It’s a ‘new’ sign of the times

By Z. Zsohar

In a significant step toward modernizing public communication at White Rock Lake, For the Love of the Lake (FTLOTL) has completed the restoration and digital upgrade of two longstanding informational marquees. Originally installed and donated to the City of Dallas in 1997, the marquees — located at Buckner Boulevard and Lake Highlands Drive and Garland Road and Winsted Drive — have served the community for nearly three decades.

Originally designed for manual message updates, the marquees could only accommodate two to three updates per month. As the structures deteriorated over time, FTLOTL recognized both the need for restoration and the opportunity to improve functionality through digital technology.

Z. Zsohar, representing FTLOTL, solicited three competitive quotes for the digital conversion. FASTSIGNS, an approved City of Dallas vendor, submitted the lowest bid at just under $60,000. Before pursuing funding, Zsohar and District 9 Dallas Park and Recreation Board Member Maria Hasbany coordinated a demonstration of the digital signs with FASTSIGNS and manufacturer Thinksigns for representatives of the City of Dallas and the White Rock Task Force. The demonstration received unanimous support, allowing the project to proceed.

FTLOTL committed to funding one-third of the total project cost. Additional key contributors included Friends of the Bath House Cultural Center, White Rock Lake Conservancy, White Rock Rowing, Dallas United Crew, Rick and Tucker Enthoven, Samual Longair and other generous park and lake supporters.

By late January, the project was fully funded, and fabrication began. Although the new signs were ready by early May, heavy spring rains delayed installation until June. The digital marquees are now operational and display multiple messages each day, keeping the community informed about volunteer opportunities, programs, events and safety alerts.

“This project is a shining example of what can be accomplished through collaboration between citizens, nonprofits and city leadership,” said Zsohar. “We’re thrilled to bring modern, effective communication tools to White Rock Lake.”

  Featured