PILLAR: Vibrant
AGENDA DATE: September 23, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):|910|DEPARTMENT: Park & Recreation Department
PRIORITY: N/A
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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)
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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 bird...
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