Winfrey Point: Arboretum asks for Mowing Plans to Stop

The Dallas Arboretum say they have asked that mowing plans for Winfrey Point at White Rock Lake, Dallas be stopped after the public expressed outrage over the approved measure last week, read a statement released this morning.

Winfrey Point: A Monarch butterfly visiting a Texas Thistle

The Arboretum say they have reached out to District 9 Park Board members to not proceed with the approved plans to mow down an area at Winfrey Point so that a parking area could be created.

"Over the past couple of weeks, the Arboretum has heard the opinions of its friends and neighbors and recognizes any plans to temporarily park at Winfrey Point have resulted in serious misunderstandings that need to be addressed," read the statement.

Here is the full release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Mary Brinegar
Chief Executive Officer & President
Dallas Arboretum

DALLAS (May 9, 2012)
- On Tuesday, May 8, the leadership of the Dallas Arboretum asked Paul Dyer, Dallas Park and Recreation Department director; Joan Walne, Dallas Park Board president; Councilman Sheffield Kadane, City Council District 9; and Gerry Worrall, District 9 Park Board not to proceed with current plans to mow the previously approved area at Winfrey Point. 

Over the past couple of weeks, the Arboretum has heard the opinions of its friends and neighbors and recognizes any plans to temporarily park at Winfrey Point have resulted in serious misunderstandings that need to be addressed. We are committed to being a good neighbor and steward to the citizens of East Dallas, the metroplex and all of North Texas.

We are looking forward to working with city officials and neighborhood associations in the immediate future to develop a plan that best serves the interest of all parties involved. It is our pledge to endeavor to make such planning transparent.

Thank you for your patience while we work to find a solution to the City's and our parking needs.

Well done to everyone involved with Save Winfrey Point. Your efforts have been noted and applauded!

At least for now, the wildflowers are safe and the butterflies can still dance at Winfrey Point.

 A swallowtail butterfly visiting a Texas Thistle at Winfrey Point

Winfrey Point: Don’t Pave Paradise, And Put Up a Parking Lot!

The dispute between the Dallas City Council and White Rock Lake residents and supporters continues. The furor arose as a result of the City Council allowing the Dallas Arboretum to park cars at Winfrey Point at White Rock Lake, an area that contains several acres of protected Blackland Prairie grasses. Winfrey Point is part of a very unique and endangered ecosystem that is home to rare birds, plants and many animals. 

 Supporters of Save Winfrey Point gather to protest

This morning, a judge ruled against the defendants preventing them from constructing any permanent structures, but he did allow temporary parking at Winfrey Point and mowing of the area.

PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION!

You can click here to watch one of the TV news reports, and click here for Channel 5 NBC.

 A protestor makes her point - Save Winfrey Point!

Save Winfrey Point immediately arranged a protest and concerned residents and supporters gathered at Winfrey Point, as well as TV news crews and reporters. 

 The press converged on Councilman Sheffie Kadane upon
his arrival at the Winfrey Point protest

Sheffie Kadane, councilman for the area, arrived to address the gathering. He immediately assured concerned protestors that no mowing would take place this weekend, and that the Arboretum would not be parking cars in the area this weekend (the Chihuly exhibition starts this weekend). Kadane said he would do everything in his power to prevent the parking lot proposal going forward. The crowd was skeptical, but Councilman Kadane seemed sincere in his remarks.

 Councilman Sheffie Kadane (white shirt) addressing the gathering
at Winfrey Point, White Rock Lake, with Chris Herron.

Halfway through his address, one of the Save Winfrey Point supporters asked Mr. Kadane if he would wear a “Save Winfrey Point” t-shirt if he was given one. The councilman readily agreed, and sportingly squeezed into a t-shirt that was at least two sizes too small for him.

 Councilman Sheffie Kadane showing some solidarity with the
Save Winfrey Point supporters

 Ironically, the Dallas Little League erected the sign below at Winfrey Point.

 Do not pick wildflowers ... the city will mow them for you!

The supporters of Save Winfrey Point will be protesting outside the Dallas Arboretum tomorrow.

Hopefully, they will have the support of a portable stereo blaring out the more familiar cover version of Big Yellow Taxi by Counting Crows.

             Don't it always seem to go
          That you don't know what you've got
          'Til it's gone
          They paved paradise
          And put up a parking lot