Reverend Dr. Todd Atkins, a South Dallas pastor and community organizer, told the Dallas Parks and Recreation Board that the proposed 10-acre Fair Park community park is a long-awaited priority for neighborhood residents and a “symbol to replace concrete with green space.”

The board heard three public commenters and State Rep. Minton Jones outline financial commitments and community expectations for the Fair Park project and Fair Park First’s development agreement. Saeeda Basora, a Fair Park First board member, said the plan would create a 10.5-acre community park with splash pads, playgrounds, gardens, markets and performance lawns and argued the project “reaffirms Dallas's trust and commitment to South Dallas residents.”

Why it matters: speakers and elected officials described the project as a major public-private investment in South Dallas. Rep. Minton Jones reported state, federal and private commitments that he summarized as “more than $33,300,000,” and asked the board to place the development agreement on the Nov. 20 meeting agenda so the project can advance to City Council without risking pledged funding.

Board members expressed unanimous support for the park concept but said more review was required before the city signs a development agreement. One board leader announced an independent task force to perform due diligence and said the board did not want to “rush to a development agreement” without additional independent review. That same board member framed the task force as a way to supply the board with more information so members can make a “very, very fair assessment.”

Public-comment details: Reverend Atkins framed the park as restorative for a South Dallas neighborhood “that was bulldozed to make way for a parking lot,” and asked the board to “join us, fulfill [this] promise, and to make this park a reality.” Saeeda Basora told the board Fair Park First has secured private partnerships and stated the project is scheduled to break ground in 2026 and open in 2027, pending approvals. Rep. Minton Jones said he personally worked with state leaders to secure $3,000,000 in state funding and listed additional amounts from other sources as part of the $33.3 million total.

Board action and next steps: The board did not vote to approve a development agreement at this meeting. Instead, members approved routine items on the consent agenda and directed staff and board leaders to continue vetting the agreement; a board leader said a task force will be announced to provide independent due diligence. Rep. Minton Jones also urged the board to put the development agreement on the Nov. 20 agenda for timely City Council consideration.

Community context: Speakers repeatedly emphasized that South Dallas residents have long advocated for park investment and that delays could jeopardize pledged funds and community trust. The board’s forthcoming task force was described as an independent step intended to address those community concerns and to ensure transparency before any final agreement.