2002

    In early 2002, a group of individuals initiated a series of six organizational meetings to establish a private nonprofit entity that would dedicate its efforts to the Dallas park system as a whole.  They engaged an organizational development consultant to assist them through the process. 

    In August of that same year, the City of Dallas published “A Renaissance Plan” -- a far-reaching strategic plan that addressed the current needs of Dallas’ park system and provides specific direction for more than 400 park facilities across the city.  A team led by Carter & Burgess, Inc., with guidance and input from city staff and the Dallas Park and Recreation Board, created the long-range park development plan. 

    The plan recognized that “the Dallas Park and Recreation Department will not successfully implement this Long Range Development Plan without a fundamental shift in its approach to funding and financing of operations and capital investments.”  Accordingly, the plan recommended several critical strategies to build new revenues and identify new funding sources.  It stated, “The first priority should be the establishment of a Parks Foundation to provide a permanent funding source to the Department.” 

2003

In 2003, the organizing committee added members and convened another ten times. It finalized a mission statement, created elements of a vision statement, and gave the new organization a name. It adopted bylaws and filed Articles of Incorporation with the State of Texas.  It created its first Board of Directors and established strategic priorities for the time period of 2003 – 2006.  In addition, it received a donation of $25,000 in late 2003 to help pay early expenses. 

2004

Early 2004, the new Board of Directors submitted an application to the IRS for recognition as a 501-c-3 exempt organization and was so recognized.  New members joined the Board. It established a Fund at The Dallas Foundation and created the structure and process for creating Sub-Funds for special community park projects. Several Sub-Funds were started in 2004. The Foundation also created a logo and letterhead.  Board leaders have been meeting with city officials, civic leaders and successful fund development officers to learn from the experience of others as it builds the Foundation. In December of 2004, the Board of Directors held a strategic planning retreat and created a three-year strategic plan with priorities, goals, and clear courses of action.  

2005

The focus for 2005 is strategic plan implementation with specific attention to fundraising, board development, and community awareness.  The Board of Directors has launched a fundraising program to hire its first executive director and construct five community-built public skateparks in Dallas as its first citywide project.  The Foundation’s first web site has been created and additional sub-funds have been established at the Dallas Foundation for specific park projects.

During this time the Dallas Parks Foundation Board continued to recruit new Board members and expertise; solicit funding for a permanent Executive Director / Development Director; and assist in originating and funding park projects.

In 2007 an application was made to the Safeco Insurance Foundation for funds to support the hiring of an Executive Director / Development Director. Additionally, a local private philanthropist who had a long-standing commitment to improving the beauty of the visitor experience at White Rock Lake stated to a relative that she was "surprised she had never been asked to donate money." The relative passed this information to a Dallas Park Foundation Board member.

In 2008, the Dallas Parks Foundation received a grant of $50,000 from the Safeco Insurance Foundation. An additional cash grant of $50,000 from the private philanthropist (along with a contribution from the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation) funded the Wolfe Overlook project on West Lawther Drive just off the hike/bike trail at White Rock Lake Park.

The Dallas Parks Foundation continues to work through its Sub-Funds to serve a variety of park needs (see Sub-Fund summary) in all areas of Dallas. Altogether more than $1.7 Million has been contributed to capital projects in Dallas parks under the auspices of the Dallas Parks Foundation and using no paid staff, relying instead on Board member labor, cash contributions, and donated materials.