[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6567354,"mediaKeyId","3335252-86ecf0b2a3515f95e76f7df947a45b1a","parentId",3335252,"title","Resident urges action after Claiborne Riley gym remains closed; says delayed summer opening affected youth programs","audioSeconds",83,"startMs",275000,"endMs",358000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3335252-86ecf0b2a3515f95e76f7df947a45b1a&start=275&end=358","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3335252-86ecf0b2a3515f95e76f7df947a45b1a/thumbnail_275000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6567354/Dallas/Dallas-County/Texas/Resident-urges-action-after-Claiborne-Riley-gym-remains-closed-says-delayed-summer-opening-affected-youth-programs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567354-acf0057d5f5e58cf8cf2389edb064c76/orig.mp4?Expires=1777132824&Signature=MfnNz~SIQQR6SQB8PPP0sSPkxW3n-3FcWFaESVehT82NDYOXO9B6deWwXNJxSpeQZepOuLo5ZXdkVLl3QEyHkmC66vXGxKgff0js67xotbSfit~UDIRgTiXB-CU7zol8imiScuiGUXilPCREKYHE9ypxh~45s3dhJdoPLZ9o4Paz45ET3Z094-ERc9xDvtOjEs40lPKxf-tV8xWlNZ-Yr1FoE-pKONf-Zza2XeJXkGGjgzorpQsHpLqeiyfMasLPyIrQd4PcHlHO~d5bB7cFOnaR~dp2bvUmwqmXrsUV5tOaDbSrPESySjMArX-m70YJdotAQ9gX8njIdsVfXtvvXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Dallas","date","2025-05-15T00:00:00Z","article","Jessica Ramirez addressed the Parks and Recreation Board during public comment as a resident of the Cleberg Riley neighborhood and described community concerns over the Claiborne Riley gym that has remained closed past a promised reopening date.

Ramirez said her daughter, a 10-year-old soccer player, had to forfeit a game because there was only one coach covering multiple age groups. Ramirez said the gym at Claiborne Riley — the same gym visited by a former first lady in 2012, she said — has been closed and neglected and that a promised May 1 reopening had not occurred; Ramirez described the situation as “another delay, another broken commitment.”

Ramirez also asked the board to reflect on the “cost of inaction,” citing the May 12 death by suicide of an eighth-grade student, Evan Marco Vasquez, and saying she wanted the board to consider connections between youth services, access to community spaces and mental-health supports.

Ending: Ramirez asked for attention and action to restore promised recreation access and supports for youth in her neighborhood; she offered to follow up with staff and requested the board consider the broader effects of delayed facilities and reduced youth programming.

Note: The comments above are attributed to a public speaker, Jessica Ramirez, and reflect her statements during the meeting. The transcript records the death she referenced as a claim made by Ramirez; the board did not record further action or verification in the meeting transcript.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Dallas - Dallas Park and Recreation Board - May 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Jessica Ramirez, speaking as a resident and parent, told the Parks and Recreation Board the Claiborne Riley gym has been closed and a promised May 1 opening was delayed; she said a shortage of coaches forced her daughter's youth soccer team to forfeit a game and she referenced the recent death of an eighth-grade student.","taxTitle","Dallas, Dallas County, Texas","taxId",2781,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6567358,"Junior Players pauses park Shakespeare run after venue-fee jump; will present shows at Theater 3",69,76000,145000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3335252-86ecf0b2a3515f95e76f7df947a45b1a&start=76&end=145","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3335252-86ecf0b2a3515f95e76f7df947a45b1a/thumbnail_76000.jpg","/articles/6567358/Dallas/Dallas-County/Texas/Junior-Players-pauses-park-Shakespeare-run-after-venue-fee-jump-will-present-shows-at-Theater-3","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567358-63e93315f66b9110da73cb629fb36d92/orig.mp4?Expires=1777132824&Signature=l8KKUJCcUe~CrcSamYHrh-8avo0k3bLC6GiLhzkw70WhI~zr1PTRjU99xGE9NR6~upkIUgUVhrnx3cq7c2qkp1dfaiFhiUmUAjL6fto1hEiov6BZojTYlGc5I4mMtpvSLIjhzTgZPUQ4fjRNqnlFa8IwGpLOkWPfA9UYPaKtdSZf4IrbyPOnQk5W5UzylGoNeckDj8EImjgtxRlikWb6WE4mxb4qm7YDlRSRXhiAOWX9b0anbFyic71W7~qOL~1fYecVKqPj1rF7-vb~AZZTrMNX~~LRerV5xv6FV0cQl2TqmUpSpLYq-hwkF6rRePAMz8VOEsBXs-qRU9wAupQYUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rosaura Cruz, executive director of Junior Players, used the public-comment period to tell the Parks and Recreation Board the youth arts nonprofit will pause its in‑park Shakespeare production after a sustained increase in venue-rental fees tied to a contract with Shakespeare Dallas.

