton is excited about the planned improvements. “Sabine County and all of East Texas are blessed to have SRA develop a project of this significance on Toledo Bend. The new facility will enhance recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to the area. I expect that additional private investment in the area will follow this project and is perfectly timed to work with our economic development vision in Sabine County. We appreciate the Sabine River Authority and their efforts to make this happen.”
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 facility will be a first-class venue that will attract major tournaments and bring enhanced recognition to Toledo Bend. This recreational improvement project, along with other planned improvements on Toledo Bend continue to demonstrate SRA’s commitment to areas surrounding Toledo Bend.”
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.