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Emphasize equity in all aspects of the park system and promote it by developing new outreach strategies
Focus resources and initiatives around neighborhood and community parks with a goal of providing the best local parks in Texas as those are the types of parks that are most meaningful to our community
Utilize operations and the budgeting process to ensure that the organization is recognized around the country as a model of operational effectiveness and efficiency
Grow the department’s reach and impact on the community without further encumbering City resources by fully embracing and utilizing our existing partners while being aggressive in the development of new partnerships
Initiate and expand existing programs that provide for the betterment of our employees and provide the skills required to become impactful leaders in all levels of the organization
Parks are the heart and soul of Dallas. And they address one of my top priorities as Mayor: building a greener and greater Dallas.
Dallas now leads with the best parks of any major city in Texas and ranks fifth in the nation among cities with over one million people. Today, more than 80% of our residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park or trail. We have invested wisely in our parks through annual city budgets and the 2024 Bond Program. Those investments have tangible returns: giving more Dallas families park access, bringing people together, connecting communities, and encouraging people to spend time outdoors.
Parks are also powerful economic engines, generating multiples of the invested tax and private dollars. Parks attract visitors and welcome new residents to Dallas. They spark new local businesses and draw more private investment into neighborhoods across the city.
Parks are a key reason why Dallas continues to thrive as the greatest city in America, and our commitment to parks is here to stay.
Dallas' parks, trails, recreational programs, and leisure venues are essential to the vibrancy and livability of any great city, providing opportunities for people to connect with outdoors, stay active, develop new passions and just relax. The Dallas Park and Recreation Board is committed to developing spaces to meet the ever-changing leisure needs of residents and visitors.
Our city is experiencing a renaissance in every sense –culturally, economically, and socially. Leading this revitalization is our award-winning park system. As Dallas continues to attract more families, corporate headquarters, start-up businesses, and eager entrepreneurs, the need to continue to invest in our park system is vital.
An investment in our park system is wise because it creates enormous value. For every dollar Dallas invests in infrastructure, parks, and recreation, we see a remarkable return of approximately $7. Our trails are one of the highest-return investments with returns as high as 50:1. Overall, Dallas’ park system generates more than $700 million annually for the local economy.
As the city continues to grow, our park system remains a central part of what makes Dallas a place where everyone belongs.
Dallas Park and Recreation Department
Where You Belong isn’t about a place - it’s feeling connected to a community. Dallas parks, trails, and recreation programs help make that happen for families and visitors every time they walk on a trail, join a recreation center class, relax on a park bench, watch a youth soccer game, and take little ones to a playground. Dallas Park and Recreation has welcoming spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Our park system brings communities together. That’s not only our department’s tagline. It’s our brand and it reflects what we as park and recreation professionals do every day. From building new trails and maintaining green spaces to leading recreational and leisure programs for all ages, we are connecting neighbors, families, young people and our most treasured residents – our senior adults – to spaces and places where everyone can feel safe, welcome and comfortable. We’re helping neighborhoods grow stronger and making sure everyone has a place where they feel they belong.
As you explore our annual report, take note of how Dallas Park and Recreation’s programs, services, and facilities show why this is “Where You Belong.”
OUR MISSION
The Dallas Park And Recreation Department’s mission is to champion lifelong recreation and serve as responsible stewards of the city’s parks, trails, and open spaces.
OUR VISION
With that mission in mind, the Department’s vision for the future is for a comprehensive system of parks, trails, open spaces, and recreation facilities that sustains, inspires, and invigorates.
21,109
243
412
FY2023 - FY2024
BUDGET
FY2023 - FY2024
FTEs BY SERVICE
Staffing allocation across different service areas
Dallas ranks 38th in the Trust for Public Land’s 2024 ParkScore index, up five spots from last year. It leads all major Texas cities, ahead of Garland, Fort Worth, Arlington, and Irving, and is second in the state behind Plano. ParkScore evaluates cities based on equity, access, investment, amenities, and acreage to help cities improve their park systems. In the access category, 74% of Dallas residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park.
The 2023 National Recreation and Park Association Conference brought nearly 9,000 professionals to Dallas for a week of learning, networking, and innovation. Hosted in October, the event highlighted the city’s hospitality, cultural diversity, and award-winning park system. A standout feature was the trade show with nearly 500 companies showcasing the latest in parks and recreation. As part of the NRPA Day of Service, over 250 professionals planted 150 trees at Lake Cliff Park, leaving a lasting community impact.
