NatNews

On Thursday, runners from throughout the area will toe the line just below Winfrey Point to take part in the 8th annual Celebration White Rock, a yearly fundraising event hosted by the White Rock Lake Conservancy. The evening consists of a 5K and 10K race, followed by a post-race party that overlooks the lake at sunset. Each year, more than 1,000 individuals join the festivities, the proceeds for which go directly toward improvements at the lake.

The 10K race begins at 6 p.m., followed shortly by the 5K at 6:05 p.m. Course maps and additional race information can be found on the race signup website. Overall winners in each race earn the honor of having their names engraved on stones that will forever remain at the spillway on the south side of the lake. Dallas resident Gigi McGuire, who runs with the White Rock Running Co-op, was able to notch a win in the master’s division of the 5K last year and is the proud owner of one of those personalized bricks.

“That’s a pretty cool prize, but honestly it’s just a great event,” she said. “It’s after work at the lake (my favorite place to run), and there are tons of friends in attendance. It makes for a great post-race party!”

Dallas resident and WRRC member Scott Magdziak, who is volunteering this year as a race photographer, enjoys being able to celebrate with other runners, as well, while supporting a cause that benefits a place so dear to his heart.

“I love White Rock Lake, and I love to run, so a 5K and 10K run and party with live music, friends, and local food and drinks is a no-brainer,” he said. “The fact that the event is the annual fundraiser for the White Rock Lake Conservancy—a non-profit organization that works with the Dallas Park and Recreation Department to identify, plan, and then fund major restoration projects at White Rock Lake Park—makes the event special for anyone participating or volunteering.”

While some individuals are on the quest to earn their names permanently at the lake or for an enjoyable celebration, others simply desire to add some accessories to their wardrobes.

“Last year, I ran Celebration White Rock because my Thursday run group, Dallas Dirt Runners (a.k.a. Norbuck Shufflers), decided to do that run instead of our normal Thursday run,” Dallas resident and WRRC member Adam “Gary” Gribben said. “This year, I am running it because I need another Celebration White Rock hat.”

Jennifer Hoesterey, White Rock Lake Conservancy director, advises event attendees to arrive as early as possible. It can take a while to get to the east side of the lake at that time of day, and parking is across the street with a shuttle bus to transport participants. Though it may take a little extra effort to get to Winfrey Point for the race, she believes that it is an enjoyable event that will be worth it.

“We’ll have food, drinks, kids’ activities, live music, and views over the lake,” she said. “If you haven’t been there at sunset, this is your chance to see it.”

And Gribben is certainly one of the individuals looking forward to experiencing that view Thursday evening.

“White Rock Lake is an urban oasis,” he said. “After battling it out in a metroplex, watching the sun set over the lake during evening runs makes Dallas much more livable.”

McGuire will not be defending her title in the 5K this year, though she will still be part of the event and hopes that as many runners as possible will be out there.

“The only reason not to participate is because, for some reason, you hate a great race,” McGuire said. “I am volunteering this year and can’t wait to support the lake and cheer on friends vying for bricks.”

Texas was the first state in the nation to plant flowers alongside state highways.

Like any big city, Dallas has certain aspects about it that provide frustrations to residents and visitors alike. Cue parking complaints.

Dallas parking code requires certain space minimums for each restaurant, venue, and other facility, though businesses are often making concerted efforts to get around those requirements to save money. In some areas, such as Lower Greenville, where parking is quite limited, street parking becomes challenging when nearby neighborhoods do not allow parking for anyone other than residents.

Those who live in the city often choose to utilize rideshare options, as they are generally affordable when only going a few miles at most. For those who live in surrounding suburbs, though, driving one’s own vehicle is typically the more viable choice. Stephanie Hone, who lives in a suburb about 25 minutes outside of Dallas, only ventures to the city when she must—and one main reason for that is the parking situation.

“There are never enough spots,” she said. “Usually, you have to be willing to valet if you don’t want to drive around neighborhoods or multiple blocks to find a spot that allows parking.”

Like Hone, Cali Hoffman, who also resides in a surrounding suburb, often avoids driving to Dallas simply because she does not want to face the parking issues that take some of the enjoyment out of her time she has with her friends.

“Parking in the uptown/downtown parts of Dallas is overall stressful,” she said. “The parallel parking isn’t fun, parking in ‘back street’ areas is scary, and I don’t always have cash on me for valet.”

Dallas resident Ben Sewell said that there needs to be more efficient planning in terms of space allocated for parking, particularly with new buildings constantly being constructed in the area.

“Parking in Dallas leaves a lot to be desired—it seems large retail and restaurant space is given priority over designs to accommodate the vehicle traffic that goes with it,” he said. “Several large-scale developments are in the works in already crowded areas with no apparent plans to expand parking. More thought should be given to these types of developments before starting construction.”

Until then, however, those who visit establishments throughout the city must find what works best for them and their sanity when it comes to parking. Hone opts to utilize services that allow her to avoid dealing with the hassle of trying to find a parking spot.

“If I lived in the city, I would probably Uber to a lot of places,” she said. “If I drive, I will always valet.”

Hoffman does not prefer to valet, but it usually becomes her default simply so that she does not add any extra stress to her evening.

“When I go to restaurants or venues in Dallas, I normally drive, but I make sure to look up my parking options before I even leave,” she said. “I don’t necessarily always want to valet, but 9 times out of 10, I do because it’s just easier.”

For Sewell, it’s also about finding the solution that causes the least amount of hassle.

“I make an effort to either walk or Uber to areas where parking is limited, and when I have to drive, I opt for valet parking if parking is limited,” he said. “I also don’t mind riding a bike if traffic isn’t too heavy. Valet is easier than attempting to park on a side street, and the cost of being towed if you park in the wrong place easily outweighs the cost of the service.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

NatNews and some dear readers celebrated Katy Flynn’s beautiful existence at the Rustic over the weekend

Tuesday, April 18: National Animal Crackers Day (also, taxes are due)
Wednesday, April 19: Game 2 — Stars vs. Wild at the American Airlines Center
Thursday, April 20: Dallasites101 April Speed Dating at On Rotation
Saturday, April 22: WRRC Saturday run at Taco Joint