Park Announces $9 Million in New, Private Donations

The Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation announced at a press conference today more than $9 million in new private donations to The Park, a 5.2-acre park that will bridge over the Woodall Rodgers Freeway and create public green space in downtown Dallas. Construction is also progressing quickly. After this weekend, 50 percent of the beams will be in place to form The Park’s structural foundation.

Gifts from Linda and Mitch Hart to name the Hart Plazas and Promenade, the Richard Fisher Family to name the Nancy Fisher Restaurant Pavilion, Cindy and Bill Ward to name the Children’s Park Gazebo, and gifts from Lyda Hill and two anonymous donors total more than $8.5 million.

"We believe The Park will be transformational for our city," said Richard Fisher. "We are delighted with the opportunity to name the Pavilion for Nancy Fisher, a woman whose devotion to children is exemplary. The Park's stage, free educational programming for children, and shared green space, made possible by gifts from the Muses, the Harts, the Wards, and other generous donors, will make this Dallas' premier recreational space." 

Other recent gifts from the Hillcrest Foundation, Hoblitzelle Foundation, Jackson-Warren family, Dr. Bob & Jean Smith Foundation, Bobby Lyle, Linda Owen, Lauren and John Zogg, and other anonymous donors total more than $850,000.

Elaine Agather, Linda Hart, Mitch Hart and Bob Shapard joined the Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation in 2011. The Foundation has completed over ninety percent of its strategic development campaign, and is resolved to finish the final phase of the campaign, $17 million in private donations, before The Park opens next year.

“The vision of capping the highway that slices through downtown dates back to the very design of the freeway. Thanks to Dallas’ great dreamers and doers, the vision is becoming a reality,” said Linda Owen, president and CEO of the Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation. “Momentum is building as this historic project takes shape. As the excitement grows, we are counting on the creativity and determination of other generous donors to embrace The Park, an incredible gift of nature and beauty to refresh our souls and nurture our city.”