Several residents of Dallas and city officials came together to talk about a possible new multipurpose park.
Dallas Parks and Recreation (DPR) organized a community input gathering. meeting At the meeting about the Forest Audelia Multipurpose Center and Park on April 24, the public raised questions about the proposed venue, including security and hosting community events.
The meeting took place at the Forest-Audelia Youth Boxing Gym from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. City officials like Council Member Kathy Stewart (District 10), DPR Board Member Scott Goldstein (District 10), DPR Deputy Director Crystal Ross, and others were present.
Goldstein told those at the meeting that it is important to hear from the community to develop the project properly over the next few years.
David Mills, the project’s senior architect, explained to attendees the details of the envisioned community space and the opportunities it would offer for residents and local groups. This new park would have various amenities, including a pavilion for events, a playground, an event lawn, a sports court, a lawn for open play, and a multipurpose center with a space dedicated to local law enforcement.
Mills said that the space is designed for multiple uses, so it can accommodate arts and culture events, library activities, and recreation activities.
The multipurpose center would have facilities such as a library, classrooms, party spaces, exercise rooms with equipment, and more.
The total budget for this project is $7.5 million, with $1.5 million for the park and $4 million for the building.
Members of the audience asked various questions about the park’s construction, including surfacing, hosting food trucks, shaded areas for playgrounds, lighting, and the possibility of playing pickleball on its courts.
Some community members expressed safety concerns and inquired about police presence at the potential site.
Council Member Stewart mentioned that the City had initially requested a police storefront, but Chief Garcia of the Dallas Police Department later explained that it would be challenging to have an officer there 24/7 due to a critical shortage of officers. The department currently has just 3,000 sworn-in personnel in the field. covered in The Dallas Express.
To address this challenge and still have a police presence, City officials plan to have patrol officers visit the park and possibly house the neighborhood police officer (NPO) office on-site instead of at the northeast substation.
Officials aim to start park construction in the fall of this year and begin building construction in the spring of 2025.
Council Member Stewart stated The Dallas Express she wanted to turn this new area into the district office. She also mentioned that such a development is very important for the local community, and pointed out that the area had very few amenities ten years ago.
“There wasn’t a library, a rec center, or a park, just a school playground. This area from Adelia along forest to LBJ is heavily populated but lacked these facilities,” she explained.
“So, with the challenges, the crime, the density, and the lack of City resources, this became a focus for me. During my campaign, I made it clear that this is a priority for me and will continue to be. So, having an office at this intersection would be a dream come true for me. It’s where I want to be.”
Another public meeting to gather input on the park is expected to be scheduled at a later time.
