Dallas, September 27, 2025
News Summary
City leaders in Dallas are debating the future of a proposed 10-acre community park following the termination of Fair Park First’s management contract due to over $5 million in misallocated donor funds. The loss of management could jeopardize the project, which has already raised over $30 million towards its $39 million goal. Park board members are expressing mixed reactions, considering the impacts of potential delays and the need for more oversight before proceeding with any new agreements.
Dallas — City leaders are weighing whether Fair Park First should continue with plans to create a 10-acre community park after the organization lost its management contract for Fair Park following findings of misspent donor funds. The city terminated its agreement with Fair Park First and Oak View Group due to over $5 million in misspent donor funds, and the loss of the management contract has left the community park project in uncertain status.
Key developments and current status
The termination of the contract came after an audit found improper spending of restricted donor funds. Tensions have risen between the city and Oak View Group, which ended its management role at Fair Park last week. Without a new agreement, the park’s plans may be left in limbo and raised funding could be at risk.
Fair Park First has raised over $30 million for the park, with construction anticipated to start post-World Cup next year and scheduled to open in 2027. The organization needs to raise approximately $6 million more to meet its funding goal of $39 million. If Fair Park First does not receive a new agreement, the raised funding may be at risk according to Ryan O’Connor, deputy director of the park department.
Timeline and projected milestones
- Construction anticipated to start post-World Cup next year.
- Groundbreaking for the park is projected for August 2027, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony possible by November 2027.
Park board response and oversight concerns
Park board members expressed mixed reactions during recent discussions. Some members voiced concerns about continuous broken promises to the community regarding development and the possibility that delays could increase the project’s expected price tag. Other members said the decision to move forward previously felt rushed and emphasized the need for additional review.
Park board representative Bo Slaughter highlighted worry about continuous broken promises to the community regarding development. Park board president Arun Agarwal stressed the importance of due diligence before proceeding with any agreements. Several park board members discussed the need for more time to assess Fair Park First and explore alternatives for the project.
Operational management and accountability
The city’s contract with Fair Park First had ended primarily due to an audit that revealed improper spending of restricted donor funds. OVG360, which managed day-to-day operations, was accused of neglecting basic repairs, resulting in deteriorating conditions at Fair Park. In response, the city plans to manage Fair Park operations directly while seeking a nonprofit partner for fundraising efforts.
Fair Park First is taking steps to improve financial transparency, including collaborating with the Dallas Foundation to oversee funds. Concerns about potential legal vulnerabilities prompted calls for further oversight and auditing of Fair Park First. Some board members, including Scott Goldstein, were hesitant to rush into a new agreement due to past management issues. Others, including Tim Dickey, a departing board member, supported Fair Park First based on its fundraising capability and stated commitment to the park.
Next steps and upcoming decisions
Park board members did not take a vote on a new agreement at the most recent meeting. Future discussions regarding Fair Park management will take place in October. If a development agreement is pursued, city officials indicated it could enable the city to manage risk while monitoring Fair Park First’s progress on the project.
Community input has been incorporated into the park’s design to address historical neglect and aims to rectify historical harms done to the community, particularly negative impacts of municipal policies. Elements of community feedback have been incorporated into the park’s design, and board members noted that continued engagement will be needed if the project moves forward under new terms or partners.
Implications
The immediate implications include uncertainty over the timing and funding of the 10-acre community park and possible delays that could raise costs. The city’s direct management of Fair Park operations and its search for a nonprofit fundraising partner may reshape how the project proceeds. Park board deliberations set for October will be pivotal in determining whether Fair Park First remains the project lead or whether alternatives will be pursued.
FAQ
What are Dallas leaders considering?
Whether Fair Park First should continue with plans to create a 10-acre community park after losing its management contract for Fair Park.
Why did the city terminate its agreement?
The city terminated its agreement with Fair Park First and Oak View Group due to over $5 million in misspent donor funds.
How much has Fair Park First raised and what is the timeline?
Fair Park First has raised over $30 million for the park, with construction anticipated to start post-World Cup next year and scheduled to open in 2027.
How much more does Fair Park First need to raise?
Fair Park First needs to raise approximately $6 million more to meet its funding goal of $39 million.
What happens to the raised funding if there is no new agreement?
If Fair Park First does not receive a new agreement, the raised funding may be at risk according to Ryan O’Connor, deputy director of the park department.
What did the audit find about the city’s contract?
The city’s contract with Fair Park First had ended primarily due to an audit that revealed improper spending of restricted donor funds.
What issues were associated with OVG360?
OVG360, which managed day-to-day operations, was accused of neglecting basic repairs, resulting in deteriorating conditions at Fair Park.
When is groundbreaking projected?
Groundbreaking for the park is projected for August 2027, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony possible by November 2027.
What is the city’s plan for Fair Park operations?
The city plans to manage Fair Park operations directly while seeking a nonprofit partner for fundraising efforts.
Key project features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Park size | 10-acre community park |
| Funds raised | Fair Park First has raised over $30 million for the park |
| Funding goal | $39 million (needs approximately $6 million more) |
| Contract termination reason | The city terminated its agreement with Fair Park First and Oak View Group due to over $5 million in misspent donor funds |
| Audit finding | The city’s contract with Fair Park First had ended primarily due to an audit that revealed improper spending of restricted donor funds |
| Operational change | The city plans to manage Fair Park operations directly while seeking a nonprofit partner for fundraising efforts |
| Projected groundbreaking | Groundbreaking for the park is projected for August 2027 |
| Projected ribbon-cutting | Ribbon-cutting ceremony possible by November 2027 |
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Additional Resources
- Dallas News: Fair Park’s Community Park Faces Uncertainty
- NBC DFW: Dallas Ends Contract with Fair Park First
- Fox 4 News: Fair Park Management Issues
- WFAA: Dallas Takes Over Fair Park Operations
- Dallas Innovates: Texas Awards $3M to Fair Park First
- Wikipedia: Fair Park
- Google Search: Fair Park Dallas
- Google Scholar: Fair Park Management Issues
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dallas
- Google News: Fair Park
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