Rockwall parks board tables Prestige Watersports concession request for 90 days, requires engineering plans and halt to harbor operations

The Rockwall City Parks and Recreation Board voted 5–1, with one member absent, to table for 90 days a request from Prestige Watersports of Dallas to enter into a concession agreement with the cities of Dallas and Rockwall for boat, jet-ski and “jet car” rentals from a privately installed dock at Rockwall Harbor.

The board’s action requires the applicant to: stop operating from the harbor docks and public boat ramps during the 90‑day period; consult with the City of Dallas and with an engineer; and produce engineering and depth/safety plans for the proposed dock and operations. The motion also instructs city staff to consult with Dallas on next steps.

What was proposed

Applicant Josh Will told the board his business offers a 36‑foot Carver yacht (12–15 passengers), a jet car (a road‑style body on jet‑ski mechanisms) and a jet ski. He said booking rates include $400 per hour for the yacht, $3.50 per hour for the jet car and $1.50 per hour for the jet ski. Will said the business produced roughly $60,000 in revenue in its first year and anticipates growth; he also said most trips are anchored or docked rather than continuous cruising.

City and staff conditions outlined

Parks staff briefed the board on conditions and limitations that City of Dallas (which owns the lake) will enforce and on Rockwall requirements. The staff summary given to the board said Dallas had preliminarily approved the operation on the water but would review capacity — and could limit how many vessels are allowed on Lake Ray Hubbard at any time. Staff listed Dallas stipulations including no parasailing, no craft that dive under water, no storage of vessels at the harbor and limiting fueling to dry land or designated marina fueling centers.

Rockwall staff told the board a proposed concession agreement would include stepped concession fees payable to Rockwall: 4.75% of gross revenue up to $100,000; 6.25% of gross revenue between $100,001 and $199,999; and 7.25% of gross revenue above $200,000 (amounts to be finalized in the negotiated agreement). The applicant would also need to meet Rockwall’s insurance minimums (staff cited $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate in the packet), submit a completed business proposal describing staffing and operations, and pay for private slip/dock installation and maintenance.

Staff also warned the board that drought or low lake levels could render the proposed dock unusable part of the year and that dredging or other Army Corps of Engineers permits might be required if the chosen dock location lacks sufficient depth.

Board concerns and applicant response

Multiple board members expressed concern that Prestige Watersports had previously operated trips and listed bookings on its website while not having a Rockwall concession agreement in place. Will said he stopped operations at Rockwall harbor upon staff request but acknowledged limited promotional activity continued; he also said he had been working with staff since mid‑2024 and only recently received Dallas’s preliminary approval to proceed.

Board members raised public‑safety and feasibility questions: whether a 36‑foot yacht is operational and safe at the proposed shallow location nearest shore; how wave action could affect floating docks; what dock type and materials would be required; and whether Dallas could later restrict the number of craft allowed on the lake. Will said he would hire engineers and dock contractors as needed and that his yacht’s beam and draft are modest (he stated a 3‑foot beam in the presentation), and that he would take responsibility for any dredging or engineering costs required for safe operations.

Motion and outcome

After discussion a motion to table the item for 90 days carried 5–1 with one member absent. The motion directs city staff to consult with Dallas, directs the applicant to obtain engineering plans (including depth and safety requirements) and requires Prestige Watersports to cease operations from the harbor docks and any public boat ramps while the item is paused. The board noted the site is the last private‑dock opportunity at the harbor and said that, if feasibility and safety can be demonstrated, the concession could be reconsidered.

Clarifying details

- Applicant: Prestige Watersports of Dallas; presenter: Josh Will (applicant). - Vessels described: one 36‑foot Carver yacht (12–15 passengers), one jet car and one jet ski; current fleet size stated as three vessels. - Rates in presentation: yacht $400/hour; jet car $3.50/hour; jet ski $1.50/hour. - Revenues presented: approximately $60,000 in the first year; applicant projected growth but did not provide a detailed market study. - Insurance: staff packet cited $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate as Rockwall minimums. - Concession fee proposal (Rockwall portion): 4.75% of gross revenue up to $100,000; 6.25% between $100,001 and $199,999; 7.25% above $200,000.

Why the board paused the decision

Board members cited multiple open questions: safety training and boater‑safety certification requirements, engineering feasibility and water depth at the proposed dock site, wave and weather vulnerability at that location, prior operations without a concession agreement, split revenue terms with Dallas, and potential Army Corps of Engineers or Dallas permitting if dredging is necessary. Several members said they were supportive of the concept in principle but wanted an engineered plan and clearer answers before recommending council approval.

Next steps

The board set a 90‑day pause and asked staff to report back after Rockwall and the applicant have consulted with the City of Dallas and engineers. The board further required Prestige Watersports to stop harbor and public‑ramp operations during the pause. The item is expected to return to the Parks Board after the 90‑day period for reconsideration.

Ending

The board left open the possibility of future approval if the applicant demonstrates compliance, engineering feasibility, and a satisfactory operating plan that addresses safety, water‑depth and permitting concerns.