(ROCKWALL, TX – June 24, 2017) Community members came out to the picturesque Tate Farms clad in western wear to enjoy some good food, dancing and more at the Rockwall County Open Space Alliance (RCOSA) Sunset & Stars BBQ. Sponsored by Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Rockwall, the event marked the first annual fundraiser for the RCOSA.
RCOSA board members Dale Morgan and Garvin Tate presented a brief history of the formation of the Open Space Alliance to kick off the event. Formally created in August 2012 by the Rockwall County Commissioners Court, the Open Space Alliance’s mission is to preserve Rockwall County’s natural land and resources for the benefit of all. It consists of an umbrella organization that brings together representatives from all areas of Rockwall County to discuss common space issues and goals, and determines plans of action.
In 2016, the RCOSA Executive Committee partnered with Verdunity and WRT to create the Open Space Master Plan for Rockwall County, which includes a number of county-wide and site-specific recommendations for expanding the county’s network of green infrastructure, public open space and trail system.
“If you’ve been here any time at all you’ve seen amazing changes, and there are more to come. That’s why we need to be concerned with preserving the quality of life here.
No one is foolish enough to think that we need to stop growth, but we need to control growth and maintain the quality of life we have and have always had in Rockwall County,” Tate said.
Following some amusing cowboy poetry courtesy of Budd Pierce, folks feasted on some tasty Smoke Monkey BBQ and later enjoyed some country western dancing and a gorgeous sunset. A photo booth, Jenga, and a silent auction rounded out the event’s festivities.
For more information about RCOSA and to view the entire Open Space Master Plan visit openspacealliance.com.
By Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News. Photos by Austin Wells and Julie Anne White.
Open Space Alliance BBQ draws big turnout at scenic Tate Farms added by Austin on
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