Friends of Tietze Park Foundation

A MODERN PARK

Jan 13, 2005

A Modern Park - Tietze Park today is one of the most popular parks in Dallas, and shows some wear and tear. For several years, neighborhood volunteers have assisted city crews by picking up trash, and by doing minor maintenance. In 1999, public meetings organized by the Park and Recreation Department and the Lakewood Heights Neighborhood Association resulted in a new Master Plan, revising the park layout and resulting in a new playground, relocated and improved basketball court, and reconstructed tennis court. The Department identified over $2 million dollars in additional funding needed to implement the Master Plan, which did not include any new facility construction.

In 2002, a group of neighborhood residents formed the Friends of Tietze Park Foundation. The foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, representing all park users. The foundation is dedicated to the improvement, preservation and continued beautification of Tietze Park.

In 2003, a city-wide Bond Initiative was passed by voters, and included an appropriation of $577,000 for restoration of the pavilion, improved lighting, and other improvements. In June, 2004, the Dallas City Council awarded a contract for architectural design to Marcel Quimby Architecture/Preservation, Inc.

In 2004, the Friends of Tietze Park Foundation hosted a series of meetings, with residents from the Lakewood Heights, Lower Greenville and Wilshire Heights neighborhoods, and city representatives, to plan the next phase of work. Besides the pavilion restoration and park lighting, plans now include: a pedestrian promenade (Skillman to Clements through the park center), redesign of the plaza area (west of the pavilion), a new toddler playground, and sanitary improvements (hand sink, Porta-Potty screening, and water fountain with dog bowl). Bidding in the spring of 2005 will determine how much can be done with the bond funds available.

The upcoming improvements, and the availability of the Foundation, provide a unique opportunity for individual and corporate contributors to make a significant and welcomed impact on Tietze Park, and the many people that enjoy it!