Built over the existing Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Klyde Warren Park serves as an important pedestrian connection between the Central Business District, Uptown, and the burgeoning Arts District in downtown Dallas, Texas. The natural beauty of the park conceals an extensive structural deck below that accommodates an extensive array of existing utilities, stormwater infrastructure, and the soil volume necessary to support the park’s many trees.
The park is organized by a sweeping pedestrian promenade that draws visitors past botanical gardens, a children’s park with interactive water features, the reading room, a restaurant, and an event lawn with a signature performance pavilion. The pedestrian promenade continues across Olive Street to a games area, recreation lawn, botanical garden, and dog park.
The project has measurably decreased noise and air pollution in the area, increased pedestrian activity at nearby businesses and cultural institutions, spurred development, and raised the property values of its neighbors. Most importantly, it has been embraced by the citizens of Dallas, cementing its place as Dallas's most important new civic open space.