Is White Rock Lake too crowded? City of Dallas moves to limit access

Neighbors wanting to enjoy White Rock Lake during Dallas’ “shelter in place” order will have to walk, run or bike there.

On Sunday, White Rock Lake staff from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department closed lake access points to vehicle traffic. Barricades are set up at each entry with staff monitoring each location, District 9 Councilwoman Paula Blackmon said on Facebook.

Parking enforcement units are also working with park rangers to clear vehicles from unauthorized parking spaces. Officers will issue citation warnings first. A violation citation will be issued if vehicles aren’t moved within one hour. Two hours after a violation citation, vehicles will be towed.

Vehicle traffic will be prohibited until health officials say it’s safe.

The move to limit lake access came a day after foot traffic at the lake Saturday looked akin to something at the State Fair of Texas.

County Judge Clay Jenkins told constituents on Twitter that he’d first work with park staff to change trail access points to limit the number of people on them. If people continue to overcrowd parks and trails, the City could close them.

Dallas County is under a “shelter in place” order until April 3, but it will likely be extended. Outdoor exercise is allowed, but people are encouraged to maintain 6 feet of distance at all times.