STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Vibrant
AGENDA DATE: April 23, 2025
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 7
DEPARTMENT: Park & Recreation Department
EXECUTIVE: John D. Jenkins
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the (1) acceptance of a grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) for the Local Parks Grant Program (TPWD P.O. No. CA-0006636, Project No. 55-24001) for the development of the Community Park at Fair Park Fitness Loop project located at Fair Park in the amount of $2,598,820.00 of which the State’s portion is $1,299,410.00, the local match portion is $1,299,410.00 to be provided by Fair Park First (FPF), and the State’s reimbursement to the City of Dallas in an amount not to exceed $1,299,410.00 for the period January 25, 2024 through April 30, 2028; (2) establishment of appropriations in an amount not to exceed $1,299,410.00 in the TPWD Local Parks Grant Program CP-FP Fund; (3) the establishment of appropriations in the amount of $1,299,410.00 the FPF Match-Community Park at Fair Park Fitness Loop Fund; (4) receipt and deposit of funds in the amount not to exceed $1,299,410.00 into the TPWD Local Parks Grant Program CP-FP Fund; (5) receipt and deposit of funds in the amount not to exceed $1,299,410.00 into the FPF Match-Community Park at Fair Park Fitness Loop Fund; and (6) execution of the grant agreement with TPWD and all terms, conditions and documents required by the grant agreement - Total amount of $2,598,820.00 - Financing: TPWD Local Parks Grant Program Grant CP-FP Fund ($1,299,410.00), and FPF Match-Community Park at Fair Park Fitness Loop Fund ($1,299,410.00)
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BACKGROUND
TPWD administers the Local Parks Grant Program. Funding for this program comes from a portion of the state sales tax on sporting goods through the Texas Recreation and Parks account, the Texas Large County and Municipality Recreation and Parks account, and from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.
The scoring criteria for this grant program includes development or the extension of parks, a locally adopted and department-approved park master plan, reduction of the threat to the public availability of a conservation or recreation opportunity, location in an underserved area, and involvement of public or private cooperation and meets the goals of TPWD land and water resources conservation and recreation plan.
The Community Park at Fair Park is designed as an 18-acre park within the boundaries of Fair Park in South Dallas. This long-awaited park will replace the former parking lot abutting Fitzhugh Avenue, Exposition Avenue, Pennsylvania Avenue, and Lagow Street. The Community Park at Fair Park is identified by the Dallas Park & Recreation Department as the candidate for this funding application due to the department’s input from the community, partnership with Fair Park First (FPF), and completion of a master plan outlining the Phase One development priorities. The Dallas Park & Recreation Department is partnering with Fair Park First, who will construct the first phase of the park with multi-use paths, a central lawn, and terraced gardens. FPF will provide the required matching funds through donations from its contributors. FPF will add picnic areas, a dog park, pavilion, outdoor fitness equipment, amphitheater, and other amenities in subsequent phases. The Community Park at Fair Project will transform a large parking lot into a new gathering space for the community, while creating new opportunities for all of Dallas to enjoy a long-promised park that encourages recreation in an outdoor setting.
The City Council authorized the application to Texas Parks and Wildlife on May 24, 2023.
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
Complete Design November 2025
Begin Construction November 2026*
Complete Construction November 2027
*Construction start held until November 2026 to accommodate FIFA Fan Fest and State Fair of Texas requirement.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On May 4, 2023, the Planning and Design Committee reviewed this item and authorized it to move forward to the full Park and Recreation Board on May 18, 2023.
On May 18, 2023, the Park and Recreation Board authorized an application for the Local Parks Urban Outdoor Recreation Grant Program in a total project amount not to exceed $1,500,000.00 from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for development of the Community Park at Fair Park.
On May 24, 2023, the City Council authorized an application for the Local Parks Urban Outdoor Recreation Grant Program in a total project amount not to exceed $1,500,000.00 from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department by Resolution No: 23-0714.
On April 17, 2025, the Park and Recreation Board authorized the acceptance of a grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) through the Local Parks Grant Program for the development of Community Park at Fair Park Fitness Loop located at Fair Park.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2025 |
FY 2026 |
Future Years |
|
TPWD Local Parks Grant Program CP-FP Fund |
$1,299,410.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
FPF Match - Community Park at Fair Park Fitness Loop Fund |
$1,299,410.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Total |
$2,598,820.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
MAP
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