DALLAS, TX — In a major shakeup impacting one of the city’s most iconic public spaces, the City of Dallas has issued a formal notice of termination to Fair Park First, the nonprofit organization managing Fair Park under a long-term agreement since 2019. The termination will become effective in 90 days, ending both Fair Park First’s management role and its subcontracting relationship with OVG360, which has overseen venue and facilities management for the past five years.
City officials said the termination stems from structural issues in the current management agreement that leave the city without a direct contractual relationship with OVG360.
“Fair Park is a vital part of our city’s cultural and historic identity,” said City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert. “This decision reflects our commitment to ensuring sound stewardship and transparent management of this beloved public asset.”
Fair Park is located at 3809 Grand Avenue, Dallas, TX 75210, and is generally open to the public from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, though hours for individual venues within the park vary.
A Historic Landmark
Spanning 277 acres just southeast of downtown Dallas, Fair Park is a National Historic Landmark renowned for having the largest collection of 1930s Art Deco architecture in the United States. Originally developed for the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936, the park remains a hub for cultural, educational, and entertainment activities.
It is home to major institutions such as the Texas Discovery Gardens, The African American Museum, The Children’s Aquarium, and Cotton Bowl Stadium, and annually hosts the State Fair of Texas, drawing millions of visitors.
Transitioning to a New Management Model
Since January 2019, Fair Park First has overseen year-round programming, facility operations, and maintenance under the current public-private partnership. Going forward, the Dallas Park and Recreation Department will assume day-to-day operational control.
“This step enables us to reset our approach to Fair Park management and is in the best interest of Fair Park, patrons, and the taxpayers of Dallas,” said John D. Jenkins, Director of Dallas Park and Recreation.
Under the new plan, the city will:
- Take over daily operations and maintenance of the park.
- Partner with a nonprofit to generate third-party funding.
- Continue relationships with existing campus partners.
- Bring in new event production firms to enhance programming.
The city has pledged that there will be no disruptions to scheduled events or partnerships during the transition. Dallas Park and Recreation staff will be onsite immediately to ensure smooth coordination with vendors, campus partners, and event organizers.
“Dallas is firmly committed to developing a new plan that is financially sustainable, vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive,” Jenkins said. “We want Fair Park to be a place Dallas residents can enjoy year-round.”
For updates, the public can visit the Dallas Park and Recreation Department website or contact 3-1-1 for city service assistance.
