Dallas to Open New Lake Highlands Park November 5
The city will unveil the new Bushmills Road pocket park following a $650,000 neighborhood conversion project.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in National Parks
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Dallas officials will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 5 for the new Bushmills Road park in Lake Highlands. The project transforms a former stormwater detention pond into a public space featuring a half-mile walking trail.
Why it matters
The park is the first of 15 green spaces planned under a city initiative to improve recreation access for the 300,000 residents who currently live more than a 10-minute walk from a park. Mayor Eric Johnson launched the effort to identify vacant, city-owned land for neighborhood conversion.
The Bushmills Neighborhood Green project cost $650,000 and includes a 0.5-mile walking trail, picnic area, and seating. Volunteers also cleared approximately 500 pounds of trash from the former detention pond site during the development process.
The players
Eric Johnson
The Mayor of Dallas who requested that the city identify vacant, city-owned land to convert into new neighborhood green spaces.
Trust for Public Land
A national nonprofit organization that partnered with the city to map and identify project locations with the greatest need for parks.
Dallas Park and Recreation
The municipal department responsible for the maintenance and management of the newly developed green spaces.
The details
The project resulted from a collaboration between the city and the Trust for Public Land to prioritize areas with the greatest need for outdoor space. Residents engaged in design meetings to finalize amenities like the new irrigation system and security cameras.
Timeline
Development of the project occurred from 2020 to 2026.
Mayor Johnson requested land identification for the initiative in 2022.
The park officially opens to the public on November 5, 2026.
Travel Outlook
This project reflects a broader urban planning trend where cities pivot from traditional large-scale parks to smaller, scattered pocket parks to solve accessibility gaps. It marks a shift in Dallas's park strategy toward repurposing underutilized stormwater infrastructure.
Residents can expect improved walkability and local recreation access once the site opens in Lake Highlands. Visitors should note that the park is equipped with city-monitored security cameras to ensure continued safety for the neighborhood.
The takeaway
The park provides a new, accessible outdoor resource for residents who previously lacked walking-distance green space. Neighborhoods interested in similar projects can look to the city's ongoing initiative to repurpose vacant municipal land.
Further reading
Learn more about the region's outdoor space efforts at the Dallas National Parks section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Dallas Morning News.
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