The following article was reposted with permission from the Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation. View the original press release from the Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation here.
Rendering of the future Halperin Park courtesy of Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation.
Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) was an early supporter of the park with a $200,000 planning grant in 2019, followed by a $3.5 million grant in 2022. CFT has now doubled their commitment with an additional $3.5 million to the project, bringing CFT’s total investment to $7.2 million, which will be recognized with the “Communities Foundation of Texas Amphitheater.” The space will serve as a versatile spot that will host educational programs and discussions, while also offering visitors a comfortable perch to simply relax alone or with friends and enjoy all that Halperin Park has to offer.
“Halperin Park embodies CFT’s vision of building thriving communities and our belief that everyone in our community should have equitable access to opportunities to improve their lives and the lives of their families,” said Wayne White, President and CEO at Communities Foundation of Texas. “We believe this transformative project will become both a literal and figurative bridge for our community, bolstering Southern Dallas for both current and future generations.”
In addition to the CFT Amphitheater, the Dallas Park Board also approved the naming of “The Moody Fountain,” made possible by a $1 million donation from the Moody Foundation. The Moody Fountain is a striking, S-curve rain-curtain waterfall connecting the park’s elevated central landing – known as the Texas Capital Landing – to the children’s zone. The feature is envisioned as a stunning and soothing visual attraction showcasing the park’s design, which is rooted in the unique topography of Oak Cliff.
“Halperin Park – both a work of art and a gathering place – reflects the beauty and resilience of Southern Dallas. We are proud to join so many partners in supporting this ‘park with a purpose’ and look forward to seeing how it will uplift families, foster connection and inspire future generations,” said Francie Moody-Dahlberg, Trustee and President CEO of the Moody Foundation.
With phase one construction nearly 80 percent complete, these types of private donations not only reinforce the generational impact that Halperin Park will have on Southern Dallas, but they also help ensure the project remains on track for a Spring 2026 opening.
“We like to say that Halperin Park is a park by the community, in the community, for the community,” said April Allen, president and chief executive officer of the Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation. “These generous donations from two of Texas’ most distinguished private foundations demonstrate their belief in the power of this park to reconnect communities and become a true destination for the region.”
Learn more about Halperin Park here.
