By: Rogers (Senate Sponsor - King) H.C.R. No. 4
(In the Senate - Received from the House May 1, 2023;
May 2, 2023, read first time and referred to Committee on
Administration; May 16, 2023, reported favorably by the following
vote: Yeas 7, Nays 0; May 16, 2023, sent to printer.)
Click here to see the committee vote
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The city of Mineral Wells has long been associated
with activities focused on health and well-being, and in recent
years, it has become an increasingly popular destination for
travelers seeking wellness experiences; and
WHEREAS, Mineral Wells first gained renown as a health resort
during the late 1800s and early 1900s, when tourists were drawn by
its mineral waters, which were believed to have special medicinal
properties; by the 1920s, the town was home to more than 400 mineral
wells and numerous therapeutic bathhouses, and bottled water and
water crystals from the area were shipped throughout the nation;
today, visitors can still enjoy mineral baths and spa treatments
inspired by those that gave rise to the city's historic motto: "the
South's Greatest Health Resort"; and
WHEREAS, While Mineral Wells draws inspiration from its rich
past, it also caters to the needs of health-conscious travelers in
the 21st century; the local wellness industry has enjoyed a
resurgence in recent years as the city has worked toward securing
designation as a Wellness Tourism Destination; in order to receive
this coveted title, a community is required to meet a number of
criteria outlined by the Wellness Tourism Association with an
emphasis on health, safety, cleanliness, sustainability, and
natural beauty; and
WHEREAS, Located in the hilly terrain of the Palo Pinto
Mountains, the Mineral Wells area offers numerous locations to
enjoy the outdoors, including the Brazos River, Possum Kingdom
Lake, and the Clark Gardens Botanical Park; in addition, the city
boasts a variety of recreational opportunities at Lake Mineral
Wells State Park, the Texas Frontier Trails, and Mineral Wells
Fossil Park, where visitors can enjoy such activities as hiking,
cycling, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, paddleboarding, and
horseback riding; and
WHEREAS, A range of businesses have been established in
Mineral Wells that are popular with wellness travelers, among them,
yoga studios and markets featuring goods from local artisans and
fresh produce from area farmers and growers; such enterprises
reflect the growing importance of tourism to the city's economy;
and
WHEREAS, Through its burgeoning wellness industry and its
abundance of natural attractions, Mineral Wells is building on its
heritage as one of the Lone Star State's premier destinations for
wellness getaways and elevating its reputation as a haven for both
recreation and relaxation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate Mineral Wells as the official Wellness Capital of
Texas; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section
391.003(e), Government Code, this designation remain in effect
until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally
passed by the legislature.
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