PILLAR: Vibrant
AGENDA DATE: February 25, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 7
DEPARTMENT: Park & Recreation Department
PRIORITY: N/A
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SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the City Manager to execute a Fair Park Funding and Development Agreement with Fair Park First for the fundraising, design, development, and construction of the Community Park at Fair Park - Financing: This action has no cost consideration to the City (see Fiscal Information)
Body
BACKGROUND
The City of Dallas seeks to enter into a Funding and Development Agreement with Fair Park First (FPF) for the design, development, and construction of the Community Park at Fair Park, a project identified through the 2015 Mayor’s Fair Park Task Force process to better serve surrounding neighborhoods and the public.
Under the agreement, FPF will manage the design, development, and construction of the Community Park and will be responsible for fundraising to fully fund the design and future construction contract based on the 100% design development cost estimate and project contingency within six months of execution. Design must be completed within six months, and construction must commence within ninety days following permit issuance with a targeted start date of August 31, 2026. FPF will have 24 months to complete construction following execution of the construction contract.
The City will retain ownership of all improvements constructed at Fair Park. The Park & Recreation Department Director will review and approve design development and construction documents during the design process. FPF will be responsible for obtaining all required permits and approvals.
FPF will be granted naming rights for park elements and amenities, such as the Great Lawn and pavilions, as part of its fundraising efforts. Upon completion of fundraising activities for the Community Park, FPF may conduct fundraising for other Fair Park facilities during the term of the agreement for the benefit of the City.
The agreement will include audit rights for the City, quarterly memorandum briefings and annual updates to the City Council Committee on Finance, and provisions allowing the City Controller, or an appointed designee, to serve as a non-voting member of the Fair Park First Board to support financial accountability.
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
Begin Design August 2026
Complete Design February 2027
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On September 25, 2025, the Park and Recreation Board was briefed on this item.
On January 28, 2026, the City Council approved a motion to commit this item to the Parks, Trails, and Environment Committee by resolution No. 26-0303.
The Parks, Trails, and Environment Committee was briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on February 24, 2026. <https://dallascityhall.com/government/citymanager/Documents/Council%20Materials/A.%20Fair%20Park%20Development%20and%20Fundraising%20Agreement%20for%20the%20Community%20Park.pdf>
FISCAL INFORMATION
This action has no cost consideration to the City. There is no financial impact to the City, funds are to be provided by Fair Park First.
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