Parker County Today January 2018 | Page 87

Things To Do At Meridian State Park: The park’s 72-acre lake offers fishing in addition to swimming and no-wake boating. Bird-watching is excellent and there is a good chance of seeing the rare golden-cheeked warbler. Other popular activities include camping, picnicking and bicycling on park roads. The Bosque Hiking Trail encircles Lake Meridian and features limestone outcroppings with fossils, a scenic overlook and aquatic vegetation. In addition to campsites for tents and RVs, the park also has screened shelters and there’s even a cabin available. They loan fishing gear for use in the park. • Interactive Trails Map • Detailed fishing and lake information for Meridian State Park Lake • Swimming Safety Tips Ranger Programs The park offers a variety of educational opportunities; check the calendar for upcoming events or contact the park for special tours. Citizen’s Park Ranger Academy Experience the adventure of working in a state park in a unique, four-week program that covers wild land firefighting, interpretive programs, park operations, law enforcement and more. The program is free; students must be at least 13 years old. The next academy will be at Dinosaur Valley, Cleburne and Meridian state parks in April 2018. Area Attractions Nearby attractions include Dinosaur Valley State Park; Lake Whitney State Park; Cleburne State Park; Fossil Rim and the recently-renovated historic Bosque County Courthouse in downtown Meridian. Sponsored By 85