Next month, residents of District 9 will be voting for a
White Rock Lake and Park are considered by many to be our neighborhood’s crown jewel, particularly since the recent dredging project. Currently, the City and several lake groups are working on plans to further improve the lake and park, which will likely add to White Rock’s popularity, drawing in more users from outside our area. Some residents in this district, however, are concerned about the impact of increased usage on White Rock’s natural resources and how it will affect the quality of life in our neighborhood. How much additional development (if any), and what type of development (if any), do you favor at
Here are the candidates’ answers:
Cannon Flowers
The popularity of the lake is unquestionable. In fact that is what brought many of us to the area. I look at other cities across the United States that have bodies of water inside the city and I see thriving businesses and family life and people of all ages enjoying the atmosphere of the water. As a city council representative for District 9, before making any decisions, I will work directly with the homeowners association and put together a comprehensive development plan. I will also make sure that our appointment to the Parks board is listening and monitoring lake activity. There will be direct dialogue between the homeowners, the Parks Board and Dallas City Council. We can focus on building continued infrastructure around the lake, such as more lighting, paved walks and running tracks. We also need to consider encouraging more art and music festivals in the park. Possibly allowing weekend food vendors and positive entertainment for the entire family around the lake, much like
But most important is listening carefully to the people who live right at the lake, making sure that their lives and homes are not adversely affected by such development or increase in visitors. I want citizens living outside District 9 to consider coming to District 9 a special event, where they come on the weekend, relax, enjoy the arts, music and the beauty of the lake.
Gary Griffith
As your Park Board representative for the past three years, I have championed the belief that we all are stewards of
As your city councilman, I will work to enhance our city’s other regional parks so they will attract current users of
Every proposed park improvement should continue to be reviewed by a Task Force of dedicated lake volunteers. It is important we closely monitor and enforce our park guidelines.
How do we pay for good parks?
I am pleased to report that over the past three years more than $275,000 has been raised by neighborhood volunteers for our parks and open spaces in
Roxan Staff
A good park system is essential to the livability of a city. Parks and open space provide relief from the chaos and density of a city. The city must be sensitive to that need and plan for it.
Parks and natural space are very fragile. Over development and overuse destroy their ability to provide the peace and refreshment that citizens crave. The long-term solution is to encourage development of parks and open space throughout
Although designated as a regional park,
I support enhancements which promote “gentle” use of the park (jogging, picnicking, strolling, children’s playgrounds, fishing, etc.), without drastically increasing the load on the park. Certain projects in the bond program provide this, like sensible erosion control and path widening.
I oppose commercial uses in the park.
Ongoing maintenance must be provided in the general operating budget. Protecting assets is just good business. A beautifully maintained park is one signal that says the City cares about its assets. That message resonates to good businesses and homeowners. It can be seen in the many “healthy” neighborhoods surrounding White Rock.
Albert Turner
For more than 60 years I have been a citizen of
I can see the White Rock Lake area of the future much like the White Rock I remember in times past when families from throughout the area felt safe and happy to include this beautiful city lake in their weekend plans.
I would support a well-conceived effort, with input from all interested parties, to make