Dallas Approves Dog Park's $1 Million Makeover Project

Councilmember Dwaine Caraway questions closing libraries while improving parks

A Dallas City Council member was barking Wednesday about the big makeover planned for the city's oldest dog park.

The City Council overwhelmingly voted to approve $946,495 to expand 12-year-old Mockingbird Point Dog Park at White Rock Lake.

The plan includes improved drainage and erosion control, better fencing, seating and shade for pets and their people.

A new waterfront pavilion will provide a spot where swimming dogs can enter the lake.

“In a way, we are rebuilding the dog park based on our 10 years' experience of running and operating four significant dog parks in the city,” said Dallas Parks Director Willis Winters.

The changes will make the White Rock park more like the Wagging Tail Dog Park on Keller Springs Road and North Bark Park on Gramercy Oaks Drive.

Councilman Dwaine Caraway complained about spending so much money on dog parks.

“You’re looking at the fact that we’re putting millions of dollars in a dog park and we’re talking about closing libraries,” Caraway said.

Caraway said his southern Dallas district has no dog parks but does have a stray dog problem.

“Maybe that’s what the dogs need in the southern sector, is a park to go play on,” Caraway said.

The White Rock park improvement is in councilman Sheffie Kadane’s district.

Kadane said it was approved by voters in a 2006 bond referendum.

“It is a signature park. It will impact all of us and it’s going to be a great amenity,” Kadane said.

Dog owner Britany Daniel, who said she uses the Mockingbird Point park every day with her two large Akita dogs, said she looks forward to the improvements.

“I’d definitely say Dallas is a pretty dog-friendly city and we definitely need it,” Daniel said. 

Contact Us