Photo courtesy Studio-MLA
Landscape architect firm Studio-MLA has been selected to design a new park that will replace over 1000 parking spaces at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas. The new park is the first project to come out of the Fair Park Master Plan Update, which recently received the Unbuilt Dream/Study Award from the Greater Dallas Planning Council.
The decision was made by the nonprofit Fair Park First, Spectra, and Biederman Redevelopment Ventures (BRV)—the management and operations team of Fair Park.
“We are excited about the award-winning team that will be leading the design of this transformational project for Fair Park,” said Darren L. James, president of the Fair Park First board. “Millions of citizens and visitors will benefit every year from the investment we are making to realize this extraordinary project. As an architect, I cannot wait to see this transformation.”
In June 2020, a nationwide search began for a designer for the 4.5-ha (11-acre) park proposed in the Master Plan Update. Thirty landscape architects responded with interest to design the park. Studio-MLA’s presentation, which gained the support of both community stakeholders and Fair Park’s leadership team, showed an innovative approach to transforming the parking lot into an inspiring greenspace.
“We feel honored to be selected for what will become a valuable new resource in Fair Park for the neighborhood and broader Dallas region,” said Mia Lehrer, FASLA, Studio-MLA. “Our highly collaborative, special design team strives to reflect the community’s needs and aspirations. The preceding efforts by so many have set the stage for this opportunity, and we are excited to continue the momentum and their inclusive approach to co-create a beloved new park that both honors the past and looks to the future.”
Studio-MLA, in partnership with Dallas landscape architects Studio Outside, architect Allison Grace Williams, FAIA, and Dallas-based architects and historical narrative storytellers buildingcommunityWORKSHOP, make up the core design team.
The park design will likely include a large lawn, a children’s play area with an interactive water feature, native plantings, remembrance gardens, a small pavilion for gatherings, and movable tables and chairs. The park will also provide free programming for children, adults, and seniors. A typical calendar of events during a week might include fitness classes, small musical performances, art workshops, drum circles, a reading room, and outdoor movies.
Studio-MLA, in concert with Fair Park First, Spectra, and BRV, will work alongside neighborhood leaders, residents, local partners, and other grassroots groups on their vision for the new park and will also seek community input. More details will be announced at a later date.
