5 things to know about the new Forest Audelia Park coming to Lake Highlands

Located in the heart of the 75243 ZIP code, the Forest Audelia project will bring recreational opportunities to a minority-majority community that lacks walkable access to free neighborhood amenities.

With a population that’s nearly 70% people of color, the ZIP code also has the lowest average income and highest poverty rate of Lake Highlands and Lakewood, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The ZIP code’s average annual income is $43,673 with a poverty level of 21.7%.

2. Creating equity opportunities

Low-income communities, such as the 75243 ZIP code, are often exposed to negative factors, such as high stress and violent crime, that can lead to poor long-term health, according to health experts. The new green space will allow residents to focus on their health and socialize outdoors, city officials said.

“Equity is not just about geography,” said Adam McGough, District 10 Dallas City Council member, during the event. “This area deserves our city to support and lift it up and bring [resources].”

3. A long time coming

McGough noted during the groundbreaking event how long it has taken to get the Forest Audelia project underway. The project dates back to at least 2006, when a portion of that year’s bond program was designated to work on recreational opportunities in north Lake Highlands, he said.

Since then, the project has inched along slowly until March, when City Council approved funding for the project.

“Even with this project, I’m somewhat disappointed that we’re only at this step in this process—we should be way past this [already],” McGough said at the event. “I hope and I pray that this city comes through for this community in a way that it hasn’t up until this point. It is beyond time.”

4. A long way to go

Now underway, the Forest Audelia project could take until 2026 to complete, Christina Turner-Noteware, assistant director of Dallas Park and Recreation, previously told Community Impact.

The first phase of construction, which kicked off June 13, will include the creation of the park and renovation of about 10,000 square feet of the Forest Audelia Village shopping center to accommodate things like the recreation center and boxing gym. Construction is expected to finish in fall 2024.

5. A multimillion-dollar project

The entire budget for the Forest Audelia project is $7.55 million. About $5.55 million in funds came from the Skillman Corridor Tax Increment Financing District, which City Council transferred in March. The rest of the funding comes from 2017 bond funds and the city’s ​​American Rescue Plan Act Neighborhood Revitalization program.