PILLAR: Vibrant
AGENDA DATE: June 24, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 10, 13
DEPARTMENT: Park & Recreation Department
PRIORITY: N/A
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SUBJECT
Title
Authorize an application for the Local Parks Urban Outdoor Recreation Grant Program in the amount of $3,000,000.00 from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for Fair Oaks Park Improvement Project located at 7621 Fair Oaks Avenue - Financing: This action has no cost consideration to the City (see Fiscal Information)
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BACKGROUND
This action will authorize an application for the Local Parks Urban Outdoor Recreation Grant Program in the amount of $3,000,000.00 from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) for Fair Oaks Park located at 7621 Fair Oaks Avenue.
The TPWD administers the Local Parks Urban Outdoor Recreation Grant Program, which provides funding for the development and improvement of public parkland. Funding for this program is derived from 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 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 that meets the goals of the TPWD Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan.
Fair Oaks Park, located in the Vickery Meadow neighborhood, serves a densely populated and park-deficient area of Dallas, with over 35,000 residents and limited access to quality outdoor recreation amenities. Improvements to the park will help address community needs, expand recreational opportunities, and enhance accessibility.
The proposed project includes site and recreational improvements at Fair Oaks Park, including a spray ground, ADA-accessible playground, shade and gathering space, trail and connectivity enhancements, landscaping with tree planting and a small community garden, court, field, parking, and infrastructure improvements.
In addition to the recreational improvements, the project will include the designation and preservation of a natural area/open space within Fair Oaks Park to support native habitat restoration, urban tree canopy enhancement, pollinator habitat, and environmental stewardship while preserving a portion of the park for passive recreation and nature-based experiences.
A 1:1 match to the TPWD grant funding is required and will be met through the 2024 Bond Program, which has designated $3,000,000 for improvements at Fair Oaks Park. Of this amount, $1,500,000 will serve as the required local match for the grant. The remaining bond funds will support additional project improvements. The deadline for applications is August 1, 2026.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On June 18, 2026, the Park and Recreation Board approved an application for the Local Parks Urban Outdoor Recreation Grant Program in the amount not to exceed of $3,000,000.00 from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for Fair Oaks Park Improvement Project located at 7621 Fair Oaks Avenue.
FISCAL INFORMATION
This action has no cost consideration to the City. The Fair Oaks Park Improvement Project will utilize grant funds received as a result of a successful application to the TPWD Local Parks Urban Indoor Grant Program. Once the grant is awarded, a future item will be brought to City Council to approve the acceptance of the grant and authorize the local match of $1,500,000 from 2024 Bond Funds designated for Fair Oaks Park.
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