Klyde Warren Park: A Breath of Fresh Air in Dallas

Just northwest of downtown Dallas, Klyde Warren Park, like most parks, offers the public a place to escape the city and enjoy nature. Unlike most parks, just below the 37 natural plant species and more than 300 trees, runs an 8 lane freeway. As urban sprawl is ever increasing, public green space is becoming harder and harder to find. With the construction of Klyde Warren Park, Dallas has joined NYC, Chicago, Seattle, and many other large cities in finding innovative ways to preserve and create space to enjoy the outdoors, recognizing the impact this space has on surrounding communities. Park president, Tara Green says, “Public parks strengthen our communities and benefit our health, environment, quality of life, and economy. These are benefits that Dallas will enjoy for generations to come.”

The park interior features grouped concrete beams connected with concrete slabs that allow for trees and plant life to grow to their full size without compromising root growth. Klyde Warren Park, an architectural feat spanning 5.2 acres, was designed by landscape architect Jim Burnett, in a joint venture between the private and public sector. The project utilized state and private funds of a combined total $110 million. The park is now owned by the City of Dallas, and operated privately through the Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation. Green adds, “Klyde Warren Park is a great example of a public-private partnership to bridge a literal gap between downtown and uptown.”

Klyde Warren Park is a gateway into the Dallas Art District, neighbored by attractions such as the Dallas Art Museum, Nasher Sculpture Center, Crow Collection of Asian Art, AT&T; Performing Arts Center and more. The park is family oriented, offering on average 1300 activities and events annually for those looking for a quiet place to read, entertain the children, or grab a bit of local cuisine. Green adds, “Families enjoy playing at the Children’s Park, taking part in one of our fun, free fitness classes sponsored by Cigna, sitting on the Ginsburg Family Great Lawn and listening to live music, or grabbing a bite to eat at Savor, Relish or a food truck.”

Unique in its architectural design and community impact, Klyde Warren Park plays host to various events throughout the week, including Tai Chi classes, live music in the park’s Muse Family Performance Pavilion, and Saturday morning exercise programs. Klyde Warren Park is literal breath of fresh air in downtown Dallas, and a model of the success possible when communities work together to provide public space in new and innovative ways.

By Jordan Hayes