Trust for Public Land Texas Continues Design Process for Big Cedar Wilderness Park

 A new chapter for outdoor recreation and environmental preservation in Dallas begins as Trust for Public Land (TPL), alongside the local community, continues the design process for Big Cedar Wilderness, a 300-acre greenspace just minutes from downtown. This pristine, wild landscape will transform into an expansive park that protects natural habitats while providing recreational accessibility to the residents of Dallas.  

Big Cedar has long been a beloved local destination for mountain bikers, hikers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts, offering a rare escape typically found in the remote Texas Hill Country. Big Cedar Wilderness is set to transform with new and upgraded park amenities, all while prioritizing the preservation of its natural habitats. 

Thanks to a historic partnership between Liberty Bankers Insurance Group CEO and landowner Brad Phillips, TPL, and the City of Dallas, Big Cedar Wilderness is set to become a green space that the whole community can enjoy.   

“Big Cedar Wilderness is a one-of-a-kind green space in Dallas,” said Phillips. “This project is about honoring the city’s natural beauty while creating an inclusive space where residents can connect with nature and find adventure.”  

Existing trails will be upgraded and expanded to accommodate both hikers and mountain bikers. With up to 200 feet of elevation change, plans for Big Cedar trails will include both family-friendly routes and more challenging experiences for adventure seekers. Several element options will be presented to the community, ensuring that the features of the space align with the neighborhood’s vision for the park. Elements to choose from will include options for active recreation, such as a playground and flex lawn, or for passive recreation, such as gathering spaces to invite the community to relax and foster connection all year round.   

The revealing of the master plans for Big Cedar also brings exciting economic potential to Dallas, as the area will become a premier recreation destination and attract outdoor enthusiasts from across the region. According to the report on the Economic Benefits of Mountain Biking, mountain biking tourists spend an average of $416 per visit that contributes to local businesses like restaurants and retail establishments, generating jobs and labor income within the area. Locally, the development of Big Cedar is expected to boost tourism and retail revenue in southwest Dallas.  

“Parks like Big Cedar are not just great for recreational activities – they’re both an economic and benefit engine,” said Molly Morgan, Texas State Director for Trust for Public Land. “TPL is particularly excited about this project because it will empower our community, provide even more benefits of big nature to Dallas residents, and increase spending in the area- making southwest Dallas a leader in outdoor recreation.” 

Big Cedar is also home to over 50,000 trees that 73 threatened or endangered species depend on for survival. The park’s development plans prioritize preserving the natural green space and ensuring its ecological functions remain intact. This includes reducing urban heat islands by creating shade, improving air quality through carbon sequestration, and supporting biodiversity in one of Dallas’ most significant natural environments.  

Preserving Big Cedar will add nearly 300 acres to the important nature corridor in southwestern Dallas that includes Cedar Ridge Preserve, Cedar Hill State Park, and the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center. Adding Big Cedar Wilderness to these nearby properties represents a significant commitment to native habitat conservation and green space accessibility in Dallas. 

With the community design process underway, TPL invites local residents to help shape the future of Big Cedar Wilderness by filling out the community survey and sharing their ideas for the park’s development at Big Cedar Wilderness Community Survey 2 | Big Cedar Wilderness | Engage TPL TX. 

What is the community saying: 

• “Big Cedar Wilderness represents an incredible opportunity for Dallas to create another accessible green space that benefits our communities,” said Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson. “Transforming this once private land into an amazing park will preserve one of our city’s most beautiful natural landscapes and offer a destination for residents and visitors alike to connect with 20+ miles of trails in southwest Dallas.” 

• “As a representative of this incredible community, I’m thrilled about the transformative plans for Big Cedar Wilderness,” said Zarin D. Gracey, City Council Member. “I look forward to seeing how the community’s voice shapes the future of this green space to bring people together, enhance natural habitats, and drive economic growth for the area, truly making District 3 the outdoor destination of the city.”  

• “Big Cedar Wilderness represents a chance to preserve the natural beauty of Dallas while creating a space that is accessible and welcoming to all,” said Vana Hammond, Park Board Member. “This project demonstrates how thoughtful design and community input can transform a beloved local treasure into a greenspace that will inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.”   

• “One of the goals for Big Cedar Wilderness is to create a trail system that welcomes everyone – from families looking for an enjoyable weekend stroll to avid mountain bikers seeking a close-to-Dallas challenge,” said J.T. Horn, Senior Director of the National Trails Initiative at TPL. “With 200 feet of elevation change and a focus on both accessibility and adventure, the trails in this greenspace will connect the community to nature in ways that inspire relaxation and exploration. I’m looking forward to getting out there and enjoying these new trails.”   

About Trust for Public Land    

Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,500 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, raised $112 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 10 million people to the outdoors. In Texas, TPL has preserved nearly 45,000 acres of land for public access to create several natural places treasured by Texans, including Barton Creek Greenbelt in Austin, the popular Palo Duro Canyon in Canyon, Eagle Mountain Park in Fort Worth, and Buffalo Bayou in Houston. To learn more, visit tpl.org.