White Rock Lake Dog Park has closed its gates to furry visitors and their owners for the remainder of July.
The month-long pause in operation will see the 3-acre leash-free park get a $100,000 upgrade.
This will include converting the park’s grassy areas into more cost-effective bark mulch, renovating the irrigation system to reduce mud, building a “canine condo” for the large-dog area that will be accessible through a tunnel, and adding a tunnel with a ramp for the small-dog area.
Run by the Dallas Park and Recreation Department (DPRD), the dog park can be found on the northwest side of White Rock Lake Park near the intersection of Mockingbird Lane and West Lawther Drive.
Alongside offering various dog paddocks by size, dog washes, drinking fountains, and pet waste stations, the dog park boasts some spectacular views of White Rock Lake.
White Rock Lake is Dallas’ largest and offers residents an array of possibilities for outdoor recreation, including boating, hiking, jogging, and cycling.
It is also one mile south of an extensive mountain bike trail system, including an upcoming 4-mile track at the new 50-acre Creekside Park, as previously covered in The Dallas Express.
White Rock Lake Dog Park is rated 4.3/5 on Facebook, where most local dog owners responded favorably to news of the renovation work.
“Great! I love to see Dallas make improvements that add to the quality of life for their four legged residents!” wrote on Facebook user.
Yet others were dismayed by the idea of bark mulch replacing the grass.
“You’re gonna love that bark mulch! Said nobody. EVER!” wrote another Facebook user.
Although the news of bark mulch got a lukewarm reception from park users, Laura Johnson, DPRD’s senior landscape architect, suggested that fewer swathes of grassy terrain combined with an improved irrigation system “will reduce maintenance and water costs,” according to Community Impact.
Canine parkgoers and their human companions can return to White Rock Lake Dog Park on August 1.