DALLAS — Some new conceptual drawings of a proposed deck park in Oak Cliff are generating a lot of support and criticism.
Supporters say the deck park, which could be built over I-35 between Marsalis Avenue and Ewing Boulevard, would connect two Oak Cliff communities. However, some residents say the plan is leaving some neighbors feeling left out.
In the Historic Tenth Street community, families say the possibility of change is top of mind.
"I think [the park] will be a neat idea," said longtime resident Richard Randall.
The father of three is among those buzzing about new drawings of the proposed deck park near Dallas Zoo.
The city is looking at transforming a 5.5 acre space into a deck park over IH-35. The park’s features would include two major lawns, fountains, a children’s area, dog park, food and beverage kiosks, and a skate park among other amenities and entertainment spaces.
Randall says the design looks nice.
Council member Carolyn King Arnold has strong opinions about the project.
"it’s what I call the Wreck park,” Arnold told her colleagues during a meeting at City Hall.
The District Four council member has been very critical of the current deck park idea. During a Transportation Committee briefing over the renderings, on Monday, she argued neighbors in the Tenth Street community have been largely out of the loop on the planning.
"The problem here is that there are two Districts involved. District 1 and District 4," Arnold said.
Arnold argued the estimated $80 million project would be an intrusion to folks living on the east side of I-35. She argued the residents there have more pressing needs.
Randall, says the roads are raggedy, curbs need to be installed, and street lights do not work. He supports the efforts to build the deck park, on condition the city dedicates money to the infrastructure needs in his community.
Neighbors in District One are also examining the drawings.
"I think it's a good idea,” said West Oak Cliff resident Anastasia Moncada. “It would attract a lot of people.”
Moncada says she believes the deck park design looks nice. Though, she wonders who would get the greatest use out of it.
“I don't know if the people in the community would actually go to it,” Moncada added. "It would attract more tourists, I believe, instead of the locals, really."
Council member Arnold says she plans to host a press conference in the coming days to address some of her constituents concerns over the proposed deck park.
