Who is Downtown Dallas Parks Conservancy?
Downtown Dallas Parks Conservancy (DDPC) is a 501(c)(3) foundation established in 2015 and is dedicated singularly to the long-term development and support of public parks within the Downtown Dallas geography. Downtown Dallas Parks Conservancy is working collaboratively with the Dallas Park & Recreation Department to design and construct four new public parks: Pacific Plaza, West End Square, Carpenter Park and Harwood Park. The four parks were given “priority” status in the 2013 Downtown Parks Master Plan Update, unanimously adopted by the Dallas City Council and the Park and Recreation Board.
Who is Downtown Dallas, Inc.?
Downtown Dallas, Inc. (DDI) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization that serves as the primary advocate, champion, and steward for Downtown. DDI oversees the DDI Security and Clean Team programs. To report safety or cleanliness concerns at Downtown parks, call 214-741-1151. You can also submit a report through Downtown Dallas, Inc.’s See Say Now app. To download the app on the App Store for iOS, please click here. To download from Google Play for Android, please click here.
Why aren’t other parks (like Main Street Garden) listed on the Downtown Dallas Parks Conservancy website?
Downtown Dallas Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit focused on the design and construction of four parks: Pacific Plaza, West End Square, Carpenter Park and Harwood Park. Civic Garden is listed on the website because PfDD’s predecessor organization worked with the City of Dallas to develop this park and now manages an endowment fund that supplements the Park Department maintenance, funds fountain repairs, etc.
We know that urban parks require consistent care and investment in order to remain in good shape, which is why PfDD is actively raising funds for enhanced maintenance and capital improvements for the four Priority Parks. Our aspiration is to raise the resources necessary to support all public parks within the Downtown Dallas freeway loop.
Downtown Dallas, Inc. has a contract with the Dallas Park & Recreation Department to oversee event permitting and programming for the Downtown parks. If you are interested in hosting or attending events Downtown, visit: www.downtowndallas.com/events
I love parks, but why are you taking away parking lots to create parks?
In a dense urban environment like Downtown Dallas, land that can be developed into parks is very limited. The Dallas Park & Recreation Department worked with landscape architecture firm Hargreaves Jones to develop the 2004 Downtown Parks Master Plan and its 2013 Update to identify the prime locations for future parks and green space. All four of the Priority Parks that DDPC is developing with Dallas Park & Recreation were identified during this strategic planning endeavor.
There are also positive environmental impacts to converting parking lots to green space. Parks improve environmental health through the reduction of heat mortality rates and air pollution as well as improved walkability and water quality. Trees in parks manage the flow of stormwater runoff more effectively and less expensively than concrete sewers and drainage ditches while having a positive impact on air quality and heat island effects. In an urban heat island like Downtown Dallas, parks and green space play an integral role in any climate solution!
Where can I park Downtown?
There is ample street parking in the West End and throughout Downtown. Be sure to download the ParkMobile app to conveniently pay for your parking right from your mobile device!
There are also many available surface parking lots. Visit https://www.bestparking.com/ to find a parking spot that suits your needs.
Will there be security at these parks?
Downtown Dallas, Inc. (DDI) Security Officers routinely patrol all Downtown parks to ensure park rules are being obeyed and to ensure the safety of park users. The proactive security patrols include hourly safety checks and occur 7 days a week, between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
To report safety or cleanliness concerns at Downtown parks, call 214-741-1151. You can also submit a report through Downtown Dallas, Inc.’s See Say Now app. To download the app on the App Store for iOS, please click here. To download from Google Play for Android, please click here.
Why don’t you fund the police and focus on crime prevention instead?
Downtown Dallas is one of the safest parts of the city. The Downtown Dallas, Inc. Security Officers serve as extra eyes and ears for the Dallas Police Department. In addition, DDI funds off-duty police officers during park hours.
Why are all of these parks being built in Downtown?
Equity in our parks system is important. This program of Downtown parks is the realization of a long-term planning endeavor by the City of Dallas, outlined in the 2004 and 2013 Downtown Parks Master Plans. The Park & Recreation Board and staff are driving other city-wide planning initiatives to assure a more comprehensive and inclusive park system.
Why do we spend money on parks when we need more homeless shelters and assistance?
We agree there is a need for increased support for those living without proper shelter. If you’re interested in supporting the City of Dallas Office of Homeless Solutions, we recommend reaching out to them to see how you can help combat homelessness. https://dallashomelesssolutions.com/
DDI’s Homeless Outreach team engages people experiencing homelessness, assessing their needs and referring them to the appropriate social service organizations. In 2020, the DDI Homeless Outreach team successfully reunited over 220 people experiencing homelessness with family and support systems!
If you see a homeless individual in need of assistance, please report it through the See Say Now app or call 214-741-1151.
Why are new parks being built when it is a struggle to maintain the parks that we already have?
We know that urban parks take a lot of investment in order to remain in good shape, and we see the need for a long-term steward and champion for our Downtown parks. Our goal is to raise $25 million so that DDPC can help support the four Priority Parks, and ultimately all public parks within the Downtown freeway loop.
The Downtown Dallas Parks Conservancy General Endowment was established in 2018 to support future public improvements and ensure that our Downtown park system continues to contribute to the sustainability and quality of life for decades to come. The fund complements the City’s investment in routine maintenance and assures the maintenance of these green spaces in a Downtown environment.
How do I report a maintenance or sanitation issue?
Please report any litter or maintenance issue directly through the See Say Now app or by calling 214-741-1151
Why not fix our streets, sidewalks and freeways first instead of having another park?
The design and construction of the Priority Parks are funded by a combination of city bond dollars from the 2006 bond election, 2017 bond election (which included $533 million for city streets and transportation) and philanthropic funds donated and raised by PfDD. More than 50% of the funding for the Priority Parks is coming from DDPC and donors that have stepped up to support the creation of these parks. Additionally, all four of the Priority Parks that DDPC is building incorporate sidewalk improvements around the park perimeter.
PfDD recognizes that Dallas has many competing infrastructure needs, such as repairing roadways. There is also a need for resources to maintain Downtown parks at a high level so that everyone can enjoy them and reap the benefits. DDPC established the Downtown Dallas Parks Conservancy General Endowment in 2018 for this purpose, and is actively raising funds to support enhanced maintenance and improvements for the four Priority Parks. Our aspiration is that DDPC can help support other public parks within the Downtown freeway loop.
Review the Public Input Reports, by park, conducted during our planning and research phases.