White Rock Lake is a Lone Star Legacy Park after receiving the Texas Recreation and Parks Society designation, the organization’s highest honor conferred on a park for its historic and recreational contributions and community importance. White Rock is the third Dallas park to receive this statewide distinction joining Reverchon and Kiest parks.
The Texas Historic Tree Coalition recognized the 85-year-old grove at Moore Park with the Historic Tree Certificate. The celebrated grove features burr oak, pecan, and Bois d’arc trees whose ages are estimated to be more than 125 years old. Moore Park is one of the city’s first areas to get the recognition from the Texas Historic Tree Coalition, who has been designating heritage trees for decades. For trees to be designated historic, they must be of a certain size and age and a significant witness to history, according to certified arborists.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission is helping the Community Park Complex at Fair Park take shape by awarding the City of Dallas a $1.3 million Urban Outdoor Recreation Grant. The grant will fund greenscaping, walkways, and a Fitness Loop equipped with exercise amenities such as dip bars, pull-up stations, hurdles, and a Combi 5 workout station. Additionally, the Fitness Loop will feature bicycle racks, spinning benches, standard benches, workout lawns, and water stations along pathways. The Community Park is expected to open next year.
The Dallas Morning News has named Stevens Park Golf Course a Top 50 Texas Golf Courses Open to the Public. Having recently celebrated its centennial anniversary, the popular Oak Cliff course is known for its pristine conditions and challenging layout. Dallas Park and Recreation operates six premier 18-hole courses offering lessons for novice and experienced players and first-class golf amenities.
Dallas Park and Recreation was honored by Preservation Dallas for the restoration of Willis Winters Park Pavilion. Recognized for outstanding historic park or landscape restoration, the project highlights the department’s ongoing leadership in landscape and facility restoration.
Dallas Park and Recreation holds more preservation achievement awards than any other organization in the city.
As part of their Future Stars introduction-to-hockey initiative, the Dallas Stars refreshed the gymnasium at Hiawatha Williams Recreation Center with new ball hockey equipment, gym floor featuring the Stars logo, and fresh paint. More than 250 youth participate in the Future Stars program at 16 city recreation centers where they are learning basic hockey skills.
After nearly 60 years, Dallas Park and Recreation will resume operations of City Park. As Dallas’ first park, this 20-acre historic site—dating back to the 19th century—features pioneer and Victorian architecture, offering a glimpse into early Texas life. The park will continue preserving Dallas’ past while enhancing public access and engagement through special events and family-friendly programs.
Dallas Park and Recreation hosted Totality Dallas - A Solar Eclipse Festival at Samuell Farm where thousands from around the world came to the historic farm to watch this natural phenomenon with amazement. Plans are already in the works for the next total solar eclipse on August 23, 2044!
At Hiawatha Williams Recreation Center, volunteer Kyla Williams is equipping young girls with essential life skills with The Girls Club. Since it launched in the fall, The Girls Club has given girls ages 8-12 fun and diverse learning experiences, empowering them with information on topics ranging from financial literacy to professional development and physical wellbeing. The Girls Club goal is to build stronger communities by nourishing kids from a younger age with early education that will prepare them for the future.
A group from the department’s Recreation Services Division are taking the next steps in their careers through Reading and Rec’ing — an initiative tailored for women ready to elevate their professional development. More than just a book club, participants say it is a vibrant space designed to be a go-to resource for personal and professional growth. The group says Reading and Rec’ing is more than reading: it's fostering empowerment and building a strong community of women leaders.
Greg Ellis, Dallas Cowboys assistant defensive line coach, and Dallas Park and Recreation raised awareness and removed the stigma around mental health and wellness, particularly in communities of color with the Getting My Help Mental Wellness Walk and Fair. The event featured a 5K and one-mile walk, interactive workshops, mental health resources, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
Denny’s Restaurants gave $5,000 to support recreational and community programs at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center. The donation is part of Denny’s Community initiative to address food insecurities in Dallas communities.
