Greenspaces are essential for healthy, happy, and resilient communities. And yet, there are over 300,000 Dallas residents that don’t have a park or green space within a 10-minute walk of home. This park equity gap can have lasting effects for generations, which is why Trust for Public Land is partnering with the City of Dallas to increase park access through an innovative and effective initiative.

In 2022, Mayor Eric Johnson requested an inventory of vacant city-owned land that could be redeveloped into public greenspaces and appointed Garrett Boone as the city’s first Greening Czar to help come up with ways the city can increase park access for Dallas residents. To lead this Dallas Greening Initiative, they turned to Trust for Public Land (TPL) to help transform unused city-owned land into new neighborhood greenspaces across Dallas for everyone to enjoy.

Using our GIS expertise and data tools like ParkScore® Index and TPL’s Smart Growth for Dallas Tool, we are working to create new greenspaces across the city, prioritizing areas that currently do not have access to parks within a 10-minute walk.

These new greenspaces will improve the mental and physical health of nearby residents, strengthen local ecosystems, and create a more robust sense of community. The program aims to not only increase the number of Dallas residents who have a greenspace within a 10-minute walk of their home but ensure the nearby residents are part of the process. We’re working hand-in-hand with residents to create new greenspaces at these locations that are welcoming, close-to-home, and fit the size and needs of their communities. Trust for Public Land will lead the design process and connect with neighborhood leaders, residents, and youth to gather their input to select design elements, features, and amenities that fit their needs. Throughout the process, Trust for Public Land will engage with the community to learn about what they would like to see in their community greenspace through community design meetings, surveys, and online engagement tools.

Scroll down to learn more about each specific property and find a location near you!

Visit the different Dallas Greening Initiative sites to learn more about each property, share your ideas, see upcoming events, and get involved!