Fair Park First, in partnership with the Dallas Park and Recreation Department, has announced a $2.5 million investment from the McKesson Foundation to support the development and activation of the wellness-focused McKesson Market Grove as part of the  Community Park at Fair Park, which is currently under development.

The gift marks the McKesson Foundation’s single largest investment in Dallas and its first major philanthropic investment focused on expanding access to greenspace and health-centered community programming in South Dallas.

Located within the planned 10.5-acre Community Park, the McKesson Market Grove will offer spaces for gathering, wellness programming, community events, healthy food access initiatives, educational opportunities, and year-round engagement designed to improve health outcomes for local residents.

A news conference was held for the announcement of McKesson Foundation’s $2.5 million investment in McKesson Market Grove as part of the  Community Park at Fair Park. [Photo: Fair Park First]

“At McKesson Foundation, we believe that where people live, gather, and connect has a profound impact on their health and well-being,” Melissa Thompson, president of the McKesson Foundation, said in a statement. “The Community Park at Fair Park reflects our commitment to strengthening access in the communities we serve, creating a space where families can access wellness resources, connect with one another and enjoy the benefits of a welcoming greenspace.”

Thompson added that through the McKesson Market Grove and her foundation’s partnership with Fair Park First and the city of Dallas, “we’re helping create a vibrant, year-round space to strengthen community ties and advance health outcomes in South Dallas for generations to come.”

In December 2024, the Community Park got an $8.6 million grant from the National Park Service. That was followed in April 2025 by a nearly $2.6 million investment after Dallas-based NexPoint Philanthropies committed $1,299,410 in funding to the park, providing a one-to-one match via Fair Park First for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Recreation Grant previously awarded to the project. The state of Texas announced a $3 million appropriation for the park in July 2025.

Creating opportunities for health

The McKesson Market Grove will anchor a section of the park dedicated to community gathering and wellness-focused activities. The space is envisioned as a hub for health education, fitness and recreation opportunities, farmers markets, nutrition-focused programming, health clinic events, and partnerships with local organizations serving South Dallas residents.

By reconnecting 13 historically under-resourced neighborhoods surrounding Fair Park to safe, accessible greenspace and free recreational opportunities, the Community Park at Fair Park aims to offer “a new front porch for one of Dallas’ most iconic civic destinations,” Fair Park First said.

The neighborhoods surrounding Fair Park have limited access to quality greenspace despite living near one of Dallas’ most recognized public assets. The Community Park aims to address that disparity while providing environmental, economic, and public health benefits for generations to come.

Jason Brown, chair of the Fair Park First board, said the investment “reflects exactly what the Community Park was envisioned to achieve.”

“McKesson Foundation recognized that this project is about far more than building a park,” Brown added in a statement. “It’s about creating opportunities, improving quality of life, strengthening community health and ensuring that the neighborhoods surrounding Fair Park benefit directly from one of the most significant public investments underway in Dallas. Their leadership will have a lasting impact on South Dallas families for generations.”

The Community Park is the centerpiece of Fair Park First’s efforts to implement the Fair Park Master Plan, a long-term vision to transform Fair Park into a year-round destination that better serves Dallas residents while preserving its historic significance.

“McKesson Foundation’s investment is a powerful example of what can happen when philanthropic leaders step forward to champion transformational community projects,” said Heather Stevens, [resident and CEO of Rise360 and Campaign Advisor for the Community Park. “This gift not only moves us significantly closer to completing the Community Park, but it also demonstrates confidence in the vision, the community and the long-term impact this project will have on Dallas.”

‘Historic investment’ in South Dallas

The Community Park will offer expansive lawns, playgrounds, walking trails, shaded gathering spaces, public art, educational opportunities, native landscaping, and community-focused amenities for residents of all ages. The McKesson Market Grove will be among the park’s highlights, creating a dedicated space for health, wellness, and education.

“We’re deeply grateful for McKesson Foundation’s partnership and leadership,” Stevens said. “Their investment will help create a lasting legacy of health, access and opportunity for generations of families who will benefit from this park.”

The Community Park is the largest expansion of publicly accessible greenspace at Fair Park in generations and is expected to serve residents across South Dallas while attracting visitors from throughout the city and region.

“The Community Park represents a historic investment in the neighborhoods that have surrounded Fair Park for generations,” said Dallas City Council Member Adam Bazaldua. “For too long, residents have lacked access to the quality greenspace and recreational opportunities that many communities take for granted.”

He also praised the contribution from McKesson.

“This project helps address that need while creating a healthier, more connected and more vibrant future for South Dallas,” Bazaldua said. “We are grateful to McKesson Foundation for joining the City and Fair Park First in making this transformative community asset a reality.”

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