The State of Texas has officially designated White Rock Lake a Lone Star Legacy Park.
The recognition is considered the “organization’s highest honor conferred on a park for its historic and recreational contributions and community importance,” stated the City’s press release.
This is the third time a City of Dallas park has been awarded the prestigious designation from the Texas Recreation and Parks Society. Reverchon and Kiest parks also share the distinction.
“White Rock Lake is a great outdoor civic space. … It’s a great place for people to come together. We want to keep that beautiful,” Chris Klement, president of A Better Dallas, told The Dallas Express last year.
According to the City’s press release, nominated parks open for consideration must be at least 50 years old and meet at a minimum of one of the following criteria:
- The park has distinct aesthetics, like unique design/construction.
- The park enjoys a connection to history.
- The park is known for hosting community events.
- The park possesses distinct natural features.
White Rock Lake easily meets the age criteria at well over a century old. However, the park’s maturation into a model of nature conservation and outdoor recreation truly helped earn its newest title.
Today, the park attracts over two million people each year who come to enjoy the fishing, trails, and a glimpse of the retreating Blackland Prairie ecosystem. At times, the area has also been known to experience bald eagle sightings.
The park is also home to 11 historic structures and even served as a POW camp during World War II.
“For over a century, White Rock Lake Park has been an integral part of our city, initially as a water source and later as a cornerstone of our renowned park system. Appreciated for its diverse recreational opportunities, the park’s beauty now garners attention statewide and nationwide,” said Dallas City Council member Paula Blackmon, per the press release.
