Trust for Public Land Celebrates the Opening of Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park with Launch of Historic $100 Million Effort to Expand Park Access Across Dallas
Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors, proudly announces the launch of the Greener Dallas Greater Dallas Campaign a $100 million public-private campaign to expand parks city-wide that will serve more than 250,000 people, including over 70,000 children. TPL announced the Greener Dallas Greater Dallas campaign on June 7 at the grand opening of Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park, a 40-acre green space designed in partnership with the Highland Hills community.
“Greener Dallas Greater Dallas is a promise to every Dallas resident that no matter your ZIP code, you will have safe, welcoming green spaces and parks to gather, play, heal, and thrive. Launching this bold campaign at the opening of Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park—a space designed hand-in-hand with the Highland Hills community—reminds us that green spaces aren’t a luxury, they’re a lifeline,” said Molly Morgan, Texas State Director for Trust for Public Land. “This park inspired us to dream bigger for Dallas—because this effort doesn’t just build parks; it builds equity, resilience, and a more connected city for generations to come. I’m grateful to stand with so many who believe in this vision and are working to bring it to life.”
Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park is the latest signature park the non-profit is delivering along the scenic Five Mile Creek Greenbelt. The project is expected to generate $123.5 million plus through 2046 in net benefits for the community. The Greener Dallas Greater Dallas campaign will further expand the organization’s efforts to create 18 parks with 17 miles of trails, and 283 acres of preserved wilderness.
Named in honor of Judge Charles R. Rose, a beloved Justice of the Peace and lifelong advocate for Highland Hills, the park stands as both a tribute to his leadership and a joyful new chapter for the community he championed.
“Our family is deeply moved by the outpouring of support for my father’s legacy,” said Texas State Representative Toni Rose, daughter of Judge Rose. “Judge Charles R. Rose dedicated his life to uplifting Highland Hills, and this park reflects the heart of his work—bringing people together, advocating for dignity and opportunity, and ensuring our community has the resources to thrive. This space will be a living tribute to his vision of unity, service, and justice.”
In partnership with community leaders and the City of Dallas, with support from Texas Parks and Wildlife, TPL transformed a long vacant, expansive parcel into a vibrant community park featuring walking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and welcoming spaces to connect with nature, and a custom pavilion designed by HKS. A standout element is the State Farm Good Neighbor Outdoor Classroom, which includes an additional pavilion, free Wi-Fi, solar-powered lighting, and nature-based infrastructure such as Blackland prairie restoration, a rain garden, and permeable paving, made possible through funding and collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and Greenspace Dallas. This new park puts 4,000 Dallas residents within a 10-minute walk of a park.
While Dallas experiences rapid growth and development, not everyone is benefiting from this progress equally. The latest data from TPL’s ParkScore Index® highlights that Dallas’s park system has improved significantly in the past 10 years; however, more than 300,000 residents still live without a park near their home. In communities already facing health, safety, and infrastructure challenges, the lack of access to nature deepens the existing divide.
Research has proven that close-to-home access to the outdoors correlates with better mental and physical health, increased economic opportunity for the community, and improved safety and resilience of the neighborhood.
About Greener Dallas Greater Dallas
This effort represents Trust for Public Land’s largest fundraising campaign in Texas. Greener Dallas Greater Dallas has already secured $54 million in commitments—surpassing the halfway mark toward its ambitious $100 million goal—thanks to robust support from both public and private partners. The campaign is being led by a committed group of early champions, including longtime Trust for Public Land supporters Ron and Rebecca Gafford, who serve as Campaign Co-Chairs. Their leadership reflects the broad coalition rallying behind a vision to bring the benefits of parks and nature to communities that have historically been left behind.
“Rebecca and I have been involved with Trust for Public Land for more than three decades because we’ve seen the kind of change parks can bring. But it was the approach TPL took in Dallas, rooted in neighborhoods that deserved more, and delivered with such care and collaboration that moved us to step forward and help lead the campaign.” said Ron Gafford, Campaign Co-Chair for Greater Dallas Greener Dallas.
What the community is saying
“Trust for Public Land is the leading partner when it comes to working hand-in-hand with communities in our neighborhoods,” said Dallas Greening Czar Garrett Boone. “Their skill, dedication, and deep-rooted commitment to making Dallas greener and greater set them apart. They don’t just build parks—they build trust, relationships, and real opportunity. That’s why TPL is a trusted partner to Dallas Park and Recreation and why I support this campaign.”
“As someone who has dedicated my career to equity in the built environment, I’m proud to serve with the Trust for Public Land because this work is about creating spaces with dignity that spark pride and expand opportunity,” said Texas Advisory Board Chair of the Trust for Public Land and founder/CEO of PRAXIS Strategic Consulting Asheya Warren. “The opening of Judge Charles R. Rose Park is a powerful example of what happens when community vision leads and we invest in neighborhoods with authenticity, respect, and compassion. This park reflects what’s possible for Dallas, and I’m excited to see how this park inspires and activates the Highland Hills neighborhood.”
“I am incredibly proud to witness the opening of Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park. This transformation of 40 acres of undeveloped land into a safe and welcoming oasis marks a monumental step in enhancing our southern Dallas neighborhoods for future generations,” said CEO of Oak Cliff Taylor Toynes. “This park is more than just a space; it is a beacon of hope and opportunity. We have seen firsthand the profound benefits of green spaces from the South Oak Cliff Renaissance Park, which has brought health, social and safety improvements to the neighborhood but also contributed to a reduction in 911 calls. Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park continues this legacy, providing essential resources and opportunities our community has long sought and deserved.”
Please visit Trust for Public Land’s website to learn more about Greener Dallas Greater Dallas and how you can get involved:https://www.tpl.org/our-work/greener-dallas-greater-dallas.
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 5,504 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, raised $110 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 9.7 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.
