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NexPoint Philanthropies' Impact on Fair Park Community Park

In a significant boost to community wellness and engagement, NexPoint Philanthropies has stepped up with a remarkable financial commitment of $1,299,410 to enhance the Community Park at Fair Park in Dallas. This funding establishes a crucial one-to-one match with the Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW) Recreation Grant, scheduled to invigorate a decades-long dream of creating a public green space for the residents of South Dallas. The overall investment now totals an impressive $2,598,820, consolidating various funding sources aimed at transforming Fair Park into a vibrant community environment.

James Dondero, the founder and director of NexPoint Philanthropies, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, "Fair Park is vital not just for Dallas's prosperity but also for the well-being of the communities it serves." The park aims to establish a welcoming space that provides lasting economic and social benefits to the surrounding neighborhoods.

Features of the Community Park

The design for the Community Park at Fair Park is set to include a myriad of amenities that promote community interaction and well-being. Walking and biking trails will encourage healthy outdoor activities, while children's play areas will offer secure and engaging experiences for families. Performance spaces will host cultural events and gatherings, allowing residents to celebrate and connect through shared activities. Additionally, native landscaping will not only beautify the park but also contribute to local biodiversity, thus enhancing air quality and sustainability.

To complement recreational facilities, wellness and educational programs will be available, emphasizing fitness and holistic health for all visitors, further enriching community life and engagement.

A Symbol of Togetherness

Jason Brown, Vice Chair of the Fair Park First Board of Directors, highlighted the deep-rooted significance of the park, stating, "This park represents more than just a recreational space—it's a commitment to the people of South Dallas." This sentiment was echoed by Reverend Dr. Todd Atkins, who spoke of the project as a movement of heroes within the community collaborating to bring the park vision to life, underlining the goal of not merely constructing a facility but fostering connections and resilience.

John Jenkins, Director of the Dallas Park and Recreation Board, mentioned, "This gift is about restoration and opportunity for Southern Dallas families," denoting the park's role as a beautiful, safe environment where all generations can gather and thrive.

Future Developments

Planning for the Community Park is underway, with a groundbreaking anticipated for late summer 2026, just after the FIFA Fan Fest, and a target completion set for early fall 2027—coinciding with the State Fair of Texas. However, there is still a funding gap of approximately $8.77 million to fulfill the complete vision of the park. The matching gift from NexPoint has secured initial funding but highlights the pressing need for additional support.

Alyssa Arnold, the acting CEO of Fair Park First, expressed gratitude for NexPoint's generous contribution, reinforcing the notion that parks are more than mere recreational spaces—they are cornerstones of community life where cherished memories and connections are cultivated.

"This incredible gift from NexPoint Philanthropies showcases the essence of community spirit and collective vision," noted Heather Stevens, campaign advisor and President and CEO of Rise360. The Community Park at Fair Park embodies a long-standing promise to enrich surrounding neighborhoods and is part of a broader initiative aimed at reimagining Fair Park as a welcoming, vibrant destination for all.

As the developments unfold, the emphasis remains on sustaining momentum and ensuring that the fair park's transformation becomes a reality for the South Dallas community, fostering a sense of pride and unity for generations to come.