A LEGACY BUILT AROUND THE LAKE.
Since 1989, The White Rock Lake Foundation has brought together the community to protect, preserve, and enhance one of Dallas’ most treasured spaces.
WE EXIST FOR ONE REASON: THE LAKE
The White Rock Lake Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty, safety, and accessibility of White Rock Lake Park.
We work alongside the Dallas Park and Recreation Department and the City of Dallas, as well as local partners, and the community to fund projects that make a lasting impact – from trail improvements and historic preservation to erosion and dredging efforts, The White Rock Lake Foundation is committed to White Rock Lake and White Rock Lake Park.
IT STARTED WITH A SHARED VISION
Founded in 1989, The White Rock Lake Foundation was created to unite community resources in support of the lake.
By 1995, the Foundation played a key role in supporting the bond initiative that funded the lake’s major dredging project — a milestone that helped restore and protect the lake for future generations.
What began as a focused effort has grown into decades of ongoing stewardship.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY THAT PROTECTS THE LAKE
DECADES OF STEWARDSHIP

1989
Foundation established

1995
Major dredging supported

2000s
Trail improvements and park enhancements

2010s
Urban Wildlife Sanctuary designation

Today
Ongoing investment in safety, restoration, and access
WE BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER
The Foundation acts as a connector — working with city departments, neighborhood groups, and lake organizations to identify priorities and fund meaningful improvements.
There’s no hierarchy here — just a shared commitment to doing what’s best for the lake.
LEADERSHIP ROOTED IN COMMUNITY
The Foundation has been guided by dedicated leaders who share a deep connection to White Rock Lake and a commitment to its future.
Susan Falvo
Susan has been involved with White Rock Lake Park and with the Park and Recreation Department for many years. She has been on The White Rock Lake Foundation Board for over 25 years and held several positions on the board including president for 6 years.
Currently Susan is the Chair of the White Rock Lake Task Force, an organization formed by the Honorable Gary Griffith when he was the representative for District 9 on the Dallas Park Board. She is one of the original members of the Task Force and continues to support this organization and its efforts benefitting White Rock Lake Park. She has been on numerous boards and committees in Dallas and the North Texas Community.
Susan has been on numerous boards and committees in Dallas and the North Texas area. She is a member of the White Rock Lake Partnership, on the Leadership Committee for Visit Dallas, the VP of Membership for the Dallas Theater Center Guild, the Advisory Board for the East Dallas Chamber of Commerce, and on the Marketing, Culture and Growth and Business Owners Committees for CREW Dallas.
Susan has held Senior Management positions in marketing and communications in a wide range of industries for over thirty years. She is the Principal of Involved! LLC. Involved! LLC combines Marketing and Communications with Community Engagement, Community Involvement and Social Responsibility to the benefit of both the company and the community.
Past President
Ted Ellis
Ted was born and raised in Dallas and has been a user of White Rock Lake Park for most of his life. He has been in property management, real estate sales and remodeling since 1980 and attended the University of Texas at Austin. He is passionate about the future of the lake and the goals of the White Rock Lake Foundation which was formed in 1989. Having been an active member he has been involved in many improvement projects and fundraisers through the years and remains committed to seeing the lake and park enhanced to its full potential. He has served on the board of the foundation since 1997 and currently serves as a board member.
Past President
Kathleen Foley
Kathleen grew up in Texas and then relocated to Nevada where she earned a degree from UNLV in business with a concentration in finance. She has over thirty years-experience in a wide range of management positions in the hospitality, gaming, and real estate industries. After returning to Texas, she settled near White Rock Lake and began spending time there. Being very passionate about protecting the fragile nature of the environment made her want to actively participate in the foundation to help preserve the lake for families and visitors to enjoy. She is a commercial appraiser and real estate broker and tries to spend as much time as possible outdoors.
President
SUPPORTED BY OUR COMMUNITY.
Our work is made possible through the generous support of corporate partners and community members who believe in protecting White Rock Lake.