The Dallas Morning News: A bridge to our city’s future

Southern Gateway Park represents the kind of city Dallas is

Southern Gateway Park (SGP) is a once-in-a-generation project that has the very real potential to transform our city both economically and culturally. Slated to open in 2024, this five-acre deck park in Oak Cliff, which is currently under construction above I-35, will attract an estimated 2 million visitors annually and generate nearly $1 billion in its first five years.

But to make this vision a reality, we need your help. We must unite our community — use our voices and dollars to support this project.

Why? Simply put, investing in southern Dallas’ development is essential to our city’s overall development.

Consider this: 60% of Dallas’ landmass is in the southern sector, but that area represents just 10% of our tax base. This is a huge opportunity to increase prosperity through growth. Additionally, there are six Dallas ISD schools within a mile of the park, and the world-class Dallas Zoo is right next door. The park is perfectly poised to be a catalyst for positive, sustainable change. It will not only provide innumerable opportunities to boost the area’s economy and environment, but it will also become a symbol of southern Dallas as a regional destination, known for its rich history, vibrant culture and unique beauty. It will be a place that fosters connectivity, creativity, education and wellness.

Key to the park’s success is the Southern Gateway Equitable Development Plan (EDP). It’s the result of a year-long research and stakeholder engagement process that harnesses the ideas and priorities of more than 500 area residents, community leaders, local businesses, and non-profit organizations. But it’s not simply a plan on paper. The EDP is a living roadmap that will help us achieve our shared goal of creating an inclusive, innovative, welcoming, entertaining space that reflects the wonderfully diverse neighborhoods the park will serve.

In addition to the EDP, there are two volunteer groups helping guide and support the development of the park: the Southern Gateway Community Advisory Council and the Southern Gateway Alliance.

As co-chairs of the Southern Gateway Alliance, our shared responsibility is to promote this project and move Dallas forward. We love this city and have devoted much of our lives to making it better by advocating for our neighbors and for our children. Together, we can and will ensure that this community grows so that its residents are not pushed out or left behind. Together, we can and will turn past challenges and current frustrations into positive, tangible results in Southern Dallas. It will be our collective legacy, one of which we can all be proud.

This is a project that all of Dallas can get behind because that’s the kind of city we are, and intend to remain. We’re the kind of city that invests in all our neighborhoods and uplifts all our communities — a world-class city with world-class infrastructure built by world-class citizens.

Now is the time for you to step up and get involved with this (literally) groundbreaking effort. This project is truly by and for the community. Donate to the park. Tell your City Council and other elected officials that you support public investment in the park. Be part of the conversation by joining our SGP community at southerngatewaypark.org and follow us on social media. Join us and help write the next chapter in Dallas’ remarkable story.

Ron Kirk and Mike Rawlings are former mayors of Dallas and co-chairs of the Southern Gateway Alliance. They wrote this for The Dallas Morning News.