Promise Takes Root in Dallas' Newest Park

A new multiuse park in Dallas, the first of four of its kind, is giving the downtown community a reason to celebrate.

1 minute read

November 21, 2009, 5:00 AM PST

By Alek Miller


"Tom Baker, chairman of the city's Park and Recreation Board, said that, ironically enough, it was economic interests that committed people to building new downtown parks.

He recalled the city's loss of Boeing's headquarters to Chicago in 2001 as a major turning point.

'It was a wake-up call for a lot of things,' he said.

The quality of life, particularly cultural life, in downtown Dallas couldn't compare to Chicago. And the city's business benefits in terms of lower cost of living and cheaper workforce didn't close the gap.

Since the loss of Boeing, Dallas has made a lot of progress, most notably in the arts districts.

Now, with the opening of Main Street Garden, the parks piece is falling into place. Main Street Garden's opening will be followed with Belo Garden in 2011, the Woodall Rodgers Deck Park in 2012, and the still unfunded Pacific Plaza at a date uncertain."

Thanks to ArchNewsNow

Friday, November 13, 2009 in Dallas Morning News

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

Broken, uneven sidewalk being damaged by large tree roots in Los Angeles, California.

The City of Broken Sidewalks

Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?

December 5, 2024 - Donald Shoup

Large store in mall with yellow and black STORE CLOSING sign on front.

Shifts in Shopping: Transforming Malls Into Parks

Maybe zombie malls still have a second life — one with a little greenery.

December 8, 2024 - Ruscena Wiederholt

Multifamily housing under construction.

To Build More Housing, Cities Must Be Smarter in How They Use Land

How strategic land use policy decisions can alleviate the housing crisis and limit unsustainable sprawl.

December 11, 2024 - John D. Landis

Bird's eye view of empty asphalt parking lot with one blue car.

Parking Reform Can Boost Homebuilding 40 to 70 Percent

More evidence that parking flexibility is key to housing abundance.

December 13 - Sightline

Close-up of "Shared Use Path" sign for pedestrians and cyclists on post in urban setting.

California Adds Complete Streets to Transportation Funding Guidelines

The state transportation commission previously declined to include bike and pedestrian infrastructure in its updated funding guidelines, despite a new state law requiring Complete Streets efforts in all Caltrans projects.

December 13 - Streetsblog California

Aerial view of downtown Omaha, Nebraska with holiday lights at sunset.

Omaha Streetcar Yielding $1.5 Billion in TIF Funds

The line, scheduled for completion in 2027, is bringing billions in new investment to the city’s urban core.

December 13 - KMTV 3 News Now

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.