Park Board pushes for solutions to meet $13M in proposed budget cuts

A proposed $13 million budget cut to Dallas’ Park and Recreation Department has been the main focus for park board members in recent weeks, with cuts to community centers, security contracts and operational hours at the center of debates.

At two Park and Recreation Board meetings last month, city staff presented briefings revealing that the department faces a more than $13 million reduction request for FY2027 — nearly three times what was cut over the prior three fiscal years combined. 

City staff proposed service-level cuts, include closing four community centers, reducing park maintenance cycles, restructuring summer camps and afterschool programming, and eliminating 20 vacant positions.

Board members pushed back on cuts affecting underserved communities, such as the closure of community centers. They urged staff to look at other options before reducing community services.

Last week, staff presented new priorities for meeting the budget deficit, including reducing stipends to partners like the Dallas Zoo and Dallas Arboretum. 

However, some board members were still not in agreement with the proposed priorities, with some urging that security contracts with the Dallas Police Department and the investment in golf courses be reconsidered.

The Dallas City Council’s next budget workshop is planned for June 17.

Watch the 6/4 Park and Recreation Board meeting video here.