The pavilion at Crawford Memorial Park serves as a community landmark while the rest of the park takes shape
By Nicholas Foxx
However nostalgic, the grainy black and white photos of children frolicking in the spray of a fire hydrant on a sweltering summer day remind us that access to recreational water parks is not assured for many underprivileged and overlooked communities. In recognition of both the lack of facilities in many neighborhoods and the obsolescence of those that were in place, the city of Dallas, Texas embarked on an ambitious plan to provide these resources city-wide. Under the leadership of recently retired Director Willis Winters, FAIA, the city’s parks and recreation department proposed an ambitious plan that would include the establishment of 14 new aquatic parks. Ranging from regional centers to splash pools, these parks were situated to provide equal geographic access to all of the city’s residents, with the broader goal of achieving greater equity among neighborhoods.
The project team for the initial six projects was led by Kimley Horn, with Counsilman Hunsacker and Associates serving as the aquatic consultant. Ibañez Shaw Architecture was selected to design the buildings at Lake Highlands North Park, as well as the Cove at Crawford Memorial Park. Functional elements, such as ticketing, food service, staff offices, locker and restroom facilities, and housing for pool equipment, were built. The architectural goal of the project, however, was to create an enduring civic symbol embodying the aspirations of the community, voiced in the many early public meetings. As such, the project represents a committed investment from the city not only in a significant public amenity, but also in underprivileged areas.