Dallas Park and Recreation launched a two-year, $140-million renovation project to modernize the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium at Fair Park. Renovations will increase visitors’ comfort while preserving the stadium’s rich legacy include multi-story entries at the west entrance gates, 14 new escalators, additional restrooms and concessions, premium seating and suites, and a media area in the south endzone. Fans can experience the new look in time for the 2025 State Fair of Texas. In addition, Former Texas Senator John Carona donated $5 million to Fair Park for the naming of the Carona Plaza at Cotton Bowl Stadium.
Bachman Lake Park is destined to become a popular skateboarding spot again. A 45,600-square-foot, concrete inground skate park is under construction. The $3.9-million project – funded through the 2017 bond program – will attract expert and novice skaters with its professionally designed Street Scape Area, Flow Bowl, Snake Run, and Pool Bowl skate elements. During the 1980s, a skate park at Bachman Lake drew fans from across the country with its legendary pinball-lighted Clown and Blue ramps.
Construction began on a new 4-story, almost 600-car guest parking garage. This $16 million project will provide much-needed parking and traffic relief for the Zoo and surrounding neighborhoods. The garage will add critical parking volume for the Dallas Zoo, increasing its capacity by approximately 50% over its existing 1,200 parking spaces.
Dallas Greenspace and Friends of Oak Cliff Parks received a $75,000 grant from the TEGNA Foundation – WFAA Television’s parent company – to enhance the Kiest Conservation Area near Kiest Park. The grant will fund three additional miles of soft-surface trails, an educational kiosk, trailside benches, and interactive trail markers. The public can start enjoying these new amenities September 2024!
Sleepy Hollow Park received a redesign of its outdoor space. Among the new amenities are trees, tree climber play equipment, and walkways. Lining paths leading to the pavilion are five unique informational signs that highlight the environmental benefits of trees and various tree species and pollinators found at the park. At Willie Mae Butler Park, the revamped playground features new climbing structures, swings, and slides.
Harwood Park is the latest addition to Dallas’ Park system. Located in East Quarter of downtown Dallas, the four-acre green space offers pickleball and basketball, a stunning entertainment pavilion, two off-leash areas, a rain garden, and a reservable indoor special events space. Kids will love the interactive splash pad and the unique Columbian Mammoth-shaped and -sized playground.
The development of an Oak Cliff Park will be named for a Dallas businessman renowned for his philanthropy. The $5 million Roland G. Parrish Park will feature an athletic field and running track, playground, basketball pavilion, lighted loop trail, disc golf, and picnic areas.
Crawford Memorial Park now features COMUNIDAD, a striking new sculptural installation that is a series of community tables and sculptural elements to bring people together. COMUNIDAD is a space that welcomes people to gather and enjoy nature through a fusion of form and function. The installation consists of four, well-crafted granite elements: a modest golden-colored granite multi-purpose platform, a 30’ long seating element, and two elliptical community tables: an 80-foot-long table, and a smaller 30-foot-long table.
The addition of a sand volleyball court at Tietze is another way park visitors keep active. The court is part of ongoing efforts to enhance park amenities and promote healthy lifestyles.
The newly constructed pedestrian bridge connects the Northaven Trail west of North Central Expressway to the White Rock Creek Trail to the east, enhancing trail connectivity and access across Dallas. The project was a collaborative effort between the City of Dallas, Dallas County, North Central Texas Council of Governments, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and Friends of Northaven Trail.
Dallas’ newest trail is a nine-mile connection from White Rock Lake through the Trinity Forest and along the AT&T trail that will link with the LOOP Dallas, a contiguous 50-mile urban trail project of the Circuit Trail Conservancy (CTC), the City of Dallas, and other partners.
Dallas Park and Recreation Department has completed the installation of 11 new trail markers at White Rock Lake. Positioned at points of interest, the markers feature key locations within the park, provide distances between various locations, and offer other relevant information. The new signage is made possible by the White Rock Lake Foundation.
A $6.4 million grant from RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) will fund crucial planning, design, and engineering for the Five Mile Creek Trail Greenbelt project.
A new 1.25-mile trail that will connect Dallas, Grand Prairie and Cedar Hill is being planned for southern Dallas communities. Once completed, 1382 Sidepath Trail will improve connectivity and provide more recreational opportunities.
