The Dallas Park and Recreation Board meeting on September 25, 2025, featured a passionate address from a representative of White Rock Rowing, who highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the organization’s partnership with the city and the state of youth rowing programs. The speaker, who has been involved with White Rock Rowing since 2009 in various capacities, expressed frustration over the lack of progress since their last address to the board in 2019.

Key points raised included high coaching turnover, which the speaker argued leads to youth leaving the program, and a stagnant recruitment effort, with only three mentions of recruitment in board minutes over the past five years. The speaker emphasized the importance of community engagement and questioned the effectiveness of White Rock Rowing's partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department, suggesting that the facility, the largest boathouse in the country, is underutilized.

Financially, the speaker noted that White Rock Rowing has contributed over $500,000 to the city through their use agreement, yet their program costs remain comparable to those of non-subsidized clubs. The speaker also referenced a recent lawsuit filed by the board against the city, describing the facility as dilapidated and in poor condition.

The meeting was briefly interrupted for a technical issue, but the speaker's concerns about the future of rowing in Dallas and the need for improved community involvement were clear. The discussion underscored the ongoing challenges faced by youth sports programs in the area and the necessity for effective partnerships to enhance accessibility and engagement.