On Wednesday, the Dallas City Council is expected to take a major step toward building a long‑promised community park inside Fair Park. It’s a project South Dallas residents have waited more than a decade to see move forward. A council committee voted unanimously on Tuesday to recommend ap proval of a construction agreement that would allow the city to partner with Fair Park First, the nonprofit selected to manage the development of what would become the largest green space in South Dallas. Click here to watch the discussion. Fair Park First is the same organization that came under scrutiny last year after an independent audit found millions in donor funds had been misallocated under its partnership with former Fair Park operator Oak View Group. Both organizations denied wrongdoing, and during Tuesday’s meeting, the committee saw a presentation that a new preliminary audit did not identify major red flags. However, city officials say oversight gaps remain and they want strict controls as the project moves ahead. The park carries an estimated $40 million price tag, with Fair Park First already securing $33 million – more than 80% – in donor funding. Much of that funding is tied to the nonprofit and would not be available to the city if leaders opted to assign the project to a different group. Several council members representing South Dallas have pushed for progress, saying delays have stretched on for years. During previous discussions, Councilmember Adam Bazaldua, who represents the Fair Park area, said he wants to avoid another setback for the community. “The last thing I want to see is egg splattered on the face of South Dallas, yet again,” he said. “This is what hope looks like. This isn’t just promises to be kept, this is action.” If the council approves the construction agreement today, Fair Park First must provide monthly and quarterly progress updates to city officials. The city would also be able to take over the project if construction stalls for more than 24 months. Construction could begin this fall, once the FIFA World Cup Fan Fest clears out of the site currently used as a parking lot. The park could open as early as late 2027 or early 2028. The idea for the community park was first proposed more than 10 years ago to help restore green space in South Dallas after the demolition of homes decades ago to create parking for Fair Park events. City Council is expected to take up the vote during Wednesday’s meeting at Dallas City Hall. ...read more read less