Atlanta State Park hires Knox as new superintendent
By Angela Guillory
aguillory@casscountynow.com
Atlanta State Park staff recently welcomed Sam Knox as the new superintendent of the Atlanta State Park. Knox has been with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in various capacities since 2006.
He was initially hired on at the Sam Bell Maxey House in Paris, Texas where he filled the role of curator, groundskeeper and tour guide. He was then transferred to Cooper Lake - South Sulphur as a maintenance specialist in 2008. While working at Cooper Lake, Knox pursued a degree in Wildlife and Conservation Science at Texas A&M University-Commerce with the intent of moving into management within the state parks system.
Knox has been a member of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Fire program for four years traveling across the state to perform prescribed burns and fight wildfire.
Knox says he is accustom to the lifestyle of a park ranger. He grew up in Texas State Parks. His dad, Mike Knox, was a long time TPWD State Park superintendent.
He has spent almost his entire life living in, working in, and enjoying Texas’ State Parks. He lived in Atlanta once before for a few months while his dad was superintendent of Atlanta State Park. So he is familiar with the area and excited to be back.
Sam is married to Abby Knox and has two children, Michael, 10 months old and Megan, 5.
He joined the staff as temporary superintendent in October 2013 and was officially hired as the new superintendent in January.
Knox said he is excited to be here and looks forward to meeting the many local residents who use the state park.
He encourages the community to come out and take part in the interpretive programs, free fishing from the bank, sand volleyball, basketball, pitching horseshoes, canoeing, swimming, hiking and camping in the park. A bird watching observation deck is under construction near the playground.
The park will host its annual Easter egg hunt with lots of eggs, candy and prizes at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 19 for children 12 years of age and younger. For more information on park activities call 903-796-6476. Atlanta State Park is located nine miles north of Atlanta off of FM 96.
