Nonprofit Will Partner with Spectra to Operate Fair Park
Biederman Redevelopment Ventures Tapped to Spearhead Parks Master Plan
With a 14-0 vote, Dallas City Council unanimously approved local nonprofit Fair Park First to assume management of 277-acre Fair Park. Fair Park First will work with Spectra—one of the nation’s leading management and hospitality companies—to privatize operations for Fair Park in a 2o-year contract starting January 1, 2019.
Fair Park First, Spectra, and park development experts Biederman Redevelopment Ventures have collectively identified significant opportunities to optimize the cultural, educational and sports facilities just east of downtown Dallas that host 7 million visitors annually.
Home to the Centennial Building, Cotton Bowl Stadium and State Fair of Texas, with 1.2 million square feet of covered exhibit space, Fair Park is poised to enhance existing business, attract unique events, and expand the customer experience.
“Fair Park First is honored to have been selected by City Council as the catalyst that will revive Fair Park as a cultural hub and economic generator,” Darren James, Fair Park First’s board president, said. “Through meaningful job creation, an imaginative events schedule, and reinvigoration of green spaces, we’re eager to create a destination for both Dallas residents and visitors to the city, all year long.”
Spectra will run day-to-day operations and market the diverse space to fill Fair Park year-round. The hospitality company manages venue, food services and partnerships for more than 320 venues across the nation, including 22 different fairgrounds and agricultural centers. Spectra manages a blend of services for several facilities in Texas, including: Texas Tech University Athletic Facilities in Lubbock, Southwest University Park in El Paso, Ford Park Entertainment Complex in Beaumont, Hill Country Youth Event Center in Kerrville, Ortiz International Center in Corpus Christi, Richard M. Borchard Fairgrounds Complex in Robstown, and Wichita Falls Multi-Purpose Events Center.
“From the very first conversation, Spectra saw mammoth opportunity with Fair Park,” John Wentzell, President of Spectra, said. “Now that we have the green light, we’re looking forward to working with the City of Dallas, its residents, and our partners to reinstate the space as a top-tier destination in Texasand in the nation.”
Biederman Redevelopment Ventures, the urban development firm that will be responsible for updating the Parks Master Plan and creating a neighborhood park, will guide strategic oversight of green space development.
“What I’ve found most important with a long-term revitalization like Fair Park is having champions with a vested interest in the success of the project,” Dan Biederman said. “Dallas city officials want to turn gray into green and transform an under-utilized park into a year-round destination. A new, exciting Fair Park will feature extensive, compelling programming, which will attract families and ensure long-term financial success and sustainability. Residents will soon experience a reimagined, beautiful green space in their backyard, and Dallas will gain a great revitalized park.”
When Fair Park First begins the contract in the New Year, the City of Dallas will provide oversight across the tenure of the agreement.
“An investment in Fair Park is an investment in the future of Dallas,” Bobby Abtahi, Dallas Park and Recreation Board President, said. “For years, we’ve watched Fair Park fall short of its potential, but now we’re taking the necessary steps to fix that. Fair Park First, Spectra and Biederman Redevelopment Ventures will be the game-changers we’ve needed.”
