Who We Are
The White Rock Lake Foundation is instrumental in presenting the
case for the maintenance and improvement of White Rock Lake. It
coordinates public relations efforts, serves as a unified
advocacy group before the Dallas City Council, acts in close and
effective cooperation with the Dallas Park and Recreation Board
to assist in long-term planning and design, and spearheads
private fundraising efforts.
Image courtesy of Le Ann Tawney
History of The White Rock Lake Foundation
The White Rock Lake Foundation got its start in 1989,
when a concerned group of citizens formed the
foundation out of concern for the lake. Friends’ first task
was to have the dredging project for the lake placed on the upcoming
bond election. Friends was among several similarly concerned groups who
pleaded the case before the Dallas City Council, with successful
results: the issue was placed on the bond referendum and in May 1995,
Dallas voters overwhelmingly approved a $18 million dollar bond issue to
dredge White Rock Lake and restore it to a healthy, life-sustaining
depth by the end of the 20th century.
Image courtesy of Le Ann Tawney
From those grassroots origins, the White Rock Lake Foundation has adopted goals that include the development of a Comprehensive Landscape Architectural Concept Plan and a schedule for all restoration, preservation, and development efforts at White Rock Lake. These goals have been adopted by the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.
Fundraising continues to be a critical component of the White Rock Lake Foundation’s responsibilities. Private funds have paid for essentials at White Rock Lake Park such as picnic tables, bicycle racks, benches, trash receptacles, and additional landscaping.
Become a Member and Make a Difference.
Image courtesy of Sue Benner #sueswhiterock
Our Mission
The Mission of the White Rock Lake Foundation, established in 1989, is to
bring together and maximize the resources of the entire community into a
coordinated effort for the benefit of White Rock Lake Park. The
foundation works with the City of Dallas and the Dallas Park and
Recreation Department to help implement the Master Plan for White Rock
Lake.
The White Rock Lake Foundation Projects
Over the course of more than 30 years, The White Rock Lake Foundation has
raised millions of dollars and invested countless hours of volunteer
time in support of White Rock Lake.
Here is a short list of the top projects of the White Rock Lake
Foundation as we move forward into our fourth decade:
Update the comprehensive landscape architectural concept plan for White
Rock Lake.
Complete restoration and beautification of entrances to the lake.
Promote the lake and lake events through numerous publications and communications.
New hike and bike trails.
Improved playgrounds and parks.
Forests, wildflowers, and wildlife protection.
An interpretive center for wildlife.
- Project Update: The Foundation presented the Dallas Park and Recreation Department with a check for $151,250 to begin restoration on Winfrey Point. This will be a three year project and cost estimates exceed $500,000. The Dallas Park and Recreation Department matched these initial funds through monies from the 2017 bond package. The remaining $200,000+ will be raised by The White Rock Lake Foundation. Numerous improvements will be accomplished through this effort bringing this long time facility at White Rock to the premier condition that will preserve it for years to come.
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Board members at the new shade structures added to the Winfrey Point Ball
Fields.
Board members at the newest portal sign, added in 2019 at the Williamson
Road entrance to the lake.
Project Update: Restoration and
beautification of the entrances to the lake.
Stone signs have been installed at the entrances to the White Rock Lake
Park.
What we have done
Obtained Dallas City Council support to place a $18 million
dredging project for White Rock Lake on the 1995 bond election.
Designed and saw to completion new drive lanes, parking, hike and
bike trails, and landscape improvements on East Lawther Drive
from the main Garland Road entrance to Winfrey Point.
Developed the total Master Plan rendering for White Rock Lake
Park.
Funded and designed new architectural stone abutments to the
pedestrian bridge at the main park entrance.
Refurbished and renovated the White Rock Lake monument sign and
bridge at the main entrance.
Built a new stone sign for Winfrey Point.
Obtained an Urban Wildlife Sanctuary designation for White Rock
Lake.
Funded signs for the “Lock, Take and Hide” program.
Founding sponsor for White Rock Lake Volunteers In Patrol.
Gold Sponsor for the White Rock Lake Museum.
Contributing partner for the crime watch hotline at the lake.
Raised funds for the Little League ball fields at Winfrey Point.
Built new stone sign for Boy Scout Hill.
Built new stone sign for T.P. Hill park entrance.
Campaigning for bond issues to restore and beautify the lake.
Raising funds for shoreline enhancements.
Working on other funding projects identified and targeted by the
Dallas Park and Recreation Department.
What Is Next
New hike and bike trails.
Improved playgrounds and parks.
Forests, wildflowers, and wildlife.
An interpretive center for wildlife.
A first-class, safe urban oasis.
City bond elections affecting/improving White Rock Lake.
Become a Member
The White Rock Lake Foundation focuses on the preservation of White Rock
Lake’s natural health and beauty for the benefit of people and
wildlife.
Make a Donation
Your support is vital to the mission of The White Rock Lake Foundation.
You can support our efforts by making a donation to The White Rock Lake
Foundation.