Walnes receive Spirit of the Centennial Award in 2012
Members of the Dallas Park and Recreation Board voted Thursday to rename Lake Highlands North Park to Walne Park in honor of Alan and Joan Walne and their family. The request was made by a coalition of community members led by D10 Council member Kathy Stewart and D10 Park Board member Scott Goldstein. The vote was unanimous.
Lake Highlands North Park in 1961.
The City of Dallas purchased 28 acres at the corner of Church Road and White Rock Trail from F.A. and Agnes Dahman in June of 1961 to create Skyline Park, and Skyline Recreation Center was built 10 years later. The names were later changed to Lake Highlands North Park and Lake Highlands North Recreation Center. Only the name of the park will change based on Wednesday’s resolution.
Members of the Dahman family in October 1955, who owned the land that later became Skyline Park. (Photo courtesy of Cindy Dahman Johnson).
“Generations of the Walne Family — starting with Frances and Herb Walne and most recently, Joan and Alan Walne — have dedicated decades of service to the City of Dallas and their Lake Highlands community, fighting for causes that have improved the quality of life and the Dallas Park & Recreation system for all Dallas residents,” the official resolution states.
Herb Walne, founder of Herb’s Paint & Body, opened his first business in 1956 at the corner of Northwest Highway and Easton. He taught his boys the value of hard work, devotion to family and dedication to the community. He was active in the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands, and he raised money for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Down Syndrome Guild and other nonprofits. His wife, Frances, was active in the PTA and Lake Highlands Women’s League.
The Walne family’s tradition for philanthropy and community service continued when Alan and Joan were raising their own children, Robert and Sarah.
“Herb had a philosophy that he drilled into me and I drilled into Robert – you give back,” Alan said while he and his son were being entered into the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands’ Book of Golden Deeds — the club’s highest honor. “God didn’t created bleachers. He wants you in the game.”
In a joint letter recommending the name change, former Dallas Park and Recreation Department directors Paul Dyer and Willis Winters praised Alan for his service on the park board in 1992.
“He was personally involved in the renovation of many recreation centers throughout the city, as well as the renovation of the Cotton Bowl for the 1994 World Cup. He was later elected to the Dallas City Council for seven years, where he continued to be a strong advocate for the department. More recently, Alan served as the chairman of the board of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society.”
The duo also touted the accomplishments of Joan, who served as president and vice-president of the park board.
“She was instrumental in the adoption of the department’s first long-range comprehensive plan — the Renaissance Plan — and an aquatics master plan in 2002. The Renaissance Plan was lauded by the (National Recreation and Park Association) as one of the most comprehensive urban park studies ever adopted and still guides the department through two subsequent updates and national accreditation. Joan was one of the most influential and cherished members of the DPARD team. Her wise counsel to staff and other board members has been invaluable to the entire department.”
Alan was board chair of the State Fair of Texas, board member of Trinity Commons, president of the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands, member of the City of Dallas Economic Development Commission, board member of Methodist Hospital, president of the Wildcat Club and a Spirit of the Centennial awardee.
Joan was board chair at the Dallas Zoological Society, board member at Bonton Farms, president of Lake Highlands Women’s League, board member at Trust for Public Land, board chair for Kershaw’s Challenge, president of Wildcat Club and PTA president at multiple schools. She’s a Spirit of the Centennial Awardee who’s been active in the Children’s Medical Center Auxiliary, Junior League of Dallas, Dallas Arboretum, Parkland Hospital, Friends of Fair Park, Equest Auxiliary and White Rock Lake Conservancy. Advocate Magazine was honored to include her in our Fierce Females of 2022.
The couple was awarded the Distinguished Wildcat Award by the Lake Highlands High School Alumni Association earlier this year.
In their joint letter advocating the park’s name change, former Dallas mayors Ron Kirk and Mike Rawlings lauded Alan and Joan’s contribution to the city.
“The Walnes exemplify the spirit of service that strengthens Dallas. Their leadership and advocacy have had a lasting impact on our parks, trails and neighborhoods, improving quality of life for residents in Lake Highlands and across the city. Few families have given more, and renaming this park in their honor is a fitting recognition of their decades of service.”
Another letter, signed by dozens of former council members, park board members, school board members and other community leaders, touted the lasting impact of the family’s dedication.
“The Walne family’s impact is enduring, meaningful and widely recognized. Renaming the park in their honor is a fitting and well-deserved tribute that reflects our community’s gratitude and ensures future generations understand the Walnes’ contributions.”
“Everyone we asked to support this nomination was so happy to immediately do so, without hesitation,” said Robin Norcross, who succeeded Joan on the park board. “I’m hard-pressed to think of another Dallas couple that has contributed so much to so many efforts and worked behind the scenes, as well. We need more Joans and Alans in our world.”
Goldstein agreed.
“As several of my park board colleagues said, this renaming was a no-brainer. On a personal level, my family is lucky to have Joni and Alan as neighbors, friends and mentors. They have embraced my wife and my two daughters as an extension of their own family. They are unwavering cheerleaders for us on every civic endeavor we have been a part of — and they happen to also be incredibly fun to be around.”
Council member Stewart said their impact will be longlasting.
“I am so grateful for the Walne family and their extraordinary leadership, dedication and hard work in Lake Highlands and throughout the city of Dallas. Their commitment has strengthened our neighborhood and inspired many of us. It has been such a privilege to work with many others on naming this park for the Walne Family. It is not only a lasting way to recognize their many contributions, but it will also ensure the story of their generations of leadership will be shared into the future.”
Joan and Alan Walne at the Exchange Club July 4 parade.
