DALLAS — Fair Park First officials presented plans for the long-awaited community park at Fair Park in South Dallas to the Dallas City Council’s Parks Trails and Environment Committee Monday, including a slightly updated timeline.
Fair Park First leaders previously told the Dallas Park and Recreation Board that about $30 million of the $39.1 million needed for the 10-plus-acre park has been secured via public and private donations. Officials said they’ll need to raise about $9.5 million to complete the park and expect to be able to raise it in the next 12 to 18 months.
Construction is expected to start after the 2025 State Fair of Texas next fall and take about a year, with a ribbon cutting expected in the winter of 2026.
The park, which is years in the making, was originally proposed to be 18 acres, cost more than $65 million, and include an outdoor performance stage and parking garage. Among the changes in the park’s design is that it doesn’t include a parking garage, following backlash from the community.
New designs show the park includes three playgrounds, a community stage, a dog park, picnic areas, 60 parking spaces dedicated to community park visitors and more.
“The parking garage seemed to be the star of the show [originally] and the park seemed to be supporting cast,” Dallas City Council member Adam Bazaldua said. “We’re seeing that flipped around.”
Monday’s update comes almost a week after it was announced that the Dallas Foundation, a nonprofit that guides philanthropic efforts in the city, is managing current and future donations to Fair Park First.
The news comes after issues arose earlier this year between Fair Park First and its subcontractor, Oak View Group, over misappropriated donor funds.
The Dallas Foundation’s management of funds for Fair Park First comes after a report earlier this year found the park was missing $5.7 million in donor funds restricted to specific projects. There are no allegations that money was stolen or spent outside the park boundaries.
The issue of the park is expected to come back before city officials once final design of the park is complete, which is expected in the spring.