Dallas Community Park project gets $3M grant from the state
$3M grant for Dallas Community Park project
A long-awaited Fair Park project aimed at connecting nearby Dallas residents is getting a funding boost to help kick off construction.
DALLAS - A long-awaited Fair Park project aimed at connecting nearby Dallas residents is getting a funding boost to help kick off construction.
Dallas Community Park Funding
What's new:
On Friday, city and state leaders announced a $3 million grant from the state of Texas to help pay for the Community Park’s early construction.
The Texas Legislature approved the money thanks to efforts led by State Sen. Royce West and State Rep. Venton Jones.
What they're saying:
"When it comes to the treasure that is our beloved Fair Park, I am always interested," Sen. West said. "I’ve monitored closely the City of Dallas’ efforts to revive Fair Park, while at the same time listening to the outcry that has come from the South Dallas/Fair Park community. So, when I saw funding proposals for the Community Park advance from the House to the Senate, it was my duty and honor to see that those dollars crossed the finish line. Fair Park will always have a friend in me."
"By investing in the Community Park at Fair Park, we’re uplifting South Dallas — and sending a powerful message that every community, regardless of zip code, deserves safe, beautiful and accessible public space," Rep. Jones added.
Jason Brown, the vice chair of Fair Park First’s board of directors, thanked the lawmakers and said the funding gets the city meaningfully closer to a promise it made to its residents.
Why you should care:
Community Park is part of Phase One in the master plan for Fair Park. It’s part of the goal to make Fair Park a go-to destination throughout the year.
It features interconnected parklets of green space and landscaping, along with trails throughout the Fair Park campus. The design is meant to attract visitors and at the same time welcome the surrounding residents who have often felt closed off from Fair Park.
The park also includes an all-abilities and all-ages playground for children, a so-called "tot lot" for younger children, a dog park, picnic areas, a water play area, a center stage, and green space lawns for both formal and informal activities.
Dig deeper:
The total cost of the project is estimated at $39 million.
Last December, Fair Park First received an $8 million grant for the project. But the organization still needs to raise about $6 million.
Fair Park community park gets a boost with $8.6M federal grant
Dallas is getting an $8.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Interior’s National Park Service to help build a new community park at Fair Park. The investment is a huge boost for the long-awaited project.
"We are not there yet, but we are taking steps and that is cause for celebration," said Veletta Forsythe Lill, the chair of Fair Park First’s board of directors.
Fair Park First faced a major setback last year after its for-profit management company, Oak View Group, was accused of spending $5.7 million that had been donated specifically for the park on operating expenses.
The city of Dallas has already terminated its contract with the Oak View Group. Fair Park First's contract is set to expire in 90 days.
City of Dallas ends agreement with Fair Park management company
The City of Dallas announced on Wednesday that it will end its agreement with Fair Park First, the nonprofit that manages Fair Park. A 2024 audit alleged Fair Park First's for-profit umbrella company, OVG360, misspent $5.7 million in restricted donor funds.
Even with the fallout, Lill promised the park would remain on track. For her, it's personal.
"Fair Park was the first place I found when I moved to town in 1985. So, saving it is important," she said. "The land on which we stand here is important because homes were taken. Homes and businesses were demolished and taken away from citizens and they were promised a park then. We intend to deliver on that promise."
What's next:
Construction on the Community Park is set to begin in August of 2026.
It's scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027.
The Source: The information in this story comes from a news release and news conference held by Fair Park First, the nonprofit organization working to revitalize Fair Park.