DALLAS — Dallas has bought a 13.48-acre site including the longtime Adventure Landing entertainment center and Hildebrand soccer fields in Far North Dallas for just under $14 million with a new community park to come.
The Dallas City Council Wednesday approved buying the 13.48-acre site is located near the intersection of Coit Road and the George Bush Turnpike, including Adventure Landing and the soccer fields, from its longtime owners, the Hildebrand family.
Once park development funding is secured, likely through future bond programs, the property will be developed as a community park.
The Park and Recreation Department will operate the soccer fields, and the existing Adventure Landing operator will manage all other facilities and amenities until the future park is constructed.
Abutting this property to the immediate north will be the future Cotton Belt Trail, which is scheduled to be completed in the near future.
“Adventure Landing is part of the fabric of our community,” said Dallas City Council member Cara Mendelsohn said. “It’s a 30-year place for families, school field trips and lasting memories. We’re excited to see and actually to preserve this community treasure for Dallas residents all over so that they can come and create happy memories themselves.”
She says the city is keeping the same operator, and the park and soccer fields are expected to bring in $500,000 to $1 million per year in revenue to maintain the park and support other parks.
Mendelsohn said the land is home to 6,700 housing units and more than 20,000 people within a 10-minute walk to the park.
"This area has been a park desert,” said Mendelsohn.
She said $5 million in discretionary bond funding for District 12 in Far North Dallas has been dedicated to the Adventure Landing acquisition.
Mendelsohn said she hopes to see the park added to the Dallas Summer Teen Pass program, allowing teens to visit certain attractions for free during the summer.
The soccer fields are expected to bear the Hildebrand family name in tribute to the longtime owner.
Last month, the Park and Recreation Board unanimously approved the land acquisition item and recommended approval to the City Council.
“With the cost of land in the north Dallas area increasing in value, we are fortunate to secure this property to make sure residents have access to green spaces and new recreational amenities. Acquiring land in certain fully developed areas of the City for park purposes is exceedingly difficult, and this acquisition represents a unique opportunity for us as a City” said Dallas Park and Recreation Board President Arun Agarwal.
