With 208 signatures in 2 ½ days, this issue calls for urgent action from the Dallas Park & Rec Board.
I'm speaking at next Thursday's Park and Rec. board meeting.
- Thursday, October 5 at 10am in Dallas City Hall – Room 6FN
- Please mark your calendars to show up
And, if you'd like to share your story about Civic Garden:
- Register to speak for 3 mins. at the meeting.
If you cannot attend, you can still help by writing these civic leaders. Share your story with them about using Civic Garden – and why you signed this petition.
Downtown Dallas, Inc.
- Jennifer Scripps, President & CEO <scripps@downtowndallas.com>
- Evan Sheets, VP, Planning & Policy <sheets@downtowndallas.com>
- Larry Gordon, Chief of Public Safety & Field Operations <gordon@downtowndallas.com>
Downtown Parks Conservancy
- Amy Meadows, President and CEO <ameadows@parksfordowntowndallas.org>
- Sarah Hughes, VP & Project Director <shughes@parksfordowntowndallas.org>
- Robert Decherd, Chairman of the Board (I don't have his email.)
City of Dallas
- Rudy Karimi – District 14 – Park & Rec Board <rudy.karimi@dallas.gov>
- Paul Ridley – District 14 – City Council <paul.ridley@dallascityhall.com>
- John Jenkins – Director – Parks and Recreation <john.jenkins@dallas.gov>
FAQ
What problem are we solving?
The gravel table area – concealed by a limestone wall, planters, and trees – has turned into a hot bed of public urination, drugs, and all-hours camping.
This is a health, safety, and welfare concern for all who use the park.
- There have been multiple fights in the table area in September.
- 200+ people have signed this petition, proving this is a concern for the community.
Does this proposal remove valuable seating?
No. Most residents, convention guests, and workers only use the 3-4 tables closest to Main St.
- We propose those 3-4 tables stay where they are.
- The rest of the gravel would become an open area that people can walk through or a dog park.
Are we proposing to take away all the seating from Civic Garden.
No. The 13+ large benches in the rest of the park would remain untouched.
Wouldn’t the problem just be pushed into the rest of the park?
No. This isn’t about individuals – it’s about environment. We’re all shaped by our environments.
The same individuals in the secluded table area would behave better in the open benches in the park. For proof, look no further than the table area’s history.
- In the early days of Civic Garden, the trees were still young and not as lush. The area was more open.
Now, the trees have grown in. This one change has made the area more secluded.
- We must adapt to our changing environment – compassionately and sensibly.