Park Board denial of Prestige Watersports concession leaves Harbor proposal unresolved after council discussion

Applicants Joshua Williams and Tiana Frazier asked Rockwall City Council on Nov. 3 to approve a concession agreement to operate charter cruises and watercraft rentals at the Harbor. Parks staff and the Park Board previously considered the request and the Park Board voted to recommend denial on Sept. 8, 2025. Council did not overturn that recommendation at the Nov. 3 meeting.

What the applicants proposed: Prestige Watersports presented a 2007 Calabrio 360 yacht for private charters (limited to about 12–15 passengers for operations), a custom "jet car" personal watercraft and standard jet skis as add‑ons. Presenters described onboard amenities (heated cabin, galley, bathroom, stereo and Wi‑Fi), safety procedures, party boat inspection progress, required safety equipment, and training and certification for captains and deckhands. The presenters proposed operating primarily April–September and estimated first‑year city revenue of roughly $7,000 under a concession fee schedule; they said they carry $1 million of liability insurance and were willing to increase coverage if required.

Why Park Board and staff raised concerns: parks staff told council the Park Board had requested additional information and a 90‑day follow‑up; at the second hearing the Park Board voted to deny the request. Staff and council raised operational and safety concerns and cited prior on‑lake activity that continued after Parks had asked the operator to cease commercial operations. The applicants said they had paused bookings, moved slips to Sapphire Bay after Chandler's Landing terminated their lease for convenience, obtained topo and civil‑engineer input about docking locations, engaged a marine contractor for a dock solution, and were finalizing party‑boat inspection and TCEQ documentation.

Council action (none): council members asked detailed operational and safety questions (insurance levels, required party‑boat licensing, staff training, dock design, and the history of the Chandler's Landing lease termination). No council member made a motion to overturn the Park Board recommendation at this meeting; staff said that without a motion there would be no change to the Park Board outcome and staff will follow up with applicants regarding permitting, liability and dock design if they choose to pursue another route.

Next steps: applicants may continue negotiations with private marinas or return with additional documentation. Staff will continue enforcement of marina and harbor rules and can provide guidance on the concession/permit process; applicants were encouraged to resolve outstanding concerns and present a completed concession package if they seek reconsideration.