Cruz said Junior Players has served the North Texas area for 70 years and that its Shakespeare production has been a cultural cornerstone for roughly 33 years in collaboration with the city’s Park and Recreation Department and Shakespeare Dallas. She told the board that rental fees rose about 42% under the current contract and that the organization’s venue costs increased from about $14,000 to $21,000, which made the production financially unsustainable for a nonprofit operating at a deficit the prior year.

As a result, Cruz said Junior Players will pause the park-based production and present the planned summer Shakespeare production at Theater 3 in July and the first weekend in August while continuing other programs. She emphasized the decision was financial and said the group would welcome further discussions with Park and Recreation leadership.

Ending: Junior Players will continue its season at Theater 3 and indicated it remains open to talks with park department leadership about future park collaborations.","Rosaura Cruz of Junior Players told the Parks and Recreation Board the nonprofit will pause its long-running park Shakespeare production because venue-rental fees charged through a contract with Shakespeare Dallas rose from about $14,000 to $21,000, and the group will stage its summer production at Theater 3.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6567364,"Bank of Texas: small parks trust portfolios end 2024 at $1.86M; returns vary by measure",216,2302000,2518000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3335252-86ecf0b2a3515f95e76f7df947a45b1a&start=2302&end=2518","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3335252-86ecf0b2a3515f95e76f7df947a45b1a/thumbnail_2302000.jpg","/articles/6567364/Dallas/Dallas-County/Texas/Bank-of-Texas-small-parks-trust-portfolios-end-2024-at-186M-returns-vary-by-measure","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567364-ede08d7172bd8892500da035df328f7a/orig.mp4?Expires=1777132824&Signature=h6gpIKlZnOzlyJ-9MNA5DcsxUDM2ZzLUWvVSKMlylOkL0nseOlyQJKYY5l2fKTzT0jzM56c~T8T92xtSVQL-uCXv-bk2TW-LvxVx9sRysObkVXRFN-kGtwkg9JHIK~MAOrf5wTH3NKlLILEbvh-76MPAHXjdYlGhIKR1pkOVGI4L4wtLCRplEK-LNTB-kQqEDUkItbXJkRZhiNzZeaGZy9B0ViusUc752RdedWbO1BJcgFybklKLLhYvJzi47n9fxluWvpunxYEBIQzl0fM3AiDss6DbwD9iiY~UJsWfskwf7zmoAB-zPLVIrT2EAkYwEOf9WgefXQVSTZ82Yl8tCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Bank of Texas representative presented an annual investment report on the Braulweiler, Weiss and Craddock small-park trust funds to the Parks and Recreation Board, reporting the trusts had a combined market value of approximately $1,862,000 at the end of calendar year 2024.

The bank's presenter said the portfolio earned a strong calendar-year return for 2024 and described that result as roughly 10.7% net of fees for the calendar year. He also provided a trailing-12-month performance table through the most recent March reporting period and noted that, over that trailing 12 months, the portfolio’s net return was reported as about 4.8% after fees when measured against a corrected, more appropriate benchmark aligned with the trust’s conservative asset allocation.

The presenter explained the trust documents limit equity exposure (maximum 60%), which constrains risk and shapes the correct benchmark. As of the March reporting period, the portfolio allocation was roughly 7% cash equivalents, 36% fixed income and 56% equities, producing a balanced profile in line with the trust instructions.

Board members asked about the process for drawing on the trusts for park maintenance or capital needs; staff said that requests to draw funds require board approval and documentation submitted to Bank of Texas and that the trusts historically have been allowed to grow rather than pay out regular distributions.

