The Oak Cliff Skatepark has reached its Phase One fundraising goal, putting the project on track to become Dallas’ first skatepark south of the Trinity River.
District 1 Council member Chad West announced that the project has reached its $400,000 private fundraising goal, unlocking $400,000 in matching public dollars for the new complex. Combined with an additional $1 million in 2024 bond funds, the $1.8 million funding strategy will cover the full design and construction of the skatepark located in Westmoreland Park, according to the Oak Cliff Advocate.
Considered somewhat of a “skate desert,” the City of Dallas has worked on developing a skate park in Oak Cliff since neighborhood meetings back in 2022. Now, thanks to a collection of donations, including a $25,000 donation from the co-founders of The Dallas Express, Monty and Sarah Bennett, the project is moving forward.
With the first phase of fundraising complete, design work is already underway and expected to be completed by April 2026, with the goal of construction starting in the fall. Construction of the park is expected to be finished by spring 2027.
While the skatepark construction moves forward, West is officially launching the fundraising efforts for two more phases of the project.
Phase 2 is reportedly a $200,000 private fundraiser to design and construct a shade structure over the skate park. Phase 3 is an additional $1 million fundraising to design and construct a small community amenity center and restrooms.
“I am so grateful to the many donors who have made this milestone possible,” West told the Oak Cliff Advocate. “Thanks to their generosity, we will deliver a new skate park for the southern sector and bring long-overdue investment to West Oak Cliff.”
Last year, West celebrated the Bennetts’ donation, writing, “On January 15, 2024, Monty and Sarah Bennett, along with Ashford Group of Companies, contributed $25,000 to the Oak Cliff Skatepark private fundraising endeavor… This contribution represents the largest single donation made to date for the first skateboard park proposed for South Dallas and the first Dallas skateboard park seeking public and private funds.”
Clinton Haley, founder of Skateparks for Dallas, also spoke on the importance of the project to the city’s skate community.
“We’re really excited to see the Oak Cliff Skatepark plans continue to progress,” Haley said. “This will be the first public skatepark in southern Dallas. It will not only provide a fun outlet for exercise but also create a positive, active space for local families and kids to connect.”