Dallas asks for ideas to fill 40 acres of empty Fair Park space

Fair Park in Dallas has long served as a venue for seasonal events, but city leaders now want the 277-acre property to draw visitors every day of the year. To achieve this, officials are preparing to solicit public input on how to repurpose large sections of empty land currently used for parking.

The city plans to launch a call for concepts next week. The initiative targets approximately 40 acres, specifically parking lots 10, 11, and 12. Dallas Park and Recreation Director John Jenkins stated that these areas present a chance to activate dormant space. He asked, "Why not take this empty space and activate it?" The goal is to move beyond temporary crowds and create a destination with consistent activity.

Jenkins emphasized the need for programming that operates independently of major festivals. He noted, "I need something in this space that's going to bring people out, 365 days a year." While the city has already introduced a farmers market since taking over daily operations last year, Jenkins believes more substantial attractions are required to maintain steady foot traffic. The proposed redevelopment aims to connect the park more closely with the surrounding southern Dallas neighborhoods.

This planning effort coincides with the start of a major construction project. Groundbreaking for a new community park is scheduled for December, with construction expected to continue through 2027. City officials view this new park as a starting point for further development in the area. The long-awaited project is intended to improve accessibility for nearby residents and address longstanding goals of making the property more welcoming to local communities.

No specific development plans have been announced yet. However, potential concepts for the 40 acres include restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues. The primary objective is to transform parking areas into spaces that offer recreation and community activity. Jenkins described the desired outcome as a more active future for the park, stating, "To me, that's what Fair Park should be about."

For now, the focus is on gathering ideas. Dallas officials are seeking concepts that could turn underused parking space into attractions capable of bringing visitors to Fair Park throughout the year. The process begins next week with the formal request for community input.