Friends of Willis Winters Park Inc

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$7,000 Goal

Willis Winters Park is a historic community park established in 1922 and is the heart of our community. Friends of Willis Winters Park was formed in 2020 and have been working to improve our beloved park in ways that are beneficial to all while bringing the surrounding communities together. In 2023, we officially became a 501c3 which enables us to do more for our wonderful park and community. We are home to one of the oldest pavilions in Dallas Parks Department, built in 1924. In 2023, we served as a liaison to Dallas Parks Department to restore the historic pavilion utilizing the original blueprints. We were very excited and honored this year to be selected for the Historic Park or Landscape Restoration award from Preservation Dallas for our pavilion restoration! 

We have made positive strides in five years on improvements: adding first pollinator garden in District 14, planted three trees, pickle ball courts, wind screens added to tennis/pickle ball courts, water fountain, safety lighting on walkways, BBQ grill, pet waste stations, ADA compliant picnic tables and benches. 

We are excited to announce that the fitness trail workout stations were completed in May 2026! We have an ADA compliant multi-generational station in the rear side of the park next to Juliette Fowler Communities which focuses on balance and upper body strengthening. It also includes a workout bench with signage with various exercise instructions. We worked closely with Juliette Fowler Communities to ensure it met the needs of our seniors. The second workout station is located in between the soccer field and the baseball field off of the Santa Fe Trail. This station includes several types of workout bars, workout bench and signage for exercise options. We still need to raise funds for installing the trail markers and distance signage for the fitness trail. Your donation will help us complete the final portion of the project. 

Through communication with the park community, we received the following requests for the park:

* Benches - Add additional benches which will provide resting places for patrons using the park. Our park currently has a limited number of benches

* Picnic Table - Add a picnic table next to soccer field and baseball field to provide a place for patrons to gather for picnics and to watch the games.

* Trash Cans - Add additional trash cans next to picnic table, benches and other areas to ensure our park stays clean.

* Trees and Irrigation - Add trees to add shade and increase park usability. Parks Department requires that all new trees have irrigation. Friends of Willis Winters Park is responsible for the costs of the irrigation.

Willis Winters Park is on the 2026 Bond schedule to receive a new children's' playground. We are excited to announce that Parks Department will be breaking ground this fall. 

We are excited to participate with our community partners in National Night Out at Willis Winters Park on Tuesday, October 6th from 5pm-7pm. Join us as we celebrate multiple communities and first responders.

We believe stronger parks build stronger communities.  

Friends of Willis Winters Park has maintained a monthly volunteer day since 2020 which is on the last Sunday of every month at 9am until 12pm. In 2023, we became a Master Naturalist Project and also started working with National Charity League Inc. creating opportunities for mothers and their daughters, grades 7-12 that make a lifetime impact on our community and provides the kids with community service hours necessary for graduation.

Friends of Willis Winters Park would appreciate your help with our efforts to make this wonderful park even better. We would love to see you in the park. Follow us on Facebook for upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. If you would like to join our friends group, please send an email to williswintersparkfriends@gmail.com, Thank you for your support!

Please follow us on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofWWintersPark or visit us on our website https://www.friendsofwwp.org 

Giving Activity

Mission

Mission and Values 

The Friends of Willis Winters (Randall) Park believes in the power of parks, and we help

neighborhoods make the best use of greenspaces and athletic facilities that contribute to the overall health and well-

being of Dallas and our community. 

 

We will partner with the Parks Department and the community to enhance the unique resource

that Willis Winters (Randall) Park represents. 

To preserve and protect the scenic beauty and history of Willis Winters Park. 

To cultivate the importance of environmental, wildlife and cultural conservation and the legacy

that endures from those actions. 

To serve as a charitable conduit to enhance services and programs At Willis Winters (Randall)

Park

Needs

Our 2025 projects include: Adding ADA-compliant multi-generational fitness equipment and distance markers throughout the park. Tree planting to lower heat zones and adding much needed benches throughout the park. Willis Winters Park serves a diverse community in East Dallas. We believe offering outdoor exercise facilities will improve the social, physical, and emotional health of the communities we serve.

Equity Statement

Friends of Willis Winters Parks wants to ensure that the park and recreations services are available to all people regardless of income, ethnicity, gender, ability and age. We do this by creating programs including maintenance, safety and accessibility to the parks facilities and recreation programs. They are available to all citizens served by our public organization. Social equity is a critical responsibility by our public park. It is a right, not a privilege, for people to have safe and healthful access to Willis Winters Park.

Benefits of social equity are many including:

• Public enjoyment and engagement. Our public spaces are open to plentiful community usage. Enjoying close attachment and engagement within our communities. Studies show higher levels of social and economic well-being.

• Quality recreation time with family and friends. Parks provide space for the community to partake in quality time, relaxation, and fun with friends and family members. Community building balance and satisfaction are the keys to quality life.

• Improvement of mental and physical health. The park can reduce the impacts of chronic disease, especially in vulnerable populations of seniors, children and the underserved.

• Measurable decreases in the rates of crime and other detrimental activities. Resulting in a a safer and positive atmosphere in the park.

Friends of Willis Winters Park believes in upholding social equity is at the core of assuring the value of our park for future generations.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Friends of Willis Winters Park Inc

Tax id (EIN)

92-0696407

Causes

Parks and Greenspaces

Operating Budget

Less than $100,000

Counties Served

Dallas

BIPOC Leadership

Neither/None

Address

5817 TREMONT ST
DALLAS, TX 75214