For us? You shouldn’t have. We think living in Dallas is the greatest gift of all, but it’s actually been on the receiving end of quite a few delightful donations. From sculptures to parks and hospitals, check out these four gifts given to the city.
Halperin Park | Formerly known as Southern Gateway Green, Dallas’ upcoming deck park over I-35 received a $23 million donation and a new name this fall. With an estimated opening in 2026, the park will reunite two halves of the Oak Cliff neighborhood separated by the freeway with a pavilion, playground, lawn, and other features.
New pediatric care facility | The Rees-Jones Foundation donated $100 million to the upcoming 34-acre medical center in southwest Dallas. The Rees-Jones’ donation follows that of Jean and Mack Pogue, who also donated $100 million. Once complete, the $5 billion medical center will replace Children’s Medical Center Dallas.
Dallasites can spot the Adelfa Callejo in Main Street Garden Park.
Photo via @javierperezlaw
Adelfa Callejo statue | The Callejo-Botello Foundation donated the statue and $10,000 for its maintenance + conservation to the City of Dallas Public Art Collection. Believed to be Dallas’ first practicing Latina lawyer, Callejo (also known as La Madrina, or “the godmother”) is memorialized by German Michel’s 10-ft bronze statue for her decades of activism and work in the Dallas community.
The Community Park Complex at Fair Park | An all-abilities, all-ages playground is coming to Fair Park thanks to a $5 million donation from The Rees-Jones Foundation. Once complete, children will enjoy a splash pad, sensory gardens, and topography-aligned slides + structures for safe and inclusive play.
These extraordinary gifts not only add character and value to our city but also show how generosity can have a lasting impact. Know of a gift that isn’t on our list? Let us know.
