The City of Dallas has received a $1.5 million grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to fund major improvements to Crawford Memorial Park on the east side.
The Dallas Park and Recreation Commission voted to accept the funding at Thursday’s meeting. The funding will go toward the first phase of a comprehensive improvement project to “enhance the park’s delivery to the local community.”
Dallas Parks and Recreation Director John D. Jenkins said in a statement that the grant money will not be used to solely fund one project.
“This is an investment in this park and our entire park system. Parks bring people from all walks of life and from all parts of the city together to get fit, stay healthy, socialize and relax. ” Jenkins said. “Thanks to city leadership, the Dallas parks system will continue to provide families in our community access to more parks, trails, comprehensive amenities and recreational programs.”
Key improvements to the park include an all-ability playground, accessible picnic sites with shade structures, athletic facilities, restrooms, outdoor furniture, signage and access to Prairie Creek Drive, according to a city news release. Includes parking lot resurfacing.
An approximately 1-mile surface trail will connect the new facility to the existing walkway with two pedestrian bridges, one of which spans Elam Road.
Dallas City Councilman Jaime Resendez said in a statement that Crawford Memorial Park is a “distinct park” with many environmental features that set it apart from other parks, including a 27.1-acre Blackland Prairie and a 49.6-acre post. It has been designated by the city as a “public park.” oak savannah.
“This grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife will help provide additional amenities that will benefit not only the local community but the city as a whole,” Rezendes said.
The total budget for the program is $7,632,933, which includes grants and funding from the 2017 bond program.
Crawford Memorial Park is not the first Dallas park to receive federal funding.
In 2021, Texas Congresswoman Yvonne Davis secured a $20 million federal grant from the American Rescue Act to improve urban parks in southwest Dallas.
Earlier this year, Davis faced backlash for his “unusual” involvement in the grant process and was accused of potentially breaking the law.
At a Dallas City Council meeting in October, Davis said he would not apologize for his involvement, accusing city officials of draining city resources and overspending on facility construction, and saying he would make sure city officials were not properly distributing funds. He said he was looking forward to using it.
Later that month, Mr. Jenkins defended the Parks Department’s investments in the city’s southern neighborhoods, saying the city is committing $1 billion to south Dallas.
“Since becoming superintendent, the only thing I’ve supported is making sure we address the inequities throughout this park system,” he said.
Any tips? Email Megan Cardona at mcardona@kera.org.
KERA News is made possible through the cooperation of our members. If you found this report valuable, please consider making a tax-deductible gift today. thank you!
