Dallas opens Wheatland Park Football Complex to invest in young athletes

A new youth football complex opened in southern Dallas this week.

The Wheatland Park Football Complex ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Tuesday, Sept. 30 with city officials, community leaders and young athletes.

The $2.4 million facility, funded entirely through the City of Dallas bond program, began construction in June 2023 and spans seven acres. The facility includes a regulation football field, energy-efficient lighting, and 58 parking spaces to allow for use for training, games, and community events.

Dallas Park and Recreation Department Deputy Director M. Renee’ Johnson said that this venue represents the City’s ongoing commitment to investing in parks and recreational spaces in communities citywide, especially here in Oak Cliff and southern Dallas.

The complex provides quality and accessible recreational spaces while strengthening youth development.

The football field is a reservable space coordinated through the Dallas Park and Recreation Department athletics and reservations office. Due to being a reservable facility, Johnson said there are no current plans for it to be home base for school athletic programs, but will host a variety of organizations that serve youth who play football.

Photo courtesy of the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.

David W. Carter High School students are the closest students to the facility, with the campus located less than a mile away, and participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony through drum line and cheerleading performances.

“The high school program directors, students, and community are genuinely excited about the new football complex. It represents a significant investment in our athletic programs and community spirit. The directors are enthusiastic about the enhanced facilities, which will provide better training and game-day experiences,” community liaison for Carter H.S. Gregory Chapman said in an email. “Students are thrilled about having a state-of-the-art space to showcase their talents and foster team pride. The community is equally supportive, seeing the complex as a valuable resource that will bring everyone together and elevate the overall experience of high school football.”

Johnson said that upcoming plans include potentially hosting events such as an NFL Flag football clinic for boys and girls to increase participation and build awareness for the City’s youth sports. 

The Wheatland Park Football Complex is located at 2115 W. Wheatland Road.