Dallas seeks uses for 40 Fair Park acres

Dallas officials plan to open a call for concepts next week regarding approximately 40 acres of land currently occupied by parking lots 10, 11, and 12 at Fair Park. The city aims to replace these open spaces with developments that attract visitors throughout the year, not just during major events. John Jenkins, the Dallas Park and Recreation Director, stated that the goal is to activate the empty space.

The initiative targets the southern end of the 277-acre property. Jenkins said the city wants consistent activities in that area. He noted that the space needs elements that will bring people out 365 days a year. The request for ideas follows Dallas taking over day-to-day operations at Fair Park last year. Since then, officials have introduced programming such as a farmers market to increase activity.

Potential concepts for the redeveloped land include restaurants, hotels, or entertainment venues. No specific development plans have been announced yet. The city is inviting community input to reimagine how these parking areas can function as a year-round destination. Jenkins said the new attractions should complement the upcoming community park.

Construction on the long-awaited community park is expected to begin in December. The park is intended to reconnect Fair Park with surrounding southern Dallas neighborhoods. City officials view the park as a starting point for additional development in the area. Groundbreaking is scheduled for this month, with construction planned to continue throughout 2027.

Jenkins believes the combination of the new park and the proposed redevelopment of the parking lots will create a more active future for the site. He described the vision as making Fair Park a place where people can visit for recreation and community activity at any time. The city is currently looking for ideas that turn underused parking space into functional attractions.