Introduction to the Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park
Southern Dallas now boasts a vibrant, 40-acre park named in honor of the late Judge Charles R. Rose, a beloved local leader.
The Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park transformed an expansive, long-vacant parcel of land into a green space featuring walking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas and welcoming spaces to connect with nature. The park is a result of a public-private partnership between the city of Dallas and the national nonprofit Trust for Public Land, with support from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
The Grand Opening Ceremony
On the sunny and humming Saturday morning kids pushed each other on the swings in the background, and city and state officials delivered speeches about Judge Rose and his years of service. They talked about how he looked after his community, especially the Highland Hills neighborhood where the park is located. Rose, a longtime justice of the peace, died in April 2019.
“Our family is deeply moved by the outpouring of support for my father’s legacy,” said Texas state Rep. Toni Rose, Judge Rose’s daughter.
“My dad dedicated his life to uplifting Highland Hills, and this park reflects the heart of his work—bringing people together, advocating for dignity and opportunity, and ensuring our community has the resources to thrive. This space will be a living tribute to his vision of unity, service, and justice.”
The Greener Dallas Greater Dallas Campaign
Molly Morgan, the Texas state director for Trust for Public Land, announced the Greener Dallas Greater Dallas Campaign launch. The $100 million public-private campaign aims to expand parks city-wide.
The campaign will further expand the trust’s efforts to create 18 parks with 17 miles of trails and 283 acres of preserved wilderness.
This year, Dallas received a ParkScore of 61.2 out of 100, placing it 34th nationally and second-best in Texas. Plano ranks in first place. About 81% of residents now live within a 10-minute walk of a park, up from 54% in 2016.
The Park’s Features and Benefits
The Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park is part of a network of green spaces and trails that the nonprofit plans along Five Mile Creek. The creek arcs across this half of the city from Red Bird to where it flows into the Trinity River near the Joppa Preserve.
The park has the State Farm Good Neighbor Outdoor Classroom, which includes a pavilion, free Wi-Fi, solar-powered lighting and nature-based infrastructure such as Blackland prairie restoration, a rain garden and permeable paving, made possible through collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and Greenspace Dallas.
It also includes the largest all-abilities playground in southern Dallas to date.
Community Reaction and Support
“This space is a blessing,” said Rosa Parache, a Highland Hills resident.
Parache has four kids, including two teenagers who loved to run and ride their bikes. She was always worried about her kids playing on the street, but the park now offers them a place to play and exercise. She is also excited about the types of events and activities that will take place in the park.
“One thing about my dad, he was always like, ‘Tony, the kids need something to do,’” said Rep. Rose.
During the process of deciding what was going to be in the park, community voices led the way. “Parks should reflect the people who use them,” Morgan said.
