BUFFALO GAP, Texas -- Over the summer the Texas heat and wildfire outbreaks all across the state hurt the amount of visitors state parks saw.

This put a dent in The Texas Parks and Wildlife budget, about $4.6 million.

But, with a new year they are hoping to turn things around in 2012.

Sunday, hikers of all ages came out for the first annual Day Hike Program.

Abilene State Park Ranger, Ryan Hunter told KTXS, "Our New Year's resolution for this year would be to make the experience who comes out and visits, so enjoyable they want to come back and do it over and over again."

State parks rely heavily on visitors.

Hunter said, "Over half the state park revenue comes from user fees, so the more folks that come out the more revenue well generate."

Kristin Ward and her family are from Abilene and love to visit the different parks Texas has to offer.

Ward told KTXS, "My sons in scouts, so he enjoys coming out and hiking and camping with the Boy Scouts and so we wanted to be able to support this anyway we can."

Around 20 people and a few furry friends hit the trails of Abilene State Park to take in the first day of 2012.

Park rangers said they plan on doing more events like this through out the year to bring people out.

If you would like to help you can simple visit any state park: Admission $5

You can also make a $5 dollar donation the next time you register your car at the D-M-V.

You can also make a donation to: The Texas Parks and Wildlife