Halperin Park’s debut in Dallas’ Oak Cliff community promises to unite neighborhoods, foster growth, and offer vibrant amenities.

DALLAS — Ten years ago, residents in the historic Oak Cliff community said enough is enough. 

Construction of the highway divided the east and west sides of the community. Then, both sides rallied together to advocate for a bridge park like Klyde Warren Park in Downtown Dallas.

Halperin Park is a testament to what happens when communities band together. The countdown officially begins to the Dallas second deck park.



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“We’re a park with a purpose. We’re in a part of Dallas that doesn’t have as many of the amenities as other parts of the city,” April Allen, president and CEO of Halperin Park, said. “We hope this park will really help to lift up the local community, catalyze growth and development, and give people a flavor for what it means to live in Oak Cliff.”

The five-acre bridge spans Interstate 35E between Ewing and Marsalis avenues next to the Dallas Zoo.

“We have this opportunity to kind of heal that wound and knit the neighborhood back together with this park over the interstate,” Allen added.

The park is a public-private partnership with the city of Dallas. This means that while the park is technically a city of Dallas Park, the Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation will operate and manage it. The foundation raised over $200 million in private and public funds.


What To Expect Once Halperin Park Opens 

When the park officially opens on Saturday, May 9, park-goers can expect plenty of amenities, including outdoor seating, tables, and a band pavilion for hosting concerts and performances.

“Here in our great lawn area, people can have a picnic, relax, or kick a ball,” said Allen. “The other cool thing about the Great Lawn is that it can also be turned into an ice rink in the winter.”

Another outdoor seating area is the “Tree Grove” area, at least three water fountains, and a multipurpose facility with indoor restrooms and meeting space that companies and nonprofits can rent out.

On top of the multipurpose facility is the City View Terrace, where Allen said are the best views of Dallas. The children’s playground is designed with inspiration by the creeks and streams found throughout Oak Cliff.  

As part of the foundation’s “community-first plan” which involved community input, the foundation built a space for easy drop-off access.

“That’s actually something we learned from our community. [They said] it’s really hard to find a place to get dropped off, so we built a wide turnaround off the access road. It’s wide enough where we could pull in a school bus for kids and food trucks parked.”

Minutes away from Halperin Park is Lola’s Cantina & Snacks, another anticipated restaurant opening in Oak Cliff.  Owner Pollo Corral, an Oak Cliff resident, said the park will have a trickle-down effect on the entire community.

“There’s a rich history in Oak Cliff and we’re excited to be a part of what’s growing here,” said Corral.  “The park is expected to host around a million people a year. The overflow of that is good for everyone. It’s food for business owners, for the community, and for families.”

He continued, “Things flourish where people are gathered and where they are able to experience joy and fellowship.”


Halperin Park Festivities On Opening Day 

The official opening ceremony will take place Saturday, May 9, at 9 a.m. at the park’s 12th Street Promenade. Happening during Mother’s Day Weekend, park-goers can expect: 

Live Performances: Local musicians and dance troupes honoring the rich history and diversity of Oak Cliff.Family Fun: Children’s playground and splash area, story time and arts workshops, as well as special Mother’s Day activities on Sunday, May 10, including card making and build-a-bouquet for Mom.Food & Beverage: Food trucks, grab-and-go snacks and limited-edition “Picnic in the Park” baskets.