There have been a few times I have written about Rowlett's image and lifestyle. One of the scenes I conjure up is the vision of visitors to Rowlett that may be driving across the bridge on Lakeview Pky. Of course, they would see the lake and that would be nice. However, how much nicer and what better image of Rowlett would it be if those visitors saw canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, and bass boats. Furthermore, within their site line, let's say they could see a couple of pocket parks with boats parked and people enjoying lakeside picnics.
All boaters like a destination. When my family and friends rent a sailboat in the Caribbean, we want somewhere to go. In our case, other islands fulfill this need. Let's say we had 10-12 pocket parks around the lake within the Rowlett city limits. A kayaker could launch at any park, but have a series of parks to visit. There could be a regular trail around the lake, visiting points of interest on the way to the next park.
When I was on Council, Texas Parks and Wildlife was to design the water trail system for Rowlett. I have no idea what happened to that plan, but it sure would be nice.
Kayaking and canoeing, as a sport, seems to be growing by massive leaps. I see kayaks strapped to a bunch of automobiles while driving around town. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats need a place to "do their thing." Deep water ports, like Rockwall, Heath, and other places south of Interstate 30 are not good waters for these types of boats. These are boats that do best in quiet water, without big waves, in bayous, and thin water. It is a very quiet and relaxing style of boating. You can also sneak up on some wildlife and get a real treat.
If you have a series of nice pocket parks, and an abundance of quiet water boaters, what else do you need? One is a lake with the right water. We have that. The other is a city that can visualize how valuable this type of outdoor activity can be to a community. Rowlett would become a destination town for quiet water boaters from many miles around. And, it may certainly influence any merchants or developers looking for a good market. They would be looking for a town with class. The above scene certainly suggests class.
We've got the lake and the market. All we need is a city that can think.
All boaters like a destination. When my family and friends rent a sailboat in the Caribbean, we want somewhere to go. In our case, other islands fulfill this need. Let's say we had 10-12 pocket parks around the lake within the Rowlett city limits. A kayaker could launch at any park, but have a series of parks to visit. There could be a regular trail around the lake, visiting points of interest on the way to the next park.
When I was on Council, Texas Parks and Wildlife was to design the water trail system for Rowlett. I have no idea what happened to that plan, but it sure would be nice.
Kayaking and canoeing, as a sport, seems to be growing by massive leaps. I see kayaks strapped to a bunch of automobiles while driving around town. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats need a place to "do their thing." Deep water ports, like Rockwall, Heath, and other places south of Interstate 30 are not good waters for these types of boats. These are boats that do best in quiet water, without big waves, in bayous, and thin water. It is a very quiet and relaxing style of boating. You can also sneak up on some wildlife and get a real treat.
If you have a series of nice pocket parks, and an abundance of quiet water boaters, what else do you need? One is a lake with the right water. We have that. The other is a city that can visualize how valuable this type of outdoor activity can be to a community. Rowlett would become a destination town for quiet water boaters from many miles around. And, it may certainly influence any merchants or developers looking for a good market. They would be looking for a town with class. The above scene certainly suggests class.
We've got the lake and the market. All we need is a city that can think.
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