By Anthony Council
Correspondent
Fair Park is set to undergo a transformative change with an $8.6 million investment aimed at creating a vibrant community park.
This project will offer green spaces, state-of-the-art amenities, and a renewed sense of connection for South Dallas residents, according to leaders from the City of Dallas, Dallas Park and Recreation, and Fair Park First who gathered at Fair Park to discuss the significance of the investment and what citizens could expect.
In advance of the announcement, officials said the Community Park, “which is to be completed during Phase I of the Fair Park First master plan for Fair Park, will feature interconnected parklets of greenspace and landscaping with trails across the Fair Park campus.”
Additionally, the Community Park “is designed to serve the public as a year-round gathering space for walking and biking, an all-abilities and all-age playground for children, a tot lot for smaller children, a dog park, picnic areas, water play, a center stage, and greenspace lawns for both formal and informal activities.”
Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins stressed that Fair Park must serve as a destination with ample green space for families and children to enjoy.
One of the major changes will be the removal of the fence around Fitzhugh Avenue, which currently encloses Fair Park. This change will symbolize a new openness and integration of the park with the surrounding community, making it more accessible to everyone. The expansion and development of green spaces are key features of the project, which will benefit residents of South Dallas for generations to come.
This initiative is considered a “full circle moment” for the city, as it not only acknowledges the mistakes of the past but also works to correct them. The goal is to give this land back to the community, providing a space that families can enjoy and take pride in.
Jason Brown, the Community Park Project Chair and Fair Park First Board Vice Chair is a long-time South Dallas resident. Expressing his love for the area, he said, “It’s good to find a neighborhood you love and to invest in it.”
As a fifth-generation South Dallas resident, Brown reflected on the pride and resilience of the community, recognizing both the beauty and the challenges that South Dallas has faced. He said hedfc c believes that the $8.6 million investment will bring positive changes, especially for families who will benefit from the new amenities and green spaces.
The $8.6 million investment at Fair Park demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the area and creating opportunities for its residents. Together, these efforts aim to transform Fair Park and the surrounding neighborhoods into a thriving and connected community.
