Dallas park receives prestigious designation

Reverchon Park has been honored with the designation as a Lone Star Legacy Park by the Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS). Reverchon is one of six Texas parks to receive the honor in the fifth year of the award program.

         A Lone Star Legacy Park is classified as a park that holds special prominence in the local community and in the state of Texas. To qualify for consideration, the park must have endured the test of time and become iconic to those who have visited, played and rested on its grounds. Nominated parks must be a minimum of 50 years old and had to meet at least one of the following criteria:

• The property represents distinctive design and/or construction.
• The park is associated with historic events or sites.
• The park is associated with events specific to the local community/state.
• The park is home to unique natural features.

       The 36-acre site is among the oldest of Dallas’ parks, opening in 1915. At that time, the area around the park attracted settlers because of its water source, hunting, panoramic view of Dallas and rolling meadows. The New Deal years significantly shaped the park that is located near Maple and Oak Lawn avenues.  

        “Reverchon reflects a long and proud heritage. In the midst of a busy urban setting, with rushing traffic and high-rise office buildings and residential complexes nearby, this historic park serves as an oasis for baseball games, family outings and other recreational activities and events," said Willis Winters, director of the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.   

        Eager to use federal funds, the City of Dallas directed Works Progress Administration (WPA) toward making the city’s park system a showcase for the city and the new Democratic coalition. Between 1935 and 1937, Reverchon was transformed through a series of amazing stonework projects that included the floral amphitheater known as the Iris Bowl, a fountain and the picturesque bridge over Turtle Creek. Athletic fields opened in 1920 followed by a grandstand in 1924. In the late 1930s, Reverchon was the first lighted ball field in the Dallas park system.

        Parks have played an important role in the development of our communities throughout history. Local parks help promote community, natural respite and social interaction as communities were founded, developed and prospered and all parks so designated will be included in a state-wide initiative promoting Heritage Tourism. 

        TRAPS is professional and educational organization founded 75 years ago with a membership of over 2,000 professionals. TRAPS is committed to advancing the field of parks, recreation and leisure services in Texas, while advocating for enhanced recreation opportunities and the increase of public green space for Texans.