DALLAS – On April 14, the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) approved $8 million of federal transportation funds to complete the Fair Park Loop Trail, which connects with the Santa Fe Trail and wraps around all sides of Fair Park. In combination with additional funds provided by Dallas County, the City of Dallas, Fair Park First, and the State Fair of Texas, this fully funds the 2.8-mile trail extension. The Fair Park Loop Trail will increase and improve the site’s permeability and pedestrian safety while softening the edges of Fair Park and providing greater access to future greenspace projects like the Community Park at Fair Park.
“I am so excited for this substantial investment and huge public improvement project! This collaborative investment speaks to the commitment we all have in the growth of South Dallas/Fair Park and in improving the quality of life for its residents. Thank you to our partners at Dallas County, Fair Park First, and the North Central Texas Council of Government for making this possible.” Council Member Adam Bazaldua said. “This is an enormous step towards getting us closer to our goal of accessibility and connectivity to South Dallas and other parts of our city.”
The loop is divided into northern and southern alignments. The northern alignment will run along Washington Street and South Fitzhugh Avenue, while the southern alignment will run Parry Avenue, Robert B. Cullum Boulevard, and South Fitzhugh Avenue. Both sections begin at the end of Santa Fe Trail at Parry Avenue and connect back together at Lagow Street and Fitzhugh Avenue. In the future, the trail will connect with the Trinity Forest Spine Trail North Phase.
Fair Park First and Biederman Redevelopment Ventures, in conjunction with the City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department, have begun early alignment and test fits for the southern section of the Fair Park trail. The priority is maintaining a safe buffer from adjacent roadways while preserving the mature trees along the Park’s edge. Construction of the trail is anticipated to begin in 2023.
About the North Central Texas Council of Governments:
NCTCOG is a voluntary association of local governments established in 1966 to assist local governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit and coordinating for sound regional development. NCTCOG’s purpose is to strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments and to help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication and make joint decisions.
NCTCOG’s purpose is to strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments and to help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication, and make joint decisions. NCTCOG serves a 16-county region of North Central Texas, which is centered on the two urban centers of Dallas and Fort Worth. Currently, NCTCOG has 229 member governments including 16 counties, 169 cities, 19 school districts and 27 special districts.
About Fair Park Management Team
In January 2019, Fair Park First, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, assumed management of Fair Park from the City of Dallas in partnership with OVG360 (formerly Spectra). Fair Park First’s mission is to restore, revitalize, and renew the 277-acre National Historic Landmark through transformative improvements, increased attendance, and improved tenant relations, ultimately sustaining Fair Park for generations to come. OVG360 manages the day-to-day operations of Fair Park and its venues. OVG360, a division of Oak View Group, is a full-service venue management and hospitality company that helps client-partners reimagine the sports, live entertainment, and convention industries for the betterment of the venue, employees, artists, athletes, and surrounding communities. The team partnered with Biederman Redevelopment Ventures (BRV) to manage the creation of the Master Plan Update and Community Park and oversee community programming at Fair Park. BRV creates, redevelops, and operates parks and public spaces in 29 states and six countries. BRV was a consultant in the planning, programming, and management of Klyde Warren Park in Dallas.
