Local leaders in North Texas have rolled out a series of announcements that will invest millions of dollars in new parks and green space across Dallas.
One supporter told NBC 5 the push came after the COVID-19 pandemic and the success of Klyde Warren Park in downtown Dallas.
Clearing green space to replace homes, businesses and apartments costs public money.
Families and TikTokers descended on the Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge Tuesday afternoon.
“It's very cold. It's very calm. It's very peaceful. And here's the best photo of the city,” said Elvis Espinosa, who brought a friend from Mexico to shoot the video.
María de Jesús Ballero de Garrillo walked through the park with her nieces and nephews, saying, “Hermoso, hermoso.” She is from Mexico.
A few feet away, the George Mason University dance team recorded one of their dances.
“We were recording a TikTok. We're part of a dance team. So we just wanted to record one of our own pieces. The scenery is beautiful, so we recorded it here. I thought I'd keep it,'' said Meshwa Desai from Virginia.
Early Tuesday, local leaders handed out another large check. This is one million dollars. Each lawmaker gets 15 projects that will receive federal tax dollars. The item, sent to Harold Simmons Park through the Trinity Park Conservancy, belonged to U.S. Rep. Mark Vesey, D-Fort Worth.
“A lot of space has been used to divide cities, but having parks there really brings people together. Because no matter which part of the Trinity you live in, people can can come here and have fun,” said Congressman Vesey.
Planners aim to break ground on Harold Simmons Park in the fall of 2024.
This is the latest in a flood of funding to Dallas-area parks.
“The main element is that we have green in Dallas. Green space and green money. It's economic development,” said Rep. Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas).
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was in the area in early April to unveil four new deck parks in Dallas and McKinney. Green space is also a priority for Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson. Mayor Johnson helped put the park proposal before Dallas voters in the May 4th bond election, which he said was a whopping $345 million.
Tony Moore, CEO of Trinity Park Conservancy, told NBC 5 that the turning point came during the COVID-19 pandemic when people needed to socially distance. Ta.
“It was shocking how many people downplayed or didn't realize the emotional value that being in green space had on their emotions,” Moore said.
