PILLAR: Vibrant
AGENDA DATE: September 23, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 4
DEPARTMENT: Park & Recreation Department
PRIORITY: N/A
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize (1) Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to the Construction Manager at Risk Agreement with Linbeck Group, LLC, to provide preconstruction and construction services for the Dallas Zoo Safari Trail Project located at 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, in an amount not to exceed $28,008,458.00 (includes an owner’s contingency of $815,780.00 and Guaranteed Maximum Price of $27,192,678.00); and (2) an increase in appropriations in an amount not to exceed $18,383,458.00 in the Capital Gifts Match Donations and Development Fund - Not to exceed $28,008,458.00, from $90,000.00 to $28,098,458.00 - Financing: Capital Gifts Match Donations and Development Fund ($18,383,458.00) and Park and Recreation Facilities (B) Fund (2024 General Obligation Bond Fund) ($9,625,000.00)
Body
BACKGROUND
The Safari Trail Project is made possible through a partnership agreement with the Dallas Zoological Society. The agreement authorizes the Dallas Zoo to develop capital improvements on city-owned property in three Phases. The agreement commits the City to provide $30 million dollars of 2024 Bond funds, with $10 million per year for the current and next two years. The agreement also describes how the city-provided funds must be matched at a 2 to 1 ratio by a Dallas Zoo donation.
The Zoo Safari Trail Project (Project) includes three phases, each with its own design and construction periods. Phase One phase of the Project is called African Shorelines with a construction budget of approximately $25M. Key elements to this part include a penguin exhibit, flamingo exhibit, and a café. Phase Two is called Wild Grasslands with a construction budget of approximately $45M. Key elements to this phase include a rhino exhibit, cheetah exhibit, and an aviary walkthrough with free flight birds. Phase Three is called Okapi Forest with a construction budget of approximately $20M. Key elements of this phase include a primate exhibit, and an okapi exhibit, as well as an education classroom.
During the design periods of each phase, the Linbeck Group, LLC will provide preconstruction services and work with the rest of the Project Team, consisting of the Dallas Zoological Society and their representatives, the Park and Recreation Department, and the design consultants (hired by the Zoo) during the design process to ensure the feasibility and constructability of the improvements proposed for each of the three phases of the Project. The Linbeck Group, LLC will also provide cost estimates and construction schedules during the design periods. Partway through the design and prior to the completion of construction documents of each phase, the Linbeck Group, LLC will lead a public bidding process and submit a proposal with a Guaranteed Maximum Price for construction of each phase of the Project.
This action will authorize Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to the Construction Manager at Risk Agreement with Linbeck Group, LLC, to provide construction services for the Dallas Zoo Safari Trail Project, located at 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, in an amount not to exceed $28,008,458.00.
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
Began Design of Part One November 2025
Complete Design of Part One June 2026
Begin Construction of Part One October 2026
Complete Construction of Part One March 2028
Began Design of Part Two November 2025
Complete Design of Part Two January 2028
Begin Construction of Part Two April 2028
Complete Construction of Part Two March 2029
Began Design of Part Three November 2025
Complete Design of Part Three December 2028
Begin Construction of Part Three May 2029
Complete Construction of Part Three May 2030
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On December 10, 2025, the City Council authorized a development agreement between the City of Dallas and the Dallas Zoo for the design and construction of the Safari Habitat Trail and other improvements by Resolution No. 25-1839.
On February 19, 2026, the Park and Recreation Board approved a Construction Manager at Risk Agreement with Linbeck Group, LLC, best value proposer of four, to provide preconstruction and construction services for the Dallas Zoo Safari Trail Project, located at 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway.
On March 25, 2026, the construction services contract item was deferred per Council Rules of Procedure Section 7.11, to April 8, 2026 by Councilmember Bazaldua.
On April 8, 2026, the City Council authorized a Construction Manager at Risk Agreement with Linbeck Group, LLC, best value proposer of four, to provide preconstruction and construction services for the Dallas Zoo Safari Trail Project located at 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway by Resolution No. 26-0652.
On September 17, 2026, the Park and Recreation Board approved Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to increase the Construction Manager at Risk Agreement with Linbeck Group, LLC, to provide preconstruction and construction services for the Dallas Zoo Safari Trail Project (or “Project”) located at 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2026 |
FY 2027 |
Future Years |
|
Capital Gifts Match Donations and Development Fund |
$18,383,458.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Park and Recreation Facilities (B) Fund (2024 General Obligation Bond Fund) |
$ 9,625,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Total |
$28,008,458.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
Design $ 90,000.00
Supplemental Agreement No. 1 (this action) $28,008,458.00
Project Total $28,098,458.00
LOCAL PARTICIPATION
|
Prime |
Status |
Workforce % |
|
Linbeck Group, LLC |
Non-Local |
3.15% |
PROCUREMENT INFORMATION
On January 22, 2026, in accordance with the City of Dallas Administrative Directive 4-05 procurement guidelines, Linbeck Group, LLC, was selected as the most qualified consultant for this project.
OWNER/EXECUTIVE
Linbeck Group, LLC
1263 West Rosedale St., Suite 200
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
Thomas O. Cole, Owner and President
MAP
Attached