Park It Here

Nature thrives in Uptown Dallas thanks to this dedicated community group

When you think of Uptown, "shopping," "dining," and "entertainment" are probably the first things that spring to mind. But something else should too: "parks."

More specifically, Griggs Park and Anita Phelps Park, the two lovely green spaces that Uptown Dallas Inc. (UDI) maintains and improves so residents and visitors alike can enjoy a little bit of nature within the city.

At eight acres, Griggs Park is an oasis amid the hustle and bustle of Uptown. It was reconstructed in 2013 and has been evolving ever since. The park includes a walking path, stunning skyline views, and family-friendly amenities such as a half-court basketball court donated by the Mavs Foundation and a soon to be, new playground.

Construction on the new playground began in mid-September and will consist of two areas designed with different age ranges in mind: the first for little ones ages 3-5 and the second for kids 6-12. Of course, swings, slides, and climbing structures aplenty are in the plans. UDI says the new playground will be complete by the end of the year with plans for a spring celebration event.

Griggs Park also serves as a gathering spot for the Uptown community, especially when there's fun to be had. UDI's Movies in the Park shows a different flick al fresco each week in September, drawing picnickers, families, and movie buffs to the free event. On October 4, Griggs Park will be the site of the Uptown Block Party for National Night Out, which encourages neighbors to look out for each other and will include a canned food drive and free concert from '80s cover band The Spazmatics.

Though smaller, Anita Phelps Park, located at 2200 Cedar Springs, is no less impactful. Uptown Dallas, Inc. has added lush grass and benches from which to enjoy it, and the trees are lit at night for both safety and beauty. The company also added additional trash cans, a bike fix station, and repaired portions of damaged sidewalks. Three art sculptures, donated by Gables Residential, add color and whimsy to this beautiful park.

UDI also is working to turn McKinney and Cole back to two-way streets, which would bring even more green space to Uptown. The reclaimed public space could be turned into plazas perfect for reading a book or savoring a meal outside, and would also up the area's property values even more. Now that's a true win-win situation.

Art decorates Anita Phelps Park in Uptown.

Photo courtesy of Uptown Dallas Inc.

Art decorates Anita Phelps Park in Uptown.

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Animal News

Dallas animal shelter invites residents to host a pet during holiday

DAS

Husky at Dallas Animal Services

Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is inviting the community to help bring pets “Home for the Holidays” by adopting or fostering during one of the shelter’s busiest times of the year.

DAS has achieved strong positive outcomes this quarter, including adoptions, foster-to-adopt placements, and underage foster placements, with 1,377 in October and 1,378 in November. The department is now working toward a December goal of 1,400 positive outcomes, with 588 completed so far this month.

“We are grateful for the support our community continues to show,” said Victoria Chittam Bennett, Assistant Director. “Every adoption opens a kennel for another pet in need, and the holidays are an especially meaningful time to welcome a new companion.”

This season, adopters will also have the chance to participate in the Friends of Dallas Animal Services (FODAS) 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways, fully funded and supported through donations from generous community supporters. For more information about this initiative, visit friendsofdas.org and watch out for announcements on social media.

Holiday staycations
Residents who may not be ready to adopt can still support DAS pets by participating in Silent Night Holiday Staycations, a short-term foster opportunity that gives dogs a relaxing break from the shelter during the holiday period.

Pickup dates are scheduled for December 20-21, with drop-off options on December 27-28 or January 3-4. Participants typically spend 1-3 hours at the shelter selecting a foster match, and contact with pets outside the home should be limited. Questions may be directed to DASFtA@dallas.gov.

“Holiday Staycations allow our dogs to decompress and show their personalities in a home environment,” said Amanda Earl, Assistant Director. “The insight we receive from these foster stays is invaluable in helping pets find permanent homes.”

DAS encourages the community to adopt, foster, volunteer, or share adoptable pets to help meet December’s lifesaving goals.
“Together, we can bring home the holidays for the pets relying on us,” said Director Paul Ramon.

For more information on adoptable pets, holiday programs, or ways to get involved, visit https://bedallas90.org/ or stop by the DAS Shelter at 1818 N. Westmoreland Rd.

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