For a complete listing of Dallas Park and Recreation partnerships, visit Dallasparks.org
• Buena Vista, JV, LLC
• Circuit Trail Conservancy
• City of Dallas Fire-Rescue
• City of Dallas Office of Art and Culture
• City of Dallas Marshals
• City of Dallas Police Department
• City of Dallas Public Library
• City of Irving
• City of Plano
• City of Richardson
• Dallas County
• Dallas Golf Initiative
• Dallas Hartford, LLC
• Dallas Independent School District
• Dallas Water Utilities
• DART
• Friends of the Katy Trail
• Groundwork Dallas
• Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Institute at Juanita J. Craft
• Bob Smith - Tenison Glen/Highland Golf Courses
• Corinthian Sailing Club
• Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Society
• Dallas County Audubon - Cedar Ridge Preserve
• Dallas Rowing Club - Bachman Lake
• Dallas Tennis Association - Kiest Tennis Center
• Dallas United Crew
• Dallas Water Commons
• Dallas Zoo Management
• Downtown Dallas Inc.
• Elm Fork Shooting Sports
• Fair Park First
• FC Dallas - MoneyGram Soccer Park
• Ira Malayo- Cedar Crest Golf Course
• Harwood International Inc.
• HP Development Partners LP
• I AM a Golfer Foundation
• JLB Ash at the Branch Partners
• Lake Highlands Improvement District
• Magnolia Station, LLC
• North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG)
• North Texas Tollway Authority
• ONCOR
• Parks for Downtown Dallas
• Texas Tree Foundation
• The Trust for Public Land
• Turtle Creek Plaza, LLC
• TxDOT
• University Crossing PID
• Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation
• Impact Activities - Fretz Tennis Center
• Impact Activities - L.B. Houston Tennis Center
• Impact Activities - Samuell Grand Tennis Center
• Jim Henderson - Stevens Golf Course
• National Audubon Society, Inc.
- Trinity River Audubon Center
• North Lake Highlands PID
• Philip Bleakney (Mickey Piersall)
- Luna Vista Golf Course
• Shakespeare Dallas
• State Fair of Texas
• The Clubhouse Network
• Tony Martinez - Keeton Golf Course
• Turtle Creek Conservancy
• Uptown Dallas Inc.
• White Rock Boathouse Inc.
• Woodall Rogers Park Foundation (Kyle Warren Park)
For a complete listing of Dallas Park and Recreation partnerships, visit Dallasparks.org
• AARP
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
• Amazon
• American Red Cross
• AT&T
• Bachman Rowing Club
• BAMM (Branding, Advertising & Marketing)
• Baylor Scott & White at Juanita J.Craft
• Best Buy Geek Squad
• Big Thought
• Bonton Farms
• Brian Spencer
• Bridge LaCrosse.
• Carter High School Alumni Group
• Children’s Health
• Cigna
• College Park Community Group
• Colts Cricket Club
• Communities Foundation of Texas
• Concierge Connection
• Connect to Care/Dallas County’s Aging & Disability Resource Center
• CW 33
• Dallas After School
• Dallas Area Agency on Aging
• Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce
• Dallas Classic Baseball
• Dallas County
• Dallas County Dental Society Foundation
• Dallas Foundation
• Dallas Halequin Rugby Football Club
• Dallas Heritage Village Society
• Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
• Dallas Mavericks Foundation
• Dallas MexicanAmerican Historical League (DMAHL)
• Dallas Model Aircraft Asasociation
• Dallas Off-Road Bivycle Association (DORBA)
• Dallas Parks Coalition
• Dallas Rowing Club
• Dallas Rugby Football Club
• Dallas South Faith Coalition
• Dallas United Crew
• DART
• Deep Ellum Foundation
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Dallas Chapters)
• DFW Cricket Club
• East Kessler Neighborhood Association
• FAM United Youth Organization
• FC Dallas Foundation
• Ferguson Road Initiative
• Five Mile Neighborhood Association
• For Oak Cliff Organization
• For the Love of the Lake
• Foremost Family Health Centers
• Friends of Arapaho Park
• Friends od B.B.Owen Park
• Friends of Bachman Lake
• Friends of Bluff View Park
• Friends of Buckner Park
• Friends of Casa Linda
• Friends of Bluff View Park
• Friends of Cotillion Park
• Friends of Craddock Park
• Friends of Crawford Park
• Friends of Emma Carter Park
• Friends of Everglade Park
