The City of Dallas has announced a coalition with 20 non-profits to maintain and grow park space in the city. Earlier this year, the city named a "greening czar," and the city says Dallas Parks and Recreation has asked for $398 million in the bond that will go to voters in 2024.
The non-profit, Trust for Public Land, says Dallas has built new parks and trails to put a park within a ten minute walk of 300,000 people since 2014. Despite the work, the organization says a quarter of residents still live farther away.
"Investing in parks will help Dallas become a healthier, more resilient city, ready for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century," Robert Kent, state director of Trust for Public Land, said at an announcement of the Dallas Parks Coalition Monday.
"Parks are what I consider to be critical infrastructure in a modern city," Mayor Eric Johnson said.
Johnson said Klyde Warren Park and the deck park above I-35E in southern Dallas show the city's dedication to maintaining green space and the ability of people to walk among neighborhoods.
"We've become a model for not only other cities in the United States but around the world," he said. "There are cities all over now working to create their own versions of Klyde Warren Park."
Among cities in Texas, San Antonio opened an 8.800 square foot park beneath an overpass earlier this year. The park has playground equipment and basketball courts.
Johnson said the focus on parks in Dallas will bring additional interest from people and businesses moving from other areas because they will provide community gathering spaces.
"It's going to equip Dallas with a genuine competitive advantage as we pursue our mission to become the major city with the best park system in the entire State of Texas," he said.
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