STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Vibrant
AGENDA DATE: May 14, 2025
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): Citywide
DEPARTMENT: Park & Recreation Department
EXECUTIVE: John D. Jenkins
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SUBJECT
Title
An ordinance amending Chapter 32, “Parks and Water Reservoirs”, of the Dallas City Code, by amending Section 32-11.3; to (1) add the Prism and Sunset Bay location that is in defense to prosecution for consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages in a park; and (2) remove Dreyfuss Club location that is in defense to prosecution for consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages in a park - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
Body
BACKGROUND
The Park and Recreation Board has the authority by City Code Sec.32-11.3 to approve alcohol consumption on park property. That Subsection (b) of Section 32-11.3, “Possession of Alcoholic Beverages in Parks,” of Article I, “In General,” of Chapter 32, “Parks and Water Reservoirs,” of the Dallas City Code, is amended to read as follows:
“(b) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a) that:
(1) the person was on the premises of:
(A) Fair Park;
(B) Old City Park;
(C) Reunion Park;
(D) the DeGolyer Estate, Camp Estate, or other area of the Arboretum designated by the park and recreation board for the possession and consumption of an alcoholic beverage;
(E) Betty Marcus Park, when attending a city-approved activity at the Meyerson Concert Hall;
(F) an area in Samuell Farm designated by the park and recreation board for the possession and consumption of an alcoholic beverage;
(G) the following park facilities, when pursuant to written permission of the director of the park and recreation department and in compliance with park facility reservation policies established by the park and recreation board:
(i) Arlington Hall;
(ii) Sunset Bay;
(iii) Winfrey Point; or
(iv) Big Thicket;
(v) The Prism Center
(H) a municipal golf course;
(I) a park facility or other park property or part of a park property for which:
(i) a valid license issued by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission existed; or
(ii) a lease or rental agreement had been granted by the city that allowed the possession and consumption of an alcoholic beverage; or
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On February 6, 2025, the Park and Recreation Board Authorize an ordinance amending Chapter 32, “Parks and Water Reservoirs”, of the Dallas City Code, by amending Section 32-11.3; adding the Prism Center location that are in defense to prosecution for consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages in a park, while removing Dreyfuss Club.
On March 6, 2025, the Park and Recreation Board authorized an ordinance amending Chapter 32, “Parks and Water Reservoirs”, of the Dallas City Code, by amending Section 32-11.3; adding the Sunset Inn location that is in defense to prosecution for consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages in a park, while removing Dreyfuss Club.
On April 9, 2025, this item was held under advisement by Councilmember Paula Blackmon.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.