The Friends of Exall Park

Friends of Exall Park is an all volunteer 501(c)3 non-profit corporation focused on beautifying and maintaining Exall Park in the Downtown Business District. The FOEP organize community events and clean-up days in the park, fundraise for park improvements such as new park benches, water fountains, and more. We also help advocate for city-funded park amenities such as the recently approved new Exall Park Recreation Center to be completed by 2028. 

Park History

Exall Park was established in 1917 and designed by renowned architect George Kessler.Exall Park enjoyed many decades of glory years. However, during the ‘70s and ’80 when many Dallas parks endured budget cutbacks Exall became a casualty.In the mid 1990’s a group of Bryan Place residents led by Caren Pemberton came together to begin making some positive improvements to Exall Park. They were able to lobby the City Councilwoman at the time, many residents of Bryan Place, and some corporate neighbors to raise both public and private funds.

History of The Friends of Exall Park

By 2005 a second group of concerned Bryan Place residents came together led by Sue Dorsey and Beth Borman to form the “Friends of Exall Park.” It is a 501 (c) (3) private, non‐profit corporation that has partnered with the City of Dallas’ Parks and Recreation Department. Friends has been working with the City of Dallas to help make Exall Park one of the premier urban parks in the State of Texas.  A community vision was realized to come together to protect our biggest asset that sits right in the front yard of Bryan Place. 

Friends continues to work tirelessly to make Exall Park a destination for fun, fellowship, and family enjoyment. Over the years Exall Park has  hosted concerts by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and other family‐oriented fun events in the park.Friends has fulfilled a dream to make Exall Park a beautiful oasis for our neighborhood, the community, and all of Dallas to enjoy.