For nearly two decades, the White Rock Lake Conservancy has worked to enhance and protect one of Dallas’ most treasured outdoor spaces. Founded in 2007, the Conservancy partners with Dallas Park and Recreation and the surrounding community to elevate the beauty, identity, and safety of White Rock Lake Park. Their efforts have included installing water fountains and signage, supporting reforestation, and leading the 2011 White Rock Lake Centennial Celebration.

This year, the Conservancy continued its commitment to safety by partnering with the Dallas Police Department to donate six e-bikes for officers. The bikes offer a sustainable and efficient way for officers to patrol the park and connect with visitors.

The Conservancy’s most ambitious project has been the multi-phase restoration of the historic Stone Tables Pavilion and Picnic Area on the east side of the lake. Built in the 1930s, the pavilion, lily pond, stone tables, and restroom had significantly deteriorated by 2017. Nearly $1 million has been raised to complete three of four phases, including restoring the pavilion with a new roof, flagstone flooring, upgraded pathways, and beautifully refurbished stone tables.

The original stone restroom, closed for more than a decade, has been transformed into a single-use ADA-accessible comfort station—the only permanent ADA-accessible restroom in the park. New lighting, ADA parking, and an accessible pathway now serve the hundreds of thousands of visitors who enjoy this beloved area each year.

With the picnic area restored, the Conservancy is now focused on its final piece: rebuilding the adjacent playground. The current playground is more than ten years past its expiration date, with temporary fixes keeping it barely functional. Many of the structures are inaccessible, and the wood chip surface makes it difficult for families to navigate wheelchairs and strollers. Yet the space remains well-loved—volunteers have seen families utilizing the two remaining swings and climbing on a very worn-out climbing structure. 

To better serve today’s families, the Conservancy and Dallas Park and Recreation are proposing an inclusive, custom-designed playground featuring durable Kompan equipment, poured-in-place accessible surfacing, and distinct zones for early childhood and school-age play. Designed at cost by MESA Design to complement the 1930s stonework, the new space will offer shaded gathering areas, stone seating for caregivers, and more than 60 new trees and plantings.

The community has already rallied behind the effort, contributing $525,000—49% of the goal—with support from Lyda Hill Philanthropies, the Hillcrest Foundation, Ms. Margot Perot and Family, The Rosewood Foundation, the Junior League of Dallas, individual donors, and Conservancy fundraisers.

As the year wraps up, neighbors have a special opportunity to help finish the Stone Tables project. A contribution of any amount will directly support a playground that will serve children and families for generations. If you’re considering an end-of-year gift, this is a meaningful way to make a lasting impact at White Rock Lake. Let's finish it together!