The Dallas City Council has approved a master plan for White Rock Lake Park, initiating projects that have been years in the making.
The council adopted the White Rock Lake Master Plan on March 25, laying out long-term management strategies and a vision for the park’s future. Before the vote, Councilwoman Gay Donnell Willis voiced her support of the plan.
“While this master plan is not a list of immediate ‘to-do’ items, it is the essential guide we need to identify and implement future projects effectively,” Willis said. “White Rock Lake belongs to all of Dallas, and I am incredibly proud of how our community showed up to shape its vision.”
The plan lays out priorities for management and potential projects at each of the sites along White Rock Lake – from Flag Pole Hill, to Garland Road, to the Old Fish Hatchery. Upgrades include protecting greenery and wildlife, improving picnic areas, expanding walking trails, and potentially building an “over-the-water boardwalk.”
“This achievement is the result of a multi-year partnership with the community,” Willis said. “To everyone who called, emailed, and attended our many town halls: your input guided this entire process and ensured this plan reflects the priorities of the people who love and use this park.”
Since the City of Dallas first began using White Rock Lake for water in 1911, it has been managed by what Willis called a “patchwork” of more than 12 overlapping plans and guidelines.
“This disjointed approach created a convoluted system where past initiatives were managed in silos rather than as part of a holistic strategy for the lake’s long-term future,” she said. “By consolidating those plans and decades of conflicting documents into one comprehensive framework, we are replacing a fragmented system with a clear strategic roadmap.”
This plan sets a “formal foundation” to secure funding for officials’ long-term vision for the park, according to Willis. Officials can also amend the plan as needed.
She thanked Dallas Parks and Recreation, city consultants, the White Rock Lake Task Force, Park Board Member Michael Jung, and former Park Board Member Maria Hasbany.
“Most importantly, I want to thank the people of Dallas,” Willis said. “With this plan in place, we are finally positioned to realize the full potential of White Rock Lake and uphold its standing as the gem of Dallas.”
Meanwhile, Dallas officials have been planning a massive project to dredge White Rock Lake.
Officials have only dredged the lake four times in its 115-year history serving the city, with the last time in 1998, according to the Lake Highlands Advocate. In January, the council increased the engineering budget for the project, which had a $1.37 million contract.