For a complete listing of Dallas Park and Recreation partnerships, visit Dallasparks.org
• Friends of Exall Park
• Friends of Garrett Park
• Friends of Katy Trail
• Friends of Kidd Spings Pool
• Friends of Maria Luna Park
• Friends of Mildred Dunn Park
• Friends of Moss Glen Park
• Friends of Northaven Trail
• Friends of Oak Cliff Parks
• Friends of Old Fish Hatchery
• Friends of Opportunity Park
• Friends of Preston Ridge Trail
• Friends of Riverchon Park
• Friends of Salado Park
• Friends of Samuell Grand
• Friends of Santa Fe Trail
• Friends of SoPac Trail
• Friends of St. Francis Park
• Friends of Tenison Park
• Friends of Trinity Strand Trail
• Friends of Tietze Park
• Friends of Walford Park
• Friends offWhite Rock Creek Trail
• Friends of White Rock Lake Dog Park
• Friends of Willis Winters Park
• Frost Bank
• Gables Residential
• Glen Oak Homeowners Association
• Gone But Not Forgotten
• Greenhill School
• Highlands Home Owners Association
• Hollywood Santa Monica
• IN-N-OUT Burger
• Ismaili Civic
• JihHe Battie
• 104 FM Radio
• Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc. – Dallas Alumni Chapter
• Kessler Plaza Neighborhood Association
• Kessler Reservew Homeowners Association
• Kidd Springs Central Neighborhood Association
• Kiest Park Community Group
• Kiest Valley homeowners Association
• Lake Highlands Exchange Club
• Lake Highlands Junior Women’s League
• Lake Highlands PID
• Lakewood Service League
• Lakewood Trails Neighborhood Association
• Ledbetter Neighborhood Association
• Lochwood Neighborhood Association
• Merriman Park Estates
• Mill City Community Association
• Native Restoration
• North Oak Cliff Green Space Inc.
• North Texas Master Naturalists
• Not My Son
• Oak Cliff 4-H Club
• Parkdale Lawnview Association of Neighbors
• Peninsular Neighborhood Association
• Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
– Theta Mu Sigma Dallas Chapter
• Park Terrace Neighborhood Association
• Prestonwood Estates Garden Club
• Prestonwood Homeowners Association
• REI Sporting
• Richardson Bike Mart
• Ron Abbe
For a complete listing of Dallas Park and Recreation partnerships, visit Dallasparks.org
• Runyon Springs Homeowners Association
• Santa Monica Neighborhood Association
• Scottish Rite
• Senior Source
• Shakespeare Dallas
• Shop Companies (Hillcrest Village Green)
• South Central Civic League
• South Oak Cliff High School Alumni Bear Cave
• Texas Trees Foundation
• The Meadows Foundation
• Top Ladies of Distinction - Dallas Chapter
• Top Ladies of Distinction - Trinity West Chapter
• TR Hoover Community
• Trinity Coalition
• Turtle Creek Association
• United Health Care
• U. S. Marine Corps (Toys for Tots)
• University of North Texas at Dallas
• Urbandale Citizen’s Beat
• Valley View Homeowners Association
• Vickery Meadows PID
• WellCare
• WellMed Charitable Foundation
• WellMed Management
• Westmoreland Heights Neighborhood Association
• WFAA Channel 8
• White Rock Lake Conservancy
• White Rock Lake Foundation
• White Rock Lake Rowing League
• Winnetka Heights Historic District
Red Bull and the WNBA Dallas Wings partnered with Dallas Park and Recreation to light up Crawford Park and make recreational basketball more accessible to Dallas communities. The park’s basketball court now has solar panel lights installed to extend outdoor play time.
Dallas Park and Recreation Administration 1500 Marilla St. 6FN Dallas, Texas 75201 (214) 670-4100 Administration, Business, and Administration Services Division (214) 670-1258 Park Maintenance and Operations Division (214)670-1923 Citywide, Athletics, Reservations, and Events Division (214) 670-1258
Planning, Design and Facilities Services Division (214) 670-4107 Recreation Services Division (214) 670-8847 Athletics, Events and Reservations (214) 670-8740 Bachman Indoor Pool (214) 670-6273
Bahama Beach Waterpark (214) 670-0820 Dallas Aquatics (214) 670-1926 Golf, Tennis, and Leisure Venue Services (214) 670-8520 Marketing and Communications (214) 670-4678 Volunteer Services (214) 670-8538 Southern Skates Roller Rink (214) 670-1190