The Dallas Park and Recreation Department maintains more than 21,000 park acres throughout the city.

These areas include 17 lakes with 4,400 surface acres of water at 17 park sites, over 17,000 acres of greenbelt park land, and 61 miles of jogging and bike trails at 24 locations.

The Department provides leisure, recreational and cultural activities at numerous community parks and recreation centers, swimming pools and sports facilities, including six 18-hole golf courses.

LH Today recently sat down with the Vice President of the Dallas Park & Recreation Board and Lake Highlands resident, Joan Walne.


I am a resident of (area inside LH): Lake Highlands Estates Neighborhood

I have lived here: 24 years

Please tell us about your family: My wonderful husband is Alan and my family includes my daughter, Sarah and her husband, Ryan. They have a son, Will, and another one on the way. My son, Robert and his wife Stephani have precious baby Lucy.

Tenure with Park & Recreation Board: 6 years

How did you become interested in Parks & Rec issues? I have a great passion for our neighborhood and our community. I worked closely with my good friend, Jo Baggett (a former Park Board Member) and have always loved knowing what all is going on as well as plans for future ideas.

How many hours a week do you spend on this activity? It really just depends what is going on. On average, I would estimate about 12 hours a week.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your work? Making a difference in the quality of life for our citizens and especially our children.

What have you learned from your work that might be helpful for other neighbors to know? The City of Dallas has many wonderful people working for us. The Park Department especially is blessed with a great staff who truly loves doing their job.

Are you compensated for your time? Yes, by the thanks and appreciation of our citizens for the great park projects and programs…but no monetary compensation.

What has surprised you most during your tenure? The extensiveness of the programs the Park Department offers whether it is senior programs, youth and adult sports, after school programs, or its summer camp programs. In addition, I have learned a great deal about the enormity of the park system and what a huge job it is to keep it all running so well.

What would you advise someone who is interested in one day doing similar work? Roll up your sleeves and be prepared to devote the kind of time it takes to do a good job.

What other information about your work might readers find of interest? Park Board Members are appointed from particular districts, but in serving you have a responsibility for the entire city.

What other groups memberships and leadership positions have you held? Lake Highlands Women’s League – President; Children’s Medical Center Auxiliary – Board Member; PTA – President and Board Member; Park and Recreation Board – Vice President; Junior League of Dallas – Board Member; Wildcat Club - President

For more information about the Dallas Park Board, the city's system of parks and event listings, visit http://www.dallasparks.org.