Joint Venture Launches Phase One of New Dallas 250-Acre Urban Nature Park

The Beck Group has launched construction on phase one of Harold Simmons Park, a new 250-acre urban nature park along the Trinity River in Dallas, Texas and is designed to unite communities and enhance access to nature.

This project is a public-private collaboration led by the Trinity Park Conservancy, and forecasted to generate over $7 billion in economic impact for the city of Dallas. Design contributions come from firms such as Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Lake Flato Architects and Wernerfield Architects. In addition, the design process has involved input from local community members and stakeholders. The Trinity Park Conservancy selected The Beck Group as the general contractor for the 22-acre West Overlook area and the first build of the 250-acre park. Beck is leading the project in a joint venture partnership with EJ Smith Construction and Crossland Construction Company.

Construction of the $325-million project began in April. Situated between the Ronald Kirk Bridge and the Margaret McDermott Bridge, Harold Simmons Park will feature various attractions, including a 40,000-square-foot event lawn, event center, six-tower playground, water play area, picnic groves, skate and bike park, unique cable ferry and more. Four overlooks will serve as gateways and access points to a 200-acre nature preserve, which will include trails leading to the Trinity River.

The park will be free, including events, activities and classes. However, select areas may occasionally be able to host private events.

In alignment with the Dallas Climate Action Plan, Harold Simmons Park will steward the city’s natural environment by advocating and supporting river cleanups and green space management. The park will also be intentional about planting native and adaptive plants and using reusable and renewable materials.

Major impact of Harold Simmons Park:

• 4-6 million visitors each year
• $7+ billion in economic development (next 30 years)
• $2.7 billion in new real estate on vacant sites
• $2.1 billion in tourism, recreation & health savings
• 600 new jobs
• $1.3 billion in new public revenues

Major milestones:

• Spring 2025: Tree and plant selection begins
• Summer 2025: West Overlook Infrastructure Scope
• Winter 2026: Construction begins on Build I

Harold Simmons Park’s first phase is projected to open in 2028.