Rowlett Approves $31.8 Million Purchase Of Dallas Lakefront Park

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ROWLETT (CBSDFW.COM) - The Rowlett City Council agreed Tuesday night to purchase Elgin B. Robertson Park from the City of Dallas for $31.8 million.

Rowlett will own the property only long enough to sell it to a developer who will turn the 257-acres along Lake Ray Hubbard into a variety of mixed-use developments.

The developments will also serve as an entrance to Rowlett from I-30.

As approved by Dallas voters in 2013, the Dallas parks department will use the money from the sale primarily to improve the city's aging swimming pools and splash pads.

Gottel said it would not be financially feasible for a city the size of Rowlett to keep Robertson Park a park.

He said the development will including smaller parks and commercial developments where the public can still enjoy the lakefront.

(credit: CBS 11 News)

"It is a big deal to the city," said Rowlett Mayor Todd Gottel "It truly has been a win-win process for all parties."

But some long-time park goers, like Danny and Paula Davis, said it should have been left alone.

"They don't need to turn this little city park of East Dallas into more homes," said Danny Davis.  "They have too much open space elsewhere."

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