Ending: The presentation concluded with staff and trustees agreeing that drawdown requests will follow the board’s standard approval process and that the trust manager will continue to report performance against a benchmark aligned to the documents’ conservative equity limits.","Bank of Texas presented the annual investment update for three small park trust funds, reporting an ending market value of about $1.862 million and noting benchmark adjustments and differing trailing-period returns.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6567369,"Parks department updates board on urban forest master plan: lidar inventory, emerald ash borer and goats in focus",917,3003000,3920000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3335252-86ecf0b2a3515f95e76f7df947a45b1a&start=3003&end=3920","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3335252-86ecf0b2a3515f95e76f7df947a45b1a/thumbnail_3003000.jpg","/articles/6567369/Dallas/Dallas-County/Texas/Parks-department-updates-board-on-urban-forest-master-plan-lidar-inventory-emerald-ash-borer-and-goats-in-focus","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567369-ae49954e4c03014c94ca39059f7b2514/orig.mp4?Expires=1777132824&Signature=lER5Mjij9HIbfNPGW-DxwKEso7J0kb1IcCvkFio-E-ovzNYgTcp78idrMtPNMlYiHBBJwEWtYnAVuldCrcG9iWhRY8GWFcu4cjxVfjpoZjBu4ECt5ZAFonezqxJr~IK05IHlh4oqunrwooo9d6a-iyCRKlXbWaYZJqd31fJyMuRUKCj1y2tiPgXw-pd~RoU7hv6Xsr~GczboNBEoScLSoUkBIZ09g8xCuE8NTtRaEW1MLJXnWSrc52pLls0vWI9jpZNtCl7QA-XipBVOQogWMMYnJ6pb4WN0ggR-Njf1DuZNLaIDYR1EELvo3bZR-x~mKILnpQAfGLuQDLMbJoQEiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brett Johnson and Parks Department staff updated the Parks and Recreation Board on work to implement the City of Dallas Urban Forest Master Plan, reporting progress on tree inventories, pest monitoring, hazardous-vegetation reduction and volunteer training.

Johnson said the citywide objective remains to increase canopy from about 32% to roughly 37% by 2040, a goal that the plan estimates will require planting approximately 350,000 trees. He told the board that Dallas Water Utilities began a public-tree inventory in December 2024 and has recorded more than 80,000 trees so far; the Parks Department has started a parallel smart inventory using lidar and expects to have roughly 18,500 park trees entered into its system by fall.

Staff described the inventory work as reimbursable under a U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service grant. Sarah Standifer of Dallas Water Utilities said the grant is reimbursable and that staff are submitting invoices promptly to accelerate reimbursement; she said the funds currently are not at risk.

The presentation highlighted several management priorities: emerald ash borer (EAB) detection and treatment, where Johnson reported approximately 20 detection traps citywide and more than 200 significant ash trees already treated; a pilot “alternative vegetation management” program that used goats to clear understory on about 16.2 acres to reduce fire risk and improve trail visibility; and an ongoing program to trap feral hogs where needed.

Staff also said they will host an in‑house arborist school to increase staff and volunteer capacity, are formalizing a memorandum of understanding with the Texas Trees Foundation, and plan a Dallas Tree Summit in 2026 to mobilize partners and volunteers. Volunteers and staff have carried out multiple projects this year: staff projects removed roughly 33 acres of overgrowth, volunteers removed about 3 acres, and the goat pilot cleared 16.2 acres.

Board members asked that staff increase public education on EAB impacts, homeowner tree-identification services and potential removal-and-replacement programs for hazardous trees. Staff said service-request tools and outreach workshops are in development.

