DIVING INTO THE CITY’S AQUATICS CENTER PLAN

Neighbors speak up and the city takes notice

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One year ago, I wrote about the City of Dallas 2012 Aquatics Master Plan, the blueprint for all pools and spray grounds throughout the city. My concern was that the plan at that time called for closing all neighborhood pools — including Tietze and Lake Highlands and replacing them with a small number of regional water parks. It was a one-size-fitsall plan that failed to take into ac- save our pools. I concluded my article with the following call to action: “Now is a good time for East Dallas and Lake Highlands residents who care about Dallas’ aquatics system to become engaged and let their voices be heard.” count the varying popularity levels of neighborhood pools across the city.

Lake Highlands facilities constructed years before their counterparts.

Under the old plan, East Dallas lost out in a big way: Not only did we lose our very popular neighborhood pool at Tietze Park, we didn’t even get a nearby regional water park in return. We lost out coming and going. Unsurprisingly, many residents, especially in East Dallas, were very upset at the prospect of losing their neighborhood pools for faraway amusement parks.

Fortunately, I wrote, there was still time to change the plan and

I’m happy to report that the residents of Dallas did just that. As a result of direct citizen input, the Dallas Park and Recreation Board recently passed an updated version of the Aquatics Master Plan and this version of the plan keeps our neighborhood pools open. It also includes major upgrades for nine of the city’s 17 existing pools. (Full disclosure: My husband, Paul Sims, was appointed to the park board in 2013 by Dallas City Councilman Philip Kingston, and has been a major proponent of keeping our neighborhood pools open.)

Over the past year, residents made it clear that they did not support the old plan’s cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all solutions. Under the new plan, the city will construct three large “regional” water parks, several medium-sized “community” facilities and a number of smaller “neighborhood” pools.

Using money the city made from the sale of Elgin B. Robertson Park, this is no pie-in-the-sky proposal. Implementation of the Aquatics Master Plan will begin next year. Both Tietze and Lake Highlands pools are included in the nine pools slated for upgrades, and both pools are members of a select group set to receive their upgrades in the first of two rounds of funding. This is an important distinction that will see the Tietze and

Of all new facilities slated for redevelopment, replacing Tietze’s 68-year-old pool with a modern facility may prove the most challenging. The first obstacle is limited space, as Tietze is the smallest pool selected for redevelopment. Tietze’s new pool must balance aquatic features that residents and families will enjoy, without building an oversized facility that will strip the park of its neighborhood character or overcrowd the park.

Second is the natural setting at Tietze Park. Numerous large shade trees dot the landscape, limiting the pool’s potential footprint. Some trees will undoubtedly have to come down, but planners have been charged with keeping as many trees intact as possible and integrating the new facility into the existing environment.

The final design challenge is accommodating Tietze Park’s historic buildings. The stone pavilion that abuts the current pool was constructed in 1934, and was an early project of the Works Progress Administration. Fortunately, Willis Winters was appointed as director of the Dallas Park and Recreation Department in 2013. A noted architect and preservationist, Winters has vowed to protect Tietze’s historic buildings.

It’s exciting to see the City of Dallas listen to its citizens and change course so dramatically on one of its signature programs. It’s a testament to both engaged residents and a park department that was willing to listen.

The

Generations in many cases. Since its founding in the early 20th century until today, residents of this thriving neighborhood have taken great pride in preserving its unique history, while simultaneously building on it.

For three decades now, Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate agents have not only represented buyers and sellers seeking to deepen their family’s Lakewood roots, but have put down roots here as well.

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No need to head to your weekend lake house; this is paradise every day. With panoramic views of White Rock Lake from the wraparound porch, this sumptuous home built in 2008 by W2 Studios has it all, including downstairs master suite overlooking pool, subterranean 10-car garage, elevator and more. This house is a dream come true!

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This is one of More Design’s most coveted projects and was listed in “D” Magazine’s Top Ten Most Beautiful Homes in Dallas. The star of Lakewood’s 2008 Home Tour, this 1941 home was remodeled and expanded for More Design owner’s personal use with no expense spared or detail overlooked. Each subsequent owner has added their personal flair to make this home a house without rival.

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Inspired by a Tuscan farmhouse village concept and designed by noted architect Charles Travis, the home is sited along a beautiful stretch of White Rock Lake on 1.57 landscaped acres. Finely appointed interior spaces, including first floor master, open to and interact with the outdoor loggias, terraced gardens and infinity pool, instilling a sense of place rarely found in an urban setting. Graceful modern living, hand-crafted architecture.

Texas

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Stunning new construction by Caruth Custom Homes in Lakewood perfectly placed on a half-acre lot with 5 bedrooms, 5.1 baths, and 4-car garage. Every inch of this 6,250 square foot home is well thought out and features impeccable designer finish-out. The expansive kitchen features quartzite countertops, Thermador appliances, bar with wine storage and separate butler’s pantry opens to a living room with large cathedralstyle ceilings. An entertainers delight, this home offers tons of outdoor entertaining space on the oversized-covered back porch with wood-burning fireplace.

Living, Loving, Listing Lakewood. It’s not just our motto, it’s who we are and what we do.

For us, that means more than just working in Lakewood – we live in Lakewood. We volunteer in Lakewood. We invest in Lakewood’s businesses and send our children to Lakewood’s schools. We work with others to ensure that there is no better place to live in North Texas.

As we look back over 39 years of successful home tours, we want to thank all of those who came before us for all of their hard work and similar dedication – and of course, for the legacy they left.

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HEATHER GUILD

2015 LECPTA Auction Committee Chair

SKYLAR CHAMPION

2015 LECPTA Home Captain Coordinator

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This amazing mid-century modern ranch-style home overlooks a calm, secluded pond. Built in 1941, it was renovated and expanded in 2014. Upon entering the home, you’ll find a modern twist on the retro styles, simple shapes, and sleek lines inspired by the set of “Mad Men.” The home features beautiful photography by the homeowner’s father, as well as exquisite furnishings and art. The homeowners pride themselves on extending outside elements into the light-filled family home.

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