The year is quickly coming to a close and as I reflect back on 2011, it’s been a positive year for the City of Lake Dallas. We’ve seen our economy in Texas making positive strides towards recovery and in Lake Dallas, a consistent upward trend in sales tax revenue which is a reflection on our own economical health improving.

Commercial interest in Lake Dallas continues with several new businesses now calling Lake Dallas their home base.  Swisher Courts, an indoor sports complex and grill opened recently on the east end of Swisher bringing a new recreation outlet that has not been available in our area.  Our downtown area continues to see merchants moving in and making updates. Lake Dallas’ Main Street remains a unique aspect of our community and embodies our small town charm parallel to our 21st Century growth.

Our parks continue to enjoy updates to their amenities. Construction has started at Willow Grove Park for several enhancements including a boat launch and restroom facilities. A new baseball field was installed this year and swings are coming for the children’s playgrounds at Willow Grove and Community Park near the library.

A sound from bygone days returned this past summer in Lake Dallas – the wail of a train rolling down the once dormant tracks of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad. It was a transition for us all but we quickly adapted – I’ve heard stories from many residents of their trips on the rail to the State Fair or downtown Dallas and their positive experience on the train. It’s going to be a growing asset for this area – one we hope to build around in the future.

As I see it, the future in our town could include a new Lake Dallas Town Center at the Swisher/I35 corridor. The NTTA Bridge has brought rising growth to this area with upwards of 10,000 vehicles utilizing that stretch of road through our town.  It’s a vision that has gone from concept, to voter bond approval, and now to an early stage of exploration which includes a DCTA commuter train station.

If 2011 is any indication of 2012 – we’re going to have a great New Year in Lake Dallas. May the New Year provide happiness and peace to you and yours,

Best regards,

Mayor Tony Marino

December 2011