City of Dallas Announces Milestone for the Community Park at Fair Park
DALLAS - The City of Dallas is proud to announce significant progress on the long-awaited Community Park at Fair Park, a transformative project that will bring approximately 10.5 acres of new green space, recreational amenities, and community-focused programming to South Dallas.
Today, the Dallas City Council authorized a tax increment financing (TIF) development agreement with Fair Park First, a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing Fair Park. The TIF development agreement will provide up to $3 million in gap funding from the Deep Ellum TIF District to support the planned Community Park at Fair Park. The funding will help the project commence construction without additional delay, prevent cost escalation associated with delaying construction, maintain alignment with project timelines and stakeholder commitments, and leverage existing public and private investment.
Pursuant to the Fair Park Development and Fundraising Agreement between Fair Park First and the City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department that was authorized by City Council on February 25, 2026 and executed on April 23, 2026, the TIF district funding will be disbursed to the Dallas Foundation which is acting as the financial steward on behalf of Fair Park First. This arrangement reinforces transparent financial management and long-term accountability while safeguarding the public's contribution to the project.
City Council Member Adam Bazaldua, who represents Council District 7, shared his enthusiasm for the vote, stating:
"The Community Park at Fair Park is more than a capital project - it's a commitment that delivers on a promise to the families and neighborhoods that have waited far too long for this meaningful investment. This park will create new opportunities, strengthen community pride, and build a healthier future for South Dallas. I appreciate my fellow Council Members, City staff, Fair Park First, the Dallas Foundation, and the philanthropic community for working together to make this long-anticipated vision a reality."
The estimated total project cost is $40.6 million. Fair Park First has already raised approximately $33.1 million to fund the design, development, and construction of the Community Park. The funds raised comprise investments from a cross-section of federal, state, and philanthropic partners (including grants and private donations) and demonstrate a strong, shared commitment to delivering the park to the community. Fair Park First is confident it can secure the remaining funds through philanthropic sources.
"The Deep Ellum TIF District funding helps close a critical gap in the Community Park budget, ensuring we can deliver long-promised green space, connectivity, and amenities for the families who live, work, and play in this historic area," said Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert.
"This is a powerful example of how Dallas can leverage innovative financing tools and strong public-private partnerships to reinvest in our neighborhoods, honor our commitments, and build a more vibrant city for everyone."
The Community Park at Fair Park is the signature project of the Fair Park Master Plan. It will serve as a civic anchor with shaded gathering spaces, playgrounds, walking trails, a market grove, fitness hub, native landscaping, community pavilion, and stage.
"The Community Park at Fair Park complements the new Fair Park Revitalization Strategy," said John Jenkins, Director of the Park and Recreation Department. My leadership team and partner organizations are steadfast in working on new programming efforts, including recurring community markets and expanded event recruitment efforts, as part of a broader strategy to make Fair Park a more active destination year-round.
Construction on the Community Park at Fair Park is anticipated to begin later this year. Completion is slated for December 2028.
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