Dallas deck park over I-35E opens

A network of highways has divided Dallas' neighborhoods for decades, but a series of deck parks — including one opening Saturday — are stitching them back together.

Why it matters: Halperin Park attempts to mend a historically Black community that was divided when Interstate 35E opened in the 1960s.

• The park over I-35E, at least for a short stretch, reconnects North Oak Cliff with East Oak Cliff.

The latest: Halperin Park opens at 7am tomorrow with a grand opening celebration starting at 9am.

• The park will host yoga, story times, craft zones, concerts, face painting and a Mother's Day picnic as part of the two-day opening event.

State of play: The park is much like Klyde Warren Park, which joins Uptown and Downtown and has inspired other deck park projects in the country.

• The parks each have a mix of greenspace, walking paths, fountains and areas for entertainment.

What they're saying: Mayor Eric Johnson said he expects Halperin Park to attract new investment and development in the area, like Klyde Warren, which has had a $3 billion economic impact since opening in 2012.

• The park is "not a frivolous amenity," Johnson said during a private opening ceremony Thursday evening, but "a strategic investment."

How it works: The park was built through a public-private partnership, which included the Texas Department of Transportation.

• TxDOT built the "cap" over the highway, between Ewing and Lancaster avenues. The city and private donations helped finish the first phase of the park.
• The deck construction was paid for with $7 million in city bond money and $40 million from the North Central Texas Council of Governments. The foundation that runs the park raised more than $62 million for the amenities.

If you go: The park opens every day at 7 am. It closes at 10pm Sunday–Thursday and at 11pm Friday and Saturday.

• Using public transportation is recommended. Paid parking is available nearby at the Dallas Zoo.
• Rideshare dropoff is located on Ewing Avenue.