Conservancy needs help to lead restorations

By Jennifer Hoesterey

The White Rock Lake Conservancy (The Conservancy) is a 501(c)3, sanctioned by The City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department. The Conservancy raises funds to support the implementation of the Master Plan for White Rock Lake Park. All proceeds raised by The Conservancy go directly to projects within the park that have been identified by the Park and Rec department as vital to the continuing prosperity and improvement of White Rock Lake Park. 

Founded in 2007, The Conservancy has spearheaded and funded many projects around the lake, including leadership in the 2011 White Rock Lake Centennial Celebration, the installation of several water fountains, giving bicycles to police officers who patrol the lake, acting as a key partner in reforestation projects and installation of new signage at the lake.

To date, the largest project The Conservancy has funded is the restoration of the Stone Tables picnic area. The first picnic area at White Rock Lake, the stone tables, pavilion, lily pond and restroom were built in the 1930s and are in need of repair. Thanks to the dedicated work of conservancy members, donors and partners, the picnic area pavilion has been restored with a new roof, flagstone flooring and pathway. Two of the 13 original stone tables have also been restored. The remaining phases of the project are scheduled for construction to begin in the coming months. The stone tables (pictured at right) renovation has always included improving the grounds to help with runoff and planting new trees and plants. This has become ever more important after the June 9, 2019 storm that knocked down or injured more than 200 trees in White Rock Lake Park. 

White Rock Lake Conservancy Restoration of the Stone Tables 

Picnic Area Projects

PHASE 1

Pavilion Restoration with new roof and flagstone path (completed.)

PHASE 2

Restoration of the grounds, grills, trash and recycling receptacles, and 13 stone tables (two stone tables have been restored).

PHASE 3

Restoration and continued maintenance of the lily pond.

PHASE 4

Restoration of original stone restroom and historic water fountains.

More than two million people visit the park each year, but only a few donate to the repair and maintenance of the lake. The Conservancy knows that without private donations, the park’s trees, plants and structures would fall into disrepair. 

Help White Rock Lake Conservancy keep the crown jewel in the park system a beautiful place to visit for generations to come by donating anytime at whiterockdallas.org and on North Texas Giving Day on Sept. 19. 

Multiply Your Generosity

The White Rock Lake Conservancy is participating in North Texas Giving Day for the sixth year in a row and for the first time has dollar-for-dollar matching funds. Donate online Sept. 9–19 at northtexasgivingday.org and your donation will go further with the $5,500 in matching funds as well as bonus funds and prizes from the Communities Foundation of Texas. Help White Rock Lake Conservancy reach the goal of raising $35,000 on North Texas Giving Day — that’s 10 percent of what is needed to complete the entire stone tables restoration project!