Fair Park First Secures $41M South Dallas Park
Groundbreaking for the roughly 10-acre community park at Fair Park is scheduled for December 4, 2026.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Fair Park First has met its goal of just under $2 million needed to fully fund the design and construction of a roughly $41 million, 10-acre community park off Exposition and South Fitzhugh avenues. The group has about $37 million secured for the project, which will replace a sea of parking spots.
Why it matters
The park is part of a decades-long effort to repair damage after the city razed area homes in the 1960s to build parking lots. Its funding milestone comes after the city ended and then renewed its contract with Fair Park First amid scrutiny over misspent donor funds.
The park carries a roughly $41 million total cost, and about $37 million has been secured so far, leaving just under $2 million needed to fully fund design and construction. Fair Park First also faces scrutiny over nearly $6 million in misspent donor funds, a matter the source does not resolve.
The players
Fair Park First
Fair Park First is the nonprofit group leading fundraising and development for the community park at Fair Park, and it has faced scrutiny over nearly $6 million in misspent donor funds.
Oak View Group
Oak View Group is a sports and entertainment company that is also named as a party in the reporting around the Fair Park project.
The details
The roughly 10-acre park is planned for the area off Exposition and South Fitzhugh avenues in South Dallas and will replace existing parking. The groundbreaking will include coffee, breakfast bites and a DJ before the ceremony.
Timeline
1960s: City razed area homes to build parking lots.
Last year (2025): City cut ties with Fair Park First, ending the greenspace contract.
February 2026: City greenlit a new contract for Fair Park First with deadlines and required briefings to the Dallas City Council.
December 4, 2026: Groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for the morning.
By fall 2028: Neighbors could have access to playgrounds, picnic areas, a pavilion and fountain.
Philanthropy Context
The park follows the 1960s clearing of South Dallas homes at Fair Park, which the city is now attempting to reverse with a greenspace funded largely by private donors. Its progress depends on the city park board's pending decision on who will operate it.
South Dallas residents will eventually gain playgrounds, picnic areas, a pavilion and a fountain in place of parking, with neighbors projected to have access by fall 2028. The park's programming is expected to emphasize health and wellness.
The takeaway
Community-led greenspace projects can close long-standing gaps left by past urban renewal, but they depend on sustained funding and accountable oversight. The park's progress will show whether donor-backed development can deliver public benefit where city contracts have faltered.
What happens next
Groundbreaking for the community park is scheduled for December 4, 2026, and the city park board will decide who runs the park.
Further reading
For more on how private donors are funding public spaces, see Philanthropy coverage on Dallas.
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