Fair Park Privatization and Management Agreement

cancelled

In 2018, the Dallas City Council voted unanimously to privatize the management and operations of Fair Park, a 277-acre park with historic 1936 exposition buildings. The plan involved handing over operations to a nonprofit entity, Fair Park First, which subcontracted to Spectra (later Oak View Group) for venue management. The deal aimed to make the park self-sustaining through events, sponsorships, and private donations. However, the structure was flawed, with lack of direct city oversight over the operator, financial mismanagement allegations, and operational difficulties leading to the city reclaiming control in 2025.