Pike Park

Pike Park is a historic 4.3-acre community park located in the Uptown neighborhood of Dallas, Texas. Established in 1913, it was originally named Summit Play Park and was initially restricted to white residents only. In 1927, the park was renamed Pike Park, and in 1931 its policies were changed to allow Hispanic residents access to its facilities, including the swimming pool.

The park quickly became the cultural heart of Dallas' Little Mexico neighborhood, which was home to thousands of Mexican immigrants who had fled the Mexican Revolution in the early 1900s. Throughout the mid-20th century, Pike Park served as a vibrant gathering place for the Mexican-American community, hosting celebrations such as Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day.

Pike Park features a Spanish-style recreation center and an iron gazebo. The recreation center, built in 1927, was later renovated in 1978 to include a red tile roof and arched windows, enhancing its Mexican architectural influence. In 1981, the gazebo and adjacent community center were recognized as historical landmarks by the Dallas County Historical Commission, and in 2000, they became Dallas City landmarks.

Today, Pike Park continues to serve the community, though much of the surrounding Little Mexico neighborhood has been transformed by urban development. The park remains an important symbol of Dallas' Mexican-American heritage and hosts cultural events that celebrate this history.