Fair Park Privatization and Management Contract

cancelled

In 2018, the Dallas City Council voted to privatize the management and operations of Fair Park, a 277-acre park with historic 1936 exposition buildings. The contract was awarded to Fair Park First, a nonprofit partnered with Spectra (later Oak View Group), a venue operator. The deal involved a subcontract where Fair Park First delegated duties to Spectra, which managed day-to-day operations. The contract aimed to generate revenue to sustain the park and included commitments for private donations and corporate sponsorships. However, the partnership faced operational and financial difficulties, including misallocation of funds, poor maintenance, and strained relations, leading to the city ending the contract in 2025.