What if Fair Park’s sprawling parking lots could become restaurants, hotels or entertainment venues that attract visitors throughout the year? Dallas officials are asking the community to help reimagine 40 acres of the historic property as the city prepares to break ground on a new park in December.
With the State Fair of Texas over for the year, much of Fair Park has returned to a familiar sight: large stretches of empty space.
But Dallas Park and Recreation Director John Jenkins believes those areas could offer opportunities to transform the 277-acre property into a destination that attracts visitors beyond major events.
“Why not take this empty space and activate it?” Jenkins said.
Starting next week, the city plans to open a “call for concepts,” inviting ideas for redeveloping approximately 40 acres currently occupied by parking lots 10, 11 and 12.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to revitalize the southern end of Fair Park and create attractions that encourage people to visit throughout the year.
“What we want out here is consistent activities,” Jenkins said.
Since Dallas took over day-to-day operations at Fair Park last year, officials have worked to introduce additional programming, including a farmers market, to increase activity at the property.
However, Jenkins said more attractions are needed to make Fair Park a destination throughout the year.
“I need something in this space that’s going to bring people out, 365 days a year,” Jenkins said.
The request for ideas comes as Dallas prepares to begin construction on a long-awaited community park at Fair Park.
Groundbreaking is expected in December, with construction planned throughout 2027.
The new park is intended to help reconnect Fair Park with surrounding southern Dallas neighborhoods, addressing a longstanding goal of making the property more accessible and welcoming to nearby communities.
City officials hope the park will serve as a starting point for additional development in the area.
Potential concepts for the surrounding property could include restaurants, hotels or entertainment venues, although no specific development plans have been announced.
The goal is to transform areas currently used for parking into spaces that provide more opportunities for recreation, entertainment and community activity.
Jenkins believes the upcoming community park and proposed redevelopment could help establish a more active future for Fair Park.
“To me, that’s what Fair Park should be about,” Jenkins said.
For now, Dallas officials are looking for ideas that could help turn acres of underused parking space into attractions that bring visitors to Fair Park throughout the year.
