The gates of Paul M. Grist State Park have been closed for more than a month now, but that could likely change within just a few weeks time.

After submitting a proposal to the state to take over operating the beloved park, Dallas County finally heard back.

Dallas County Commission Chairman and Probate Judge Kim Ballard received a draft of a lease agreement from the state Monday morning.

“It is just about what we asked for,” Ballard said.

The lease agreement is for a five-year term with the option to renew the agreement for two additional five-year periods. Ballard said if the lease is signed, Dallas County should be handed the keys to the gate by Dec. 1.

Ballard said getting to this point was a team effort by the Dallas County Commission.

“[We] worked pretty hard on this thing. We came up with a good plan, and the state pretty much agreed on what we wanted to do. We’ll be glad to get it and get it back in operation,” said Commissioner Roy Moore, whose district includes the park.

“There wasn’t much doubt that they wouldn’t agree to something other than just closing it.”

When the park closed, there was an outcry of support from people that have spent many days riding the horseback trails and many nights camping alongside the lake there. Moore said it was a priority for the commission to fight to get the park reopened in some form or fashion.

“It was extremely important because there were already people that are wondering when they’re going to be able to go back up there and horseback ride and get on the campsites and that type of stuff, ”Moore said. “And it won’t be long before they’re able to do that.”

Commissioner Curtis Williams said the feeling he got when Ballard told him about the state’s response was almost too hard to describe.

“I’m happy, I’m elated, I’m excited and delighted to hear that Camp Grist is being saved,” Williams said. “It is like the resurrection. We’re raising a dead park to new life, and it has been a great joy to know that we’re saving a great institution.”

Williams said he has many memories of his own from time spent at the park, and it would be a shame to not be able to make more.

“For years we’ve been down to Grist park camping, boating, canoeing and what have you, and to lose that would be just like taking a good friend away from you,” Williams said.

Commissioner Larry Nickles said the support the park has gotten has been tremendous.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to get it reopened,” Nickles said. “And we’re extremely excited about the people that have said they will come in, pitch in and help with the preparation of the park and keep it maintained and up to the standards that we desire.”

A Facebook page called “Save Paul Grist State Park” with more than 2,000 members said it plans to hold meetings soon to help organize volunteers that are willing to help maintain the park.

“I know there were a lot of concerned citizens in the city and county when they heard it was going to close,” said Commissioner Connel Towns. “And I’m quite sure they are pleased to hear that we are going to keep it open.”

Without any setbacks, the proposed agreement should go into affect Dec. 1.

“It is unfortunate that we had to go through this avenue,” said Rep. Darrio Melton. “But I think it is great that the park is going to be open and families are going to be able to create memories there as they have for many years.”