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Park Board approves renaming, plaque addition and property acquisition; board to press council on fee cut
Summary
At its Feb. 28 meeting the Dallas Park and Recreation Board approved renaming College Park, added a former board member’s name to a plaque, and authorized a property acquisition; members also voted to oppose a commission fee cut and prepare a resolution for council.
The Dallas Park and Recreation Board at its Feb. 28, 2025 meeting approved several administrative and acquisition items and discussed next steps to respond to a City Planning Commission change to park dedication fees.
Votes at a glance
- Approval of minutes: The board approved the minutes from the Feb. 6, 2025 meeting (moved by Mr. Slaughter; second by the deputy). Outcome: approved.
- River Shawn Park plaque: The board voted to separate the agenda item on the River Shawn Park dedication plaque and then voted to include former Park Board member Jeff Kettner on the plaque. There was a second by Mr. Dickey; the motion passed. Outcome: approved (plaque to include Jeff Kettner).
- College Park renaming: The board voted to rename College Park to the “Pameen J. Minka Community Park” (no cost to the city), following public comment urging recognition of the community leader. Motion moved by Mr. Slaughter; second by Mr. Pagan. Outcome: approved.
- Property acquisition: The board authorized acquisition and assumption of an existing lease for a property described in the meeting materials as approximately 79,933 square feet (about 1.84 acres) for the future International Commons, not to exceed $11,310,000 (plus closing costs), and identified funding sources in the staff report. Motion moved by Ms. Heslin; second by Ms. Green. Outcome: approved.
Context and next steps: Several of the votes were routine administrative actions. The College Park renaming followed multiple public speakers advocating for honoring a community organizer. The property acquisition item was presented as a rare opportunity for parkland in the district and was approved by the board. Separately, the board spent substantial time on a briefing about park dedication fees after the City Planning Commission reduced staff-recommended fees; the board directed staff to prepare a resolution and to begin council outreach ahead of anticipated council consideration in March or April 2025.
Ending: Staff will circulate the draft resolution and timing for council outreach to board members; the board’s next regular meeting is March 6, 2025 at 10 a.m.
