Opportunities ahead
The following is adapted from my email newsletter. To subscribe, click here.
Summer may have just begun, but Dallas is already preparing for the school year ahead. The city announced last week that the 28th annual Back to School Fair will be held on Friday, August 2, at Fair Park in the Automobile Building and Centennial Hall.
The Back to School Fair — a collaborative effort between the city, Dallas ISD, nonprofits, corporations, and community volunteers — is one of Dallas’ most important annual events. It serves more than 10,000 economically disadvantaged students and their families by providing free school supplies, immunizations, haircuts, vision exams, and other services from more than 100 vendors.
For the second consecutive year, the Junior League of Dallas will execute the fair, recruiting and training more than 500 event volunteers and assisting with community outreach to ensure Dallas families know how to register.
Eligible families can sign up using this link, along with volunteers and vendors. More than 1,100 families have already signed up, and registration will remain open until Friday, July 26. To stay updated on future announcements, follow the Back to School Fair on Facebook!
While having children is an incredible blessing, it can be expensive. Through the Back to School Fair, this community takes some weight off the shoulders of struggling parents preparing their children for the school year.
The Back to School Fair is one of my favorite initiatives because it perfectly exemplifies Dallas’ commitment to supporting those in need and being a city of genuine opportunity for everyone.
Teen All Access Pass
While Dallas looks forward to the new school year, there are still nearly two months of summer break left! During this season, Dallas encourages kids and teens to stay safe and engaged by promoting numerous free and low-cost activities through the Summer of Safety.
One of the most popular summer initiatives, the Teen All Access Pass, is returning for a fourth year thanks to the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. This pass gives Dallas teens free access to venues across the city, including the Dallas Zoo, the Perot Museum, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Bahama Beach Water Park, and more!
Starting tomorrow, Park and Recreation will begin distributing 10,000 passes at rec centers across the city. Passes are available to teens ages 13–17 and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so teens should visit a local rec center soon to secure a pass.
Visit here for more information, including pickup requirements, