How We Arrived
@ HALPERIN
A decades-long journey.
A community’s vision brought to life.
The story of Halperin Park began in 2016, when the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) began planning the reconstruction of Interstate 35E and neighbors saw an opportunity to repair a divide created more than 50 years earlier.
Through the vision and determination of community advocates and elected officials, that idea became reality when the park opened in spring 2026 following nine years of planning and construction. The project represents one of the largest capital investments in Southern Dallas history.
The first phase of the park debuted with a pavilion, amphitheater, playground, interactive fountains, a second-level overlook of the Dallas Zoo and the highway, and a large event space for dining and community gatherings.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The dividing of a city.
The story of Oak Cliff and Interstate 35E reflects how mid-20th century highway construction reshaped American cities. After World War II, the United States launched the Interstate Highway System—one of the largest infrastructure programs in the nation’s history.
In Oak Cliff, the highway ran north–south through the eastern portion of the neighborhood, cutting through historic areas including the Tenth Street district and intentionally separating minority neighborhoods from the rest of white Oak Cliff. Construction erased large parts of the Tenth Street community, one of Dallas’ oldest freedman towns, founded by formerly enslaved people after the Civil War.
When the highway opened, it created a deep physical trench through Oak Cliff; it became a barrier separating neighborhoods on either side and contributed to economic decline and concentrated poverty.
After decades of discussion about how to mend this divide, the vision for Halperin Park emerged in 2016 as an innovative way to reconnect communities separated by the highway for more than half a century.
RECOGNITION
The Oak Cliff Walk of Fame
Walk along the 12th Street Promenade and meet visionaries, leaders, and cultural icons who have shaped Oak Cliff.
The Oak Cliff Walk of Fame celebrates the people whose creativity, courage, and dedication have left a lasting mark on the community. Each step tells a story, connecting visitors to the neighborhood’s rich past while inspiring its vibrant future.
COMMUNITY FIRST
Our Commitment to a United Community.
The Halperin Park Community First Plan (CFP) is the result of a year-long collaboration with residents and local stakeholders. It recognizes past inequities and uses community insight to create a fun, safe, and welcoming space for everyone.
History & Culture
Featuring Oak Cliff’s rich community history through park design and ongoing programming and events such as concerts, art exhibits and festivals.
Health & Wellness
Increasing the overall health and wellness of the Oak Cliff community.
Educational Opportunities
Facilitating events that broaden the reach of existing community education offerings for all ages.
Economic Development
Facilitating economic development and workforce opportunities for local businesses and residents.
Diverse Housing Options
Featuring positive housing development by convening stakeholders and amplifying affordable housing measures and policies.
Safe & Stable Neighborhoods
Increasing stability through park infrastructure, programming and partnerships to create a safe, accessible environment for the entire family.
OUR FUTURE
Looking to the Future.
Turning bold vision into reality.
Halperin Park is a public-private partnership developed by the Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation and built by the Texas Department of Transportation, with support from the North Central Texas Council of Governments, the Halperin Foundation, the Dallas City Council and other generous partners.
Expected to generate $1 billion in economic impact within its first five years, the park continues to seek support to bring its full vision and planned amenities to life.
