MONAHANS, TX – One of West Texas’s most unique natural landscapes received important recreation upgrades this week as volunteers and community partners came together at Monahans Sandhills State Park to install new shelters at the Willow Draw Campground. The work was completed during a volunteer event organized by The Great Outdoors Fund (TGOF), Occidental (Oxy), and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).
The project focused on installing new shade structures in areas that lacked shade and seating. These improvements will help protect visitors from extreme temperatures, improve safety, and enhance the overall experience at the park, which welcomes more than 40,000 visitors each year.
Oscar Quintero, President and General Manager of Oxy’s Enhanced Oil Recovery Business Unit, said the company is proud to support a project that benefits both the park and the surrounding region. “Supporting the communities where our employees live and work is important to us. Monahans Sandhills is a special place for families across West Texas, and these shelters will go a long way towards creating a better experience for visitors and help ensure that this unique landscape remains a place people can enjoy for many years.”
Local leaders emphasized the positive economic impact of the work. Teresa Burnett, Executive Director of the Monahans Chamber of Commerce, highlighted how the park supports the region. “Monahans Sandhills is a major draw for visitors, and it plays a key role in our local economy. When people visit the park, they stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, and shop in our stores. Improving the visitor experience helps our businesses and strengthens our community. We are grateful for this partnership and for the investment made in our region.”
Lori McCullough, Founder and CEO of TGOF, said the effort is a clear example of what can be achieved when partners work together. “This project shows the value of bringing people and resources together to improve public lands. When public agencies and private partners combine their strengths, we can make meaningful improvements that benefit both local residents and visitors. We are thankful for everyone who stepped up to help protect and enhance this special place.”
Monahans Sandhills State Park, established in 1957, spans more than 4,700 acres and preserves one of Texas’s rarest ecosystems. The newly installed shelters will support the park’s role as a regional recreation destination and help ensure that it remains a safe, enjoyable place for families, campers, and dune sledders.