Dallas city leaders are making room for Oak Cliff’s Halperin Park by demolishing the vacant City Inn & Suites.
This is the first major redevelopment project tied to the park, which is designed to connect areas previously split by I-35E, which the park is built on top of.
The park is within walking distance of Dallas’ Bishop Arts neighborhood and right next door to the Dallas Zoo.
Developers are hoping the demolition of the building will create more parking space and safer access for people walking from the Jefferson Boulevard side of the park.
A budget shortfall at Dallas City Hall is sparking concern over potential cuts to park services across the city. Even as leaders celebrate the opening of Halperin Park, officials say reductions may be necessary, raising questions about how parks and public spaces could be impacted. NBC 5’s Katy Blakey takes a closer look at what’s on the table and what it could mean for residents.