National nonprofit The Trust for Public Land has launched the Greener Dallas Greater Dallas Campaign, a $100 million public-private campaign to expand parks citywide that will serve more than 250,000 people, including over 70,000 children.

TPL, which works to connect everyone to the benefits and enjoyment of the outdoors, announced the campaign Saturday at the grand opening of Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park, a 40-acre green space in southern Dallas designed in partnership with the Highland Hills community.  

A scene from the opening of the Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park, a 40-acre green space along Dallas’ Five Mile Creek Greenbelt. [Photo: The Trust for Public Land]

“Greener Dallas Greater Dallas is a promise to every Dallas resident that no matter your ZIP code, you will have safe, welcoming green spaces and parks to gather, play, heal, and thrive,” Molly Morgan, Texas State director for Trust for Public Land, said at the Saturday event. “Launching this bold campaign at the opening of Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park—a space designed hand-in-hand with the Highland Hills community—reminds us that green spaces aren’t a luxury, they’re a lifeline.”

“This park inspired us to dream bigger for Dallas,” Morgan added, “because this effort doesn’t just build parks; it builds equity, resilience, and a more connected city for generations to come. I’m grateful to stand with so many who believe in this vision and are working to bring it to life.”

‘Just the beginning’ in bringing more parks to Dallas

Cutting the ribbon on the Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park, a 40-acre green space along Dallas’ Five Mile Creek Greenbelt. [Photo: The Trust for Public Land]

TPL said that the Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park is its latest signature park delivered along Dallas’ scenic Five Mile Creek Greenbelt.

“Just like Judge Rose, parks are about community and connection too,” Morgan said at the park’s opening. “Parks connect us with nature and our neighbors. Parks improve our physical and mental health as well as our economic vitality. And parks foster a sense of belonging. This park will be a vibrant green haven for thousands of people, with walking trails, playgrounds, a state-of-the-art outdoor classroom, and so much more.”

Morgan noted the importance of partners working hard together.

“This park represents years of tireless effort here in South Dallas: residents and organizations working in partnership with city leaders to make this community’s dreams for itself come true,” she said. “Today represents the culmination of that effort, a beautiful new chapter in the ongoing story of a greener, greater Dallas.”

Kids at play during the opening of the Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park, a 40-acre green space along Dallas’ Five Mile Creek Greenbelt. [Photo: The Trust for Public Land]

Aiming to create 18 parks with 17 miles of trails, 283 acres of wilderness

The nonprofit said its new Dallas project is expected to generate more than $123.5 million through 2046 in net benefits for the community. The Greener Dallas Greater Dallas campaign will further expand the organization’s efforts to create 18 parks with 17 miles of trails, and 283 acres of preserved wilderness, TPL said.

“This campaign will support Big Cedar Wilderness—283 acres of pristine wilderness in the heart of Dallas—and 18 new parks,” Morgan said. “250,000 Dallas residents currently lack access to a park within a 10-minute walk from home, but with this campaign, we’re going to change that.”

She added, “We’re going to create community and connection with thriving green spaces. We’re going to honor the legacy of Dallas by creating a greener future for generations of residents.” 

New park named for community advocate

A scene from the opening of the Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park, a 40-acre green space along Dallas’ Five Mile Creek Greenbelt. [Photo: The Trust for Public Land]

Dallas’ newest park is named for Judge Charles R. Rose, a Justice of the Peace and lifelong advocate for Highland Hills. The park stands as both a tribute to his leadership and a new chapter for the community he championed, TPL said.  

“Our family is deeply moved by the outpouring of support for my father’s legacy,” said Texas State Rep. Toni Rose, daughter of Judge Rose. “Judge Charles R. Rose dedicated his life to uplifting Highland Hills, and this park reflects the heart of his work—bringing people together, advocating for dignity and opportunity, and ensuring our community has the resources to thrive. This space will be a living tribute to his vision of unity, service, and justice.” 

Nature that nurtures neighborhood

A scene from the opening of the Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park, a 40-acre green space along Dallas’ Five Mile Creek Greenbelt. [Photo: The Trust for Public Land]

TPL said that in partnership with community leaders and the city of Dallas, with support from Texas Parks and Wildlife, it transformed a long vacant, expansive parcel into a vibrant community park featuring walking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and welcoming spaces to connect with nature, and a custom pavilion designed by HKS.

The nonprofit said that a major element of the park is the State Farm Good Neighbor Outdoor Classroom, which includes an additional pavilion, free Wi-Fi, solar-powered lighting, and nature-based infrastructure such as Blackland prairie restoration, a rain garden, and permeable paving, made possible through funding and collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and Greenspace Dallas.  

A scene from the opening of the Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park, a 40-acre green space along Dallas’ Five Mile Creek Greenbelt. [Photo: The Trust for Public Land]

Progress but more work to be done

The latest data from TPL’s ParkScore Index shows that Dallas’park system has improved significantly in the past 10 years; but that more than 300,000 residents still live without a park near their home. TPL said that in communities already facing health, safety, and infrastructure challenges, the lack of access to nature deepens the existing divide.  

It said that research has proven that close-to-home access to the outdoors correlates with better mental and physical health, increased economic opportunity for the community, and improved safety and resilience of the neighborhood.

TPL said this effort is its largest fundraising campaign in Texas.

Outdoor classroom at the Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park, a 40-acre green space along Dallas’ Five Mile Creek Greenbelt. [Photo: The Trust for Public Land]

Greener Dallas Greater Dallas already has secured $54 million in commitments—surpassing the halfway mark toward its ambitious $100 million goal—thanks to strong support from both public and private partners. TPL said the campaign is being led by a group of early champions, including longtime Trust for Public Land supporters Ron and Rebecca Gafford, who serve as campaign co-chairs.

“Rebecca and I have been involved with Trust for Public Land for more than three decades because we’ve seen the kind of change parks can bring. But it was the approach TPL took in Dallas, rooted in neighborhoods that deserved more, and delivered with such care and collaboration that moved us to step forward and help lead the campaign.” campaign co-chair Ron Gafford said. 

‘Beacon of hope and opportunity’

A scene from the opening of the Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park, a 40-acre green space along Dallas’ Five Mile Creek Greenbelt. [Photo: The Trust for Public Land]

Members of the community expressed support for the campaign. 

“Trust for Public Land is the leading partner when it comes to working hand-in-hand with communities in our neighborhoods,” said Dallas Greening Czar Garrett Boone. “Their skill, dedication, and deep-rooted commitment to making Dallas greener and greater set them apart. They don’t just build parks—they build trust, relationships, and real opportunity. That’s why TPL is a trusted partner to Dallas Park and Recreation and why I support this campaign.” 

Oak Cliff CEO Taylor Toynes, co-founder and CEO of For Oak Cliff, a culturally responsive organization serving the South Oak Cliff community, said the opening shows hope for the future.

“I’m incredibly proud to witness the opening of Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park. This transformation of 40 acres of undeveloped land into a safe and welcoming oasis marks a monumental step in enhancing our southern Dallas neighborhoods for future generations,” Toynes said. “This park is more than just a space; it is a beacon of hope and opportunity.”

He said that parks have a transformative impact on neighborhoods.

“We’ve seen firsthand the profound benefits of green spaces from the South Oak Cliff Renaissance Park, which has brought health, social and safety improvements to the neighborhood but also contributed to a reduction in 911 calls,” Toynes said. “Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park continues this legacy, providing essential resources and opportunities our community has long sought and deserved.” 

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