Dallas has hit a home run at Reverchon Park.
The Dallas Park and Recreation Board have approved the conceptual design for restoration of the ballpark, so happy kids will be back on the field and cheering parents in the stands by 2023 according to the current timeline.
The 1920s-era ballpark was once used for high school and amateur baseball teams and served as the home field for the Southern Methodist University baseball team from 1977 to 1980.
It has not been an easy path for Reverchon Park.
In 2018 there were plans for a multi-purpose stadium to hold high school playoff games, amateur baseball leagues, and a Dallas franchise in the Southwest League of Professional Baseball. The proposed plan would have changed this historic park into a professional venue, not what the neighbors wanted. We’ve covered the process extensively. This win for the neighborhood shows what hard work and determination can accomplish.
The Restore Reverchon Park Committee worked with the city and neighbors to successfully preserve not only an important part of Dallas history but also the neighborhood’s quality of life.
“Everything, so far, has worked so well in the interests of the city, the park, and the citizens of Dallas,” member Collene Goldman said. “From here on it’s in the hands of the Park Board. It seems everybody is supportive of the project. It’s a fabulous plan, and it will be terrific for everyone concerned.”
The board agreed to meet the community concerns that included the following items:
- Ballfield use restricted to amateur baseball only
- Grandstand capacity limited to about 350
- Grass, not artificial turf, on a well-graded and drained field
- All buildings, new or remodeled, to be within the existing footprint of the ballpark
- Hooded lights to reduce glare to our neighbors
- Sideline bleachers to be removed and replaced by grass berms
- Historic or landmark status to be sought (to prevent later conversion of the facility to a sports and entertainment complex like the Nelson deal)
- No reduction in the number of parking spaces
- New restroom facility located inside the ballpark, with controlled access from outside by all park users
- A limited gathering space in front of the refurbished grandstand, and a display depicting the history of the ballpark
- Underground drainage, utilities, etc. to be reconstructed
“We have been working hand in hand with the local community,” Park Board member Rudy Karimi said. “It’s been a wonderful experience and has been a lot easier than most people expected. This new plan is very well balanced with the school, the city, and the community. Having that balance between preservation and innovation works well to satisfy the most people.”
