Dallas City Council approves contract to build community park

The long-awaited community park at Fair Park will move forward after city council vote.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 6:39pm

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The Dallas City Council voted to approve a resolution allowing the development and construction of a community park at Fair Park. The $39 million project has secured $33 million in funding from state, federal, and private sources, but faced delays due to concerns over the finances of the non-profit Fair Park First that was managing the project.

Why it matters

The community park at Fair Park has been long-awaited by residents of South Dallas, a historically underserved area of the city. The park is seen as a way to bring more green space and recreational opportunities to the neighborhood.

The details

The city council vote came after more than 90 minutes of debate and the approval of a motion to remove oversight of the project from the Dallas Park and Recreation Board. Councilmember Adam Bazaldua, whose district includes Fair Park, said the Park Board-created task force reviewing Fair Park First's financials was behind schedule and threatened to miss a deadline to accept $13 million in funding. State Representative Venton Jones told the council the funding was in place and the community had waited long enough. Fair Park First says $33 million of the estimated $39 million budget has been raised through grants and private donations.

  • The Dallas City Council voted on the resolution on January 28, 2026.
  • Fair Park First says the planned community park could break ground in late 2026 after the conclusion of the FIFA Fanfest in parking lots just east of Dos Equis Pavilion.

The players

Adam Bazaldua

Dallas City Council member whose District 7 includes Fair Park and South Dallas.

Venton Jones

State Representative whose 100th District office is located at the Fair Park Visitors Center.

Maxie Johnson

Dallas City Council member whose District 4 covers part of South Oak Cliff and East Oak Cliff.

Fair Park First

The non-profit organization that was previously managing the Fair Park facilities, including the planned community park project.

OVG360

The private operator that managed venues at the 277-acre Fair Park until the city of Dallas terminated its management agreement with Fair Park First last summer.

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What they’re saying

“This is what hope looks like. This isn't just promises to be kept, this is action.”

— Adam Bazaldua, Dallas City Council member (nbcdfw.com)

“The funding is in place, the community has spoken and South Dallas has waited long enough.”

— Venton Jones, State Representative (nbcdfw.com)

“What we have is broken promises, more delay, more false caution and it makes absolutely no sense. It's always caution when it comes to our community when we try to get things done.”

— Maxie Johnson, Dallas City Council member (nbcdfw.com)

What’s next

Fair Park First says the planned community park could break ground in late 2026 after the conclusion of the FIFA Fanfest in parking lots just east of Dos Equis Pavilion.

The takeaway

The approval of the community park project at Fair Park represents a significant investment in the South Dallas community, which has long been underserved. The project's funding sources and the city council's commitment to moving it forward despite some delays demonstrate the importance of this project to the local residents.