In a landmark move, Old City Park, a cornerstone of cultural heritage in Dallas, is poised for a significant change. For the first time in half a century, management of the beloved park will transition from the Dallas County Heritage Society (DCHS) to the Dallas Parks Department. This historic shift, set to take place after May 26, 2024, marks the beginning of a new era for the park and its visitors.
But, what is going to change in the transition? That's not yet clear for the park, which has been around since 1876.
"It's a great question, and, honestly, that is still kind of evolving," says Michael Meadows, the current CEO of Old City Park. "We are working closely with the management of the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. I think they're trying to figure out what parts of what we do, they will continue."
Under the stewardship of the Dallas County Heritage Society for the past 50 years, Old City Park has been a vibrant hub of historical education and community activities.
The DCHS will not vanish with this transition. Instead, it will transform into a "Friends" group, albeit minimally staffed. This new role will see the society advocating for the park's historic buildings and its rich legacy, ensuring that the essence of what makes Old City Park special continues to be celebrated and preserved.
This transition is more than just a change in management; it's a reimagining of how Old City Park can continue to serve as a pivotal cultural and historical landmark within Dallas. As the city evolves, so too will Old City Park, promising to enrich the community in new and exciting ways.
"I just would love to see more people in the park. And I think that's gonna require a little bit of what we're doing now as well as some evolution maybe towards more recreational activity," Meadows shared. He also expressed the desire to see successful events such as Candlelight, Chefs for Farmers, and Dallas Brew Fest continue.
But anytime there's change, staunch supporters can panic a little bit. Meadows asked those who care about the park to channel their enthusiasm.
"I would ask people not to assume the worst," Meadows said. "This upcoming bond program is going to be very important for a lot of places in the city of Dallas, and Old City Park needs an allocation. If it's going to be maintained and kept up, we've got to have bond dollars going into Old City Park. And so I would ask you very quickly to call your city council members and tell them to invest in Old City Park in Park and tell them to invest in Old City Park in this next bond program."
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