DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – The focus of this weekend is supposed to be a grand re-opening celebration for a popular City-operated golf course in Dallas.  But instead, the event has turned into the staging area for gas drilling protestors.

A coalition of Dallas residents and environmental activists are rallying outside L.B. Houston golf course in far Northwest Dallas.

The group, called the Dallas Residents at Risk, says fracking is the ‘single most important environmental health issue’ facing Dallas.

This group opposes natural gas drilling in neighborhoods and public park land, and say the golf course is a potential hole-in-one for oil companies.

The course sits along a section of the Trinity River, and its renovation is a big deal for City recreation.

People connected to the group claim the city will sacrifice plots along the Trinity near the course, opening up a floodgate of fracking and drilling for natural gas.

The protestors say if drilling permits are issued, the park, the people and the river would be at risk.

“The city is willing to end their ordinance, open up parkland. And we feel park land is for enjoyment and relaxation, and it’s totally inappropriate,”  said Claudia Meyer with the Mountain Creek Neighborhood Alliance.

Dallas doesn’t allow gas drilling on municipal recreation spots, but there are signed lease agreements on city owned plots at this golf course.

The city’s Gas Drilling Task Force set parameters for drilling in Dallas.  Ultimately it is up to the city council to make the final decision.

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