Harwood Park

Park Overview

Found in the heart of downtown Dallas, Harwood Park is a refreshing 3.8-acre green escape that opened its gates on September 23, 2023. As the fourth and final park created through a collaboration between the City of Dallas and the Downtown Dallas Parks Conservancy, it completes the planned series of urban green spaces in the city.

What once was just a collection of parking lots and empty buildings now connects the East Quarter and Dallas Farmers Market neighborhoods - an impressive transformation of formerly underutilized space.

Design & Features

The talented team at Ten Eyck Landscape Architects has crafted a space that feels both fresh and historically grounded. The park revolves around a half-acre great lawn, meant for sprawling out with a book or joining an impromptu frisbee game.

One of the first things you'll notice is the striking gold ring pavilion at the Harwood and Jackson Street entrance. These aren't just any decorative elements - they were salvaged from the old Statler Hotel parking garage that once stood nearby. It's a beautiful nod to the area's history while providing much-needed shade on those sunny Texas days.

The park's design includes a central shaded promenade that curves through the middle, featuring a water-harvesting rain garden. This garden provides both visual appeal and practical function with flood mitigation and irrigation technologies.

Playground & Recreation

Kids (and let's be honest, plenty of adults too) are drawn to the unique mammoth-themed playground. These 'Ghost Mammoths' aren't your typical playground equipment - they're solid metal sculptures that tell the fascinating story of Dallas from 100,000 years ago, when Columbian Mammoths roamed what was then a grassy savanna.

The playground has some hidden treasures too, with seashell fossils tucked away for curious explorers to discover. When summer heat hits, the splash pad becomes the most popular spot in the park, with ground fountains offering cool relief until early evening.

For those who prefer more structured play, there's a multi-use court set up for both basketball and pickleball with a permanent net. The court is well-designed with protective fencing and plenty of space around it for spectators or those waiting for their turn to play.

Dog-Friendly Areas

Four-legged friends haven't been forgotten at Harwood Park. With two dedicated dog parks of different sizes, there's a wonderful spot whether your pup is a social butterfly needing room to zoom in the larger area or prefers a more intimate play session in the smaller enclosure.

Amenities & Accessibility

The practical details haven't been overlooked here. You can find clean public restrooms (including family-style facilities alongside the usual men's and women's), drinking fountains for staying hydrated, and plenty of seating options including picnic-style tables scattered throughout.

As the sun sets, the park transforms with thoughtful lighting that keeps the space inviting and safe for evening strolls. Security staff regularly make their rounds, adding to the comfortable atmosphere after dark.

Historical Connection

What sets Harwood Park apart is how it incorporates historic buildings into its modern layout. The juxtaposition creates an interesting visual dialogue between past and present, while offering some pretty impressive views of nearby architectural landmarks that tell the story of Dallas's evolution.

Events & Community

A designated stage area makes the park a natural spot for concerts and community gatherings. Since opening, it's become a gathering spot for downtown, hosting various community activities and events.