South Dallas Community Advocates Push for Progress on Fair Park Community Park

South Dallas community advocates, led by Senate candidate and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, pressed the City Council on Wednesday to break a two-year stalemate over who will build a long-promised community park at Fair Park.

Crockett, speaking virtually from Washington, was joined by Anna Hill, Eva Jones and other community leaders, wearing blue pins that said “No delay. Our park today.”

Crockett, a Democrat, warned that federal funding for the project could be in jeopardy.

“Let me be clear, federal dollars are not symbolic,” she said. “They come with expectations, follow-through timelines and responsible local action.”

The community advocates are concerned that the delays in the project may lead to a loss of federal funding, which would be a significant setback for the community. The park is a crucial part of the community’s development and has been promised for decades.

Background of the Project

The 10-acre community park, which will have playgrounds, picnic areas and community spaces, was part of a decades-long effort to repair damage after the city razed homes to build parking lots at Fair Park, a move legacy residents cite as emblematic of long-standing underinvestment.

The project has been mired in uncertainty since 2024, after disclosures that nearly $6 million in donor funds had been spent on day-to-day operations rather than capital projects. Meanwhile, several vendors have not received payments.

Last year, the city cut ties with Fair Park First and Oak View Group, the park’s venue manager. Fair Park First leaders say they have since tightened governance and brought in experienced board members to move the park forward.

Current Status of the Project

The nonprofit has raised more than $30 million toward the park’s $39 million goal but without a new city contract, those funds remain largely out of reach.

“There have been some hiccups,” but corrections have been made, Fair Park First Chair Jason Brown said. “Where we are now is about putting the pieces back together and not leaving the community out.”

The community is eager to see the project move forward, and the city council is under pressure to make a decision. The council member Adam Bazaldua, whose district encompasses the 277-acre asset, said Wednesday he’s prepared to shift oversight of the park’s funding and development contracts from the board and place it under City Council authority if delays continue.

Park Question

Agarwal recently announced a taskforce aimed at jump-starting the project, led by former Fair Park First finance chair Keba Batie, former park board chair and council member Lois Finkelman, park board member Vana Hammond, as well as community leaders like Ken Smith, Bonton Foundation CEO Mark Jones and Antong Lucky with Urban Specialists.

Agarwal said the goal is to protect donor confidence and prevent commitments from unraveling.

Bazaldua said he wants to give the task force time to finish its work before the Jan. 28 City Council meeting, when it could move contract vetting to a council committee. Construction is expected to begin in September.

U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett speaks virtually during open microphone of a City Council meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 at City Hall in Dallas. Crockett and others urged City Council to end Fair Park debate over who gets to build the community park and that delays are raising concerns over whether the city will keep its promise.

Juan Figueroa / Staff Photographer

Conclusion

The community park at Fair Park is a crucial project that has been delayed for too long. The city council must make a decision to move the project forward, and the community is eager to see the park become a reality. The park will provide a much-needed green space for the community and will help to repair the damage caused by the city’s past actions.

The city council must work with the community and the nonprofit organization to ensure that the project is completed in a timely and transparent manner. The community is watching, and it is time for the city to deliver on its promises.

Adam Bazaldua, Dallas City Council Member for District 7, thanks those who spoke during open microphone of a City Council meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 at City Hall in Dallas. Elected officials and community members urged City