Trimmed trees at White Rock Lake. Photo courtesy of Mike DeGroot.
White Rock Lake Taskforce will meet Tuesday Oct. 10 at Winfrey Point at 4 p.m., the meeting will be the second part of their previous meeting on September 12, the information is provided by the meeting minutes.
Safety Update – Sergeant Guenther
Guenther stated the Northwest Division has made efforts to diminish homeless camps around the nearby lake. The homeless camps are approached with the city’s homeless outreach team to ensure safety. Alleged camps had criminal activity, and arrests were made in the process.
Various areas are becoming a growing concern in the uptick of homeless camping grounds, he said. Locations such as the construction staging for the LBJ widening west of the bike trail, celebration tree grove, and the pivot area behind Sunset Bay.
Recently, a car accident by the pumphouse that involved assault took place on a Sunday in September.
According to Guenther and city concerns, the park system and bike trails will be prioritized in getting rid of some of these camps for safety purposes.
Park Department Update – Sloan Anderson/Tamara Aqiuno
Sloan Anderson, reported she will be moving into a new position in order to manage downtown Dallas community engagement. Tamara Aquino will transition to Anderson’s previous role to take on responsibilities with the Taskforce. In addition, Aquino will be managing Pleasant Grove.
Updates were made on the bollard replacements, at this time they are approved and should be installed within 8 weeks, Aquino reported. Active tree removal will continue around the park due to their current conditions. The trail along Garland Road and the erosion issue is still in consultation with the contractor.
For safety purposes, an interim barrier will be installed along the roadway, and the Park Dept., TXDOT will continue to find and fund for further permanent solutions.
Park Board Update – Maria Hasbany
For Bond funds, Maria reported the Park Board met to review and discuss the developing list; it is still a work in progress. The latest funding total is 400 million. There is a request to support the Dredging project.
Master plan project is underway and community presentations will proceed in October and November as planned.
Follow-Up Items from August
Gas line placement under Garland trail – Sloan reported that the location of the gas
line will be incorporated into plans for erosion remediation; there is no
specifics on the current location. The consultants engaged will develop options
using the existing White Rock Lake requirements.
