A proposed Reverchon Park renovation from a group led by Dallas Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson is now moving forward, as the Dallas City Council voted 11-4 Wednesday to advance the plans.
The 41-acre Reverchon Park includes a 1920s-era ballpark that is currently in use for high-school and amateur baseball teams, but the facility’s condition has fallen on hard times. A group led by Nelson–who, in addition to serving as Mavericks GM, is also an owner of the Texas AirHogs (independent; American Association), playing out of suburban Grand Prairie–has been seeking to lease and renovate the facility, allowing it to be used for events such as professional and amateur baseball, soccer, lacrosse, concerts and rugby. As part of the $10 million plan, Reverchon Park would receive new seating, along with an artificial turf to accommodate multiple uses, locker rooms, dugouts, and concessions and restrooms facilities.
In a vote last month, the city council split 7-7, effectively stalling a plan that needed majority approval to move forward. However, the proposal was reconsidered Wednesday, with the council ultimately voting in favor of an amended plan by an 11-4 margin. There are still certain approvals needed as the planning process moves forward, including a sign-off on designs from the park board and city council, but Wednesday’s decision allows the concept to proceed. More from the Dallas Morning News:
[Council member David] Blewett then took it from there, offering a handful of amendments that, among other things, increase the city’s share of revenue, add 15 days of free play, restrict sound coming from the park and create a “user advisory group” made up of area residents and businesses. There will also be two annual community meetings, and discounted tickets for teachers, first responders and veterans.
When all is said and done, Reverchon will have its first turf field, allowing for year-round play, inside a ballpark redesigned by HKS Architects, the same firm responsible for the Texas Rangers’ new Globe Life Field. All those designs will be subject to public scrutiny and must be approved by Park Board and council.
An overhaul to the ballpark is not the only component of the project, as an all-abilities field would be added elsewhere in the park. The all-abilities field would be constructed by the charitable foundation of Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw and his wife Ellen.
Preliminary design rendering shown above. Final designs will require city approval.