East Dallas Residents Weigh in on White Rock Lake Master Plan at Community Meeting

Dallas has a lot of plans and a lot of public workshops to gather input. One thing is for sure: East Dallas residents show up and peacefully work through the process. Maybe that’s because the Dunaway consulting firm has done a masterful job in crafting the White Rock Lake Master Plan update and listening to residents. Maybe it’s because White Rock Lake is such a gem. 

More than 100 people attended the Nov. 6 meeting at the Bath House Cultural Center overlooking the lake. Hosted by Dunaway, Councilwoman Paula Blackmon, and Park and Recreation Board member Maria Hasbany, several city leaders including former City Plan Commission Michael Jung were on hand to answer questions. 

There are about 20 existing plans just related to White Rock Lake, Blackmon said. 

“One plan says this and one plan says that,” she said. “There’s no predictability and there’s no way we can determine the last time we checked our docks. It became very obvious that we didn’t have a bible. That’s why we came to this point. Let’s get what we want and create a plan so we can go after bond money. We want all our partners to come together so we’re all rowing — pun intended — in the same direction. That’s why we have gone on this journey.” 

Consultants plan to deliver an updated White Rock Lake Master Plan in early spring and continued gathering community feedback last week. 

White Rock Lake Master Plan

The 1,015-acre White Rock Lake was built in 1911 and is recognized as one of the most heavily used parks in Dallas.

Landscape architect Philip Neeley, senior engagement manager for Dunaway, facilitated the public meeting and said no new concepts have been drawn yet. 

“We’re advancing toward that,” he said. “We went through the early phase of data gathering, base mapping, and beginning to pull together all the incredible pieces of history through the decades. As we move forward and have things actually on paper, there will be other chances for you to react in the future.” 

In addition to updating the master plan, Dunaway consultants are revisiting design guidelines established in 1994, said engagement manager Brad Moulton. 

The Master Plan is divided into different land use sections: General Park, Lakeside Drive, Environmental Preserve, Nautical, and Special Areas. 

“We’re starting to add some more detail in today’s map,” Moulton said. “We want you to react to those details and add to them. Tell us what’s working and what’s not working, what your big ideas are for these areas or an area that’s not flagged.” 

Public Input on White Rock Lake Master Plan

Mick Weisberg bought a home in the area in 1979 and cycles the trails around White Rock Lake regularly. 

“Thirty years ago, Dallas was woefully short of parkland,” Weisberg told CandysDirt.com. “We’re not behind anymore. I’m grateful and thrilled that we’re updating the master plan. East Dallas gets involved. I’m especially interested in the cycling trails. We do have a lot of plans, and it takes forever to get them adopted, but they do what they’re intended to do. I have nothing but praise for all who are involved.” 

The trail usage at White Rock Lake is among the strongest in the state, Neeley said. More than 400 respondents to a survey on the master plan said trails were their No. 1 use for the area. 

Blackmon echoed the sentiment that East Dallas residents show up and respectfully debate the issues. 

“That’s how we are in East Dallas,” she said. “We like to sit and communicate through our problems.”