Ending: Parks leadership described steady progress on inventory and pest response work while urging stepped-up public outreach and workforce training to manage a multi-year canopy and tree-health program.","Parks staff briefed the board on progress toward the city's Urban Forest Master Plan, including a multi-year tree inventory, lidar mapping, emerald ash borer monitoring and a pilot vegetation-management program using goats.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6567374,"Dallas Arboretum reports record 1.2 million visitors, previews 2026 Hunt Slonem exhibit",870,543000,1413000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3335252-86ecf0b2a3515f95e76f7df947a45b1a&start=543&end=1413","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3335252-86ecf0b2a3515f95e76f7df947a45b1a/thumbnail_543000.jpg","/articles/6567374/Dallas/Dallas-County/Texas/Dallas-Arboretum-reports-record-12-million-visitors-previews-2026-Hunt-Slonem-exhibit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567374-ff6136e87ebbef6db3101aaf39b94e54/orig.mp4?Expires=1777132824&Signature=k-hFNN8Oxt3kQi-5sK2o0aCdgj7sWF6GpBe9FPwGqFxVKrVw8h4AInCkfieYtwNUDx~qJHv4AlNKdiikosEb9wLjIwOGcO0Ijqn2B-K~ydZQvOx0Ru~4whHpOk2cmpFFvY3XC-Qfcwwf2t4XVarz-o-o-wuEpTCN~SgOUuvNhrid~~S-00GYq2u5R98kodGKgYyCxyLJCR4mqtF1s1jPx8X0oesQUucl4vCNlWZ~PhnrxcFtsxRyOTMRQ0~QxxTvZEmHIZtdbexglrYLqXnXKZD74IngxdOtw2KSHkG6mOHZOgdC3PSJrQ~Jh4PesNkZ~ZgEztVu-Ql0kyRNXIvcTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sabina Carr, presenting for the Dallas Arboretum, told the Parks and Recreation Board that the Arboretum welcomed a record 1,200,000 visitors in 2024 and is expanding access programs and capital planning as it moves into 2025 and beyond.

Carr said the Arboretum served about 102,000 schoolchildren in 2024, “more than half” from Title I schools, and that the organization provides roughly $200,000 a year in scholarships and subsidized tickets. She told the board the institution updated its mission and vision during a strategic planning process and is increasing outreach into underserved ZIP codes through programs such as Museums for All, which the Arboretum launched this year and which Carr said has seen nearly 5,000 redemptions so far.

The Arboretum has also set aside $30,000 to pilot an access program in partnership with Culture City to provide sensory-inclusive bags for visitors; Carr described the kits as containing weighted lap blankets, fidgets and headphones.

Carr said special-event draws remain a major part of audience growth. She noted Dallas Blooms marked its 40th season, the Arboretum received national coverage for its cherry blossoms and related programming, and the institution will host a major sculpture exhibition by artist Hunt Slonem in April–September 2026 featuring large-scale bunnies, birds and butterflies.

On seasonal programming the Arboretum plans to retire its 12 Days of Christmas display after the 2025 season, citing the display’s age and the need to create a new holiday tradition. Carr described the change as an effort to respond to visitor feedback and evolving audience preferences.

Carr also discussed capital priorities and fundraising. She said the Arboretum is in tranche 3 of the city’s 2024 bond program for improvements to the welcome center and entry/exit plaza and that the institution has secured $4 million in public funds and is pursuing private fundraising to raise an additional $4 million toward an $8 million project budget expected to be delivered in two to three years.

Board members asked questions about outreach to underserved neighborhoods, the proposed changes to holiday programming and sustainability practices; Carr highlighted internal horticulture practices—she said the Arboretum grows about 95% of its annual and perennial plants in its own greenhouses—and a recent tree canopy assessment by Bartlett Tree Experts as examples of sustainability work.

Carr said she expects the Arboretum’s redesigned member magazine and dynamic pricing strategy to help broaden access while increasing earned revenue. She closed by thanking board members and saying the Arboretum will continue planned exhibitions and community programs.

Ending: The Arboretum’s leadership characterized the 2024 results as record-setting and outlined multi-year plans for capital work, expanded access programs and new exhibitions in 2026. Board members encouraged continued outreach and public education around changes to long-running holiday programming.","Sabina Carr delivered the Dallas Arboretum's 2024 annual update to the Parks and Recreation Board, reporting record attendance, expanded access programs and plans to retire the 12 Days of Christmas display while preparing a large 2026 sculpture exhibition by Hunt Slonem.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident urges action after Claiborne Riley gym remains closed; says delayed summer opening affected youth programs

Junior Players pauses park Shakespeare run after venue-fee jump; will present shows at Theater 3

Bank of Texas: small parks trust portfolios end 2024 at $1.86M; returns vary by measure

Parks department updates board on urban forest master plan: lidar inventory, emerald ash borer and goats in focus

Dallas Arboretum reports record 1.2 million visitors, previews 2026 Hunt Slonem exhibit