Dallas City Council approves property purchase for new community park development in far north Dallas

Dallas, Texas – The Dallas City Council has approved a $13.65 million purchase of a 13.48-acre property in far north Dallas to create a new community park. This acquisition is a major step in the City’s initiative to provide more public green spaces, particularly in areas where parks and recreational amenities are sparse. The property, located near Coit Road and the George Bush Turnpike, will eventually be transformed into a fully developed community park, pending future funding through bond programs.

Maintaining Existing Amenities for the Community

The newly acquired land currently features soccer fields, batting cages, and other recreational amenities. While plans for the park’s development are underway, these facilities will remain operational for public use. The Dallas Park and Recreation Department will manage the soccer fields, while the Adventure Landing operator will continue overseeing other amenities on-site. This ensures the property remains a valuable community resource in the interim.

Council Member Cara Mendelsohn, representing District 12, highlighted the significance of this site, saying, “Adventure Landing is a part of the fabric of our community. It’s a 30-year beloved place for families, school field trips, and lasting memories. I’m excited to preserve this community treasure and see more Dallas residents create their own happy memories at Adventure Landing and the Hildebrand soccer fields.”

Strategic Location and Future Connections

The property is situated in a key area of far north Dallas, where the nearest existing park amenities, Preston Ridge Trail and Twin Lakes Park, are approximately three-quarters of a mile away. The new park will eventually connect to the planned Cotton Belt Trail, further enhancing accessibility and recreational opportunities for residents in the area.

Arun Agarwal, President of the Dallas Park and Recreation Board, emphasized the importance of securing this property. “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.”

Addressing a Critical Community Need

The approval of this acquisition marks a significant step toward addressing the shortage of parks in north Dallas. Lane Conner, District 12 Park and Recreation Board Member, noted, “This acquisition represents far more than the purchase of land – it symbolizes a pivotal investment in addressing a critical need within a community with the fewest parks in the entire city. By creating this new park, we are taking a transformative step toward providing every resident, no matter their neighborhood, with access to exceptional green spaces.”

John D. Jenkins, Director of the Dallas Park and Recreation Department, reinforced the City’s commitment to expanding access to parks. “The Dallas Park System continues to pursue acquisitions in areas of the City that are lacking in park land all in an effort to continue to increase the percentage of residents that live within a 10-minute walk of a park or greenspace – a key metric in measuring park systems’ effectiveness in serving their residents,” he said.

A Vision for the Future

With this purchase, the City of Dallas is investing in more than just land; it is investing in the community’s quality of life and future. By ensuring access to parks and recreational amenities, the City aims to create lasting value for its residents and improve the overall livability of its neighborhoods.