Fair Park First enters final phase

By Taylor Mayad

With a unanimous vote this past week, the Dallas City Council approved the development agreement with Fair Park First, officially clearing the way for continued progress and construction of the long-promised Community Park to be built on the historic fairgrounds.

The 10.5-acre Community Park, shaped by more than six years of planning, more than 1,800 community conversations and direct neighborhood input, will transform former parking lots into the largest new green space investment in South Dallas in decades.

With design development 100 percent complete, Fair Park First will immediately advance into construction documents and finalize the remaining $7.5 million funding gap needed to fully deliver the $40.6 million project.

“This vote is about keeping a promise,” said Dallas City Council Member Adam Bazaldua. 

“For years, South Dallas residents have asked for meaningful green space, accessible amenities and investment that reflects the strength of this community. The City Council stood united in saying: the time is now. We are moving forward.”

The Community Park will feature inclusive playgrounds, a splash pad, shaded lawns, walking paths, a market grove and pavilion, fitness areas, a dog park and native landscaping designed for long-term sustainability. Construction is targeted to begin following completion of construction documents and permitting, with a projected opening in November 2027.

“This is the moment we have worked toward,” said Alyssa Siffermann, executive director of Fair Park First. “The Community Park is fully designed, largely funded, and now, with the City Council’s unanimous approval, moving into actualization. We, and South Dallas, are ready. Let’s build this park.”

Fair Park First has secured approximately 82 percent of total project funding to date and will now focus on closing the final $7.5 million gap.

“Today is day one,” said Heather Stevens, Campaign Strategist for the Community Park. “We are entering the final phase, construction documents and final fundraising. This is where vision becomes reality. We invite donors, partners and the entire community to help us close the gap and bring this transformational park to life.”

Board Chair Jason Brown, who also serves as the Community Park Project Subcommittee Chair, emphasized the project’s community-driven foundation.

“This park was shaped by the voices of South Dallas,” Brown said. “Every major amenity reflects what neighbors asked for. Yesterday’s unanimous vote honors that process and sends a powerful signal that this community matters and this park is happening.”

Under the agreement, Fair Park First will manage design, development, fundraising and construction, with City oversight and ultimate ownership of the completed improvements.

“We are extremely grateful to Council Members Bazaldua and Kathy Stewart for their passion and leadership, which led to the Council’s unanimous approval,” added Brown. “The countdown is on!”