South Dallas community advocates, led by Senate candidate and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, pressed the City Council on Wednesday to break a two-year stalemate over who will build a long-promised community park at Fair Park.
Crockett, speaking virtually from Washington, was joined by Anna Hill, Eva Jones and other community leaders, wearing blue pins that said “No delay. Our park today.”
Crockett, a Democrat, warned that federal funding for the project could be in jeopardy.
“Let me be clear, federal dollars are not symbolic,” she said. “They come with expectations, follow-through timelines and responsible local action.”
Political Points
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett speaks virtually during open microphone of a City Council meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 at City Hall in Dallas. Crockett and others urged City Council to end Fair Park debate over who gets to build the community park and that delays are raising concerns over whether the city will keep its promise.
Juan Figueroa / Staff Photographer
Speakers repeatedly pointed to donor frustration, blaming bureaucratic delays and the city’s Park and Recreation Board, whose chair, Arun Agarwal, has resisted allowing the nonprofit Fair Park First to build the park without more vetting.
“Isn’t it basic common sense we do due diligence before we hand over the keys to the park?” Agarwal told The Dallas Morning News Wednesday.
Agarwal, who was not at the council meeting, said he does not disagree with the speakers and that the park board supports building the community park.
That effort to strike common ground has not eased the political pressure as some council members have suggested they may strip the board of its role if the stalemate drags on.
Park question
Council member Adam Bazaldua, whose district encompasses the 277-acre asset, said Wednesday he’s prepared to shift oversight of the park’s funding and development contracts from the board and place it under City Council authority if delays continue.
Agarwal recently announced a taskforce aimed at jump-starting the project, led by former Fair Park First finance chair Keba Batie, former park board chair and council member Lois Finkelman, park board member Vana Hammond, as well as community leaders like Ken Smith, Bonton Foundation CEO Mark Jones and Antong Lucky with Urban Specialists.
Agarwal said the goal is to protect donor confidence and prevent commitments from unraveling.
Bazaldua said he wants to give the task force time to finish its work before the Jan. 28 City Council meeting, when it could move contract vetting to a council committee. Construction is expected to begin in September.
“This is not meant to be a slight on anyone’s leadership,” Bazaldua told The News. “I’m stepping in because funding can be impacted.”
Adam Bazaldua, Dallas City Council Member for District 7, thanks those who spoke during open microphone of a City Council meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 at City Hall in Dallas. Elected officials and community members urged City Council to end Fair Park debate over who gets to build the community park and that delays are raising concerns over whether the city will keep its promise.
Juan Figueroa / Staff Photographer
The 10-acre community park, which will have playgrounds, picnic areas and community spaces, was part of a decades-long effort to repair damage after the city razed homes to build parking lots at Fair Park, a move legacy residents cite as emblematic of long-standing underinvestment.
The project has been mired in uncertainty since 2024, after disclosures that nearly $6 million in donor funds had been spent on day-to-day operations rather than capital projects. Meanwhile, several vendors have not received payments.
Last year, the city cut ties with Fair Park First and Oak View Group, the park’s venue manager. Fair Park First leaders say they have since tightened governance and brought in experienced board members to move the park forward.
“There have been some hiccups,” but corrections have been made, Fair Park First Chair Jason Brown said. “Where we are now is about putting the pieces back together and not leaving the community out.”
The nonprofit has raised more than $30 million toward the park’s $39 million goal but without a new city contract, those funds remain largely out of reach.
Staff writer Everton Bailey contributed to this report.
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