Photo by Victoria Hernandez.
The City of Dallas will mark the start of an extensive renovation at Glendale Park today.
Established in 1938, the 64-acre park currently features the 1.5 mile Glendale Park Loop Trail that borders Five Mile Creek and connects the playground, picnic areas and tennis courts.
The groundbreaking takes place at 10 a.m. at the east Oak Cliff park, located at 1300 E. Ledbetter Drive. The $2.9 million redevelopment is the first phase of the Glendale Park Master Plan and will focus on a new destination playground near the park entrance and parking area southwest of East Ledbetter Drive.
“We are focused on enhancing visitors’ outdoor experiences. This modern playground will be the showcase attraction of this park,” said John D. Jenkins, director of Dallas Park and Recreation Department. “Glendale has always been Oak Cliff’s social hub and still is a popular gathering place for all ages. With this multimillion-dollar park investment, we continue to create healthier, happier and more connected neighborhoods in southern Dallas and across the city.”
The existing play area will be replaced with a larger playground, even bigger than those typically found in surrounding Dallas parks. It will feature accessible rubber surfacing, a new pavilion, six accessible concrete trails, upgrading subsurface utilities and installing pre-manufactured restrooms.
The groundbreaking ceremony will feature remarks from city and community leaders, including District 3 City Council Member Zarin D. Gracey, District 4 City Council Member Maxie Johnson, Park and Recreation Board President Arun Agarwal and board member Vana Hammond.
“This groundbreaking is truly a reflection and celebration of the past, present, and future of what Glendale Park means to our community,” Gracey said. “This space has brought generations together, and with these improvements, it will continue to be a gathering place for families and neighbors for years to come.”
August Doyle will share insights into Glendale’s history and significance to the neighborhood along with a student from South Oak Cliff High School.
Construction is scheduled to begin later this month and is expected to be completed by next spring.
