“There’s one place that we all belong and that’s outside.”

— Taylor Toynes, founder of For Oak Cliff, TPL National Board Member
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17 Miles of Trail. 3 Beautiful Parks. 1 Bold Vision.

There are few projects that will have as big of an impact across Southern Dallas as the completion of the Five Mile Creek Greenbelt. With miles of trails, new parks, and connectivity to shops, schools, hospitals, and public transit, this project will have the power to make Dallas safer, stronger, and more connected.

Meet the Community

We work alongside community members to build green spaces with them, not just for them. Get to know some of the community members that will benefit from Five Mile Creek Greenbelt and why they support this bold vision for Southern Dallas.

A man in a black jacket standing at a podium.
Taylor Toynes

Organization: Founder, For Oak Cliff
 
In His Words: Toynes, who joined TPL’s National Board of Directors in 2021, sees green spaces as essential to well-being. “Everyone, no matter the age or person, race, creed, whatever, there’s one place that we all belong and that’s outside,” he says. “It’s the most natural space for you to be in. It provides you everything that you need to be in harmony, to be healthy.”

A woman carrying a child on her back in a wooded area.
Rios Family

Community: Oak Cliff

Their Experience: Coombs Creek Drive is a narrow road with sharp turns. It’s the future site of the Five Mile Creek Greenbelt, but it’s hard to navigate, especially when cars are whizzing by at 40 MPH. The Rios Family—a mom, dad, and their young kids—must wait long stretches of time before safely crossing the busy road and arriving at the grocery store. Their experience isn’t uncommon for many residents. Everyone deserves a space that connects to their local community, one that’s safe and doesn’t require a vehicle.

A bald man in a suit is smiling at a group of people.
Randy Bowman

Organization: Founder, At Last!

In Their Words: Bowman knows the superpowers of the outdoors, especially for children. At Last! provides kids from less prosperous families with resources, academic coaching, and a nurturing environment—and their boarding facility, where kids live during the school week, neighbors South Oak Cliff Renaissance Park. “[I] can say ‘All right, tablets down, pencils down. We’re going to walk over to the park, and we’re going to take 15 minutes. And I want you to have as much fun as you can in that 15 minutes. Then we’re going to come back and get back on our stuff.’”

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Dallas Office

3000 Pegasus Park Drive
Suite 752
Dallas, TX, 75247
214-377-8750
texas@tpl.org

Associate Vice President, Texas State Director

214-377-8750
robert.kent@tpl.org