White Rock Lake was artificially created at the beginning of the 20th century. It served as the main water source for Dallas for many years. Nowadays, it is one of the most popular places for outdoor recreation. Although the lake is located in the center of the city, it is part of the large White Rock Lake Park, which allows one to enjoy nature and take a break from the city noise. Read more on dallas-name.
The history of the lake’s construction
Back in the early 1900s, farms of several families were located on the site of the park. Agriculture required a lot of water, which was used to water livestock, irrigate fields and for many other purposes. In addition, by 1910, the population of Dallas was already more than 90 thousand people. Therefore, the Turtle Creek Reservoir was no longer enough to cover all needs.
The city started buying land around White Rock Creek for a reservoir. This area was slightly above the city level, which would have provided the necessary pressure to supply water to the buildings. The construction was finished in the fall of 1911 and it began to supply water to the entire city. The 40-feet-high and 15-feet-wide earth dam was made of wooden beams. A pumping station was also created.
How the lake became a popular place for recreation
The creation of White Rock Lake Park began in 1929. Its area was 1254 acres. Thanks to the lake, the popularity of this place started to grow. More and more new families moved here and the lake turned into a public recreation area. Local residents often went out to relax on the shore or swim in the reservoir. In 1930, a bathhouse and a dance pavilion were built on the east bank. In 1931, stone picnic tables were built here. In 1934, a fish farm was created near the dam to stock the lake with fish. Later, private houses for fishermen were built along the shore. One of the spectacular entertainments in those years was racing on sailboats and boats.
During a severe drought in 1952, the city authorities banned swimming in the lake to use it as a water source. The beach was also closed. In 1958, a ban on boats with motors followed. The pumping station worked until 1964.
In the 1990s, White Rock Lake and the surrounding area became an ideal spot for picnicking, dog walking, biking and hiking.
Who is the Lady of the Lake?
In the 1960s, an urban legend about the Lady of White Rock Lake was born. It tells the story of a young woman in a white dress standing soaking wet on East Lawther Drive near White Rock Lake Park and looking for a car to take her to Gaston Avenue in Dallas. However, upon arriving at the destination, the stranger mysteriously disappears, leaving behind only a wet spot. If you knock on the house at the address given by the girl, an elderly man will open the door. He will tell you that this is not the first time people have picked up a girl in a white dress. According to the description, she resembles his daughter, who died not long before.
Can one swim in the lake?
Despite the fact that Dallas no longer has problems with water supply, the city authorities still do not allow swimming in the lake. This is due to the high level of water pollution. White Rock Bay brings a lot of trash into the lake, including broken glass, plastic and fishing gear. In addition, the level of Escherichia coli in the water exceeds the norm.
Nevertheless, White Rock Lake is a popular place. The surrounding area has a large 3-acre dog park, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens and the Bath House Cultural Center, which was converted from a former bathhouse. People often come here with friends and family to relax in the fresh air, eat barbecue, paddleboard or sail.
