Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson delivered remarks at the grand opening of Dallas' newest landmark, Klyde Warren Park, the 5-acre deck park built over the recessed freeway in the center of the city.
The park is intended to promote sustainability, create pedestrian-friendly space in the center of the city, and enhance quality of life downtown. It will have a positive economic impact by boosting surrounding real estate development, increasing property values and increasing city tax revenue. The increased foot traffic should be catalytic for the surrounding arts institutions and street-level business opportunities. The 5.2-acre park will create an urban green space over the existing Woodall Rodgers Freeway between Pearl and St. Paul Streets in downtown Dallas. The Park includes a performance stage, restaurant, shaded walking paths, a dog park, a children’s park, great lawn, water features, an area for games and much more.
The $110 million needed to build the park was raised by a partnership of Dallas business leaders and public officials. The money raised includes $16 million in Federal Stimulus funds that Congresswoman Johnson was instrumental in securing for the project.
"People are ready to make our city more beautiful and more useful," Congresswoman Johnson said about the partnership with private donors. "I'm very proud of my city for it's can-do spirit."
