<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Hodges Gardens State Park in Sabine Parish could be closed this summer as a result of a $7.1 million cut to the state’s parks and historic sites budget.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Park membership board president Chris Nolen has been sitting in on hearings at the state Capitol hoping to learn of a way to save the over 700 acres of gardens.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“In a list of all the state parks, the lowest 12 in rankings of revenue and visitation are facing possible closure, and Hodges Gardens was in that bottom 12,” she said.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“I know that everyone’s park is their favorite park, but Hodges Gardens really is special. It is a garden in the forest, and there really is nothing else like it.”</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The gardens were originally owned by A.J. Hodges and his wife, Nona, and were first opened in 1956. The park and its 225-acre lake have become a haven for visitors.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Outdoor events are held throughout the year, and the gardens are looked after by a full staff of caretakers throughout the seasons.  </span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“Even if it is closed for the shortest amount of time, it will go to wrack and ruin,”</span> <span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Nolen</span> <span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">said. The park has been closed twice in its history — most recently in 2005 after Hurricane Rita.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“We were able to bring it back both times, and we fought very hard to do that,” she said. “There was a lot that was lost during those times, and I just hate to see the damage that will come from it being closed again.”</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Louisiana state parks spokeswoman Sharon Broussard said the cut could be finalized by the end of the legislative session, June 6. The closures would take effect July 1.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“The closures would be until funds became available, whether through the state general fund or by private donations or partnerships,” she said.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Nolen is asking the public to contact lawmakers and voice their support for Hodges Gardens.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">“All of our state parks are sources of revenue,” she said. “And our job as a public voice is to let them know that this park is special enough to be spared.”</span>

<p class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1">— </span>

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Follow</span> Pamela Sleezer on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/PamelaAmPress">https://twitter.com/PamelaAmPress</a>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">

</span><p>Hodges Garden State Park could face closure due to a cut in funding for state parks and historic sites. (Special to the American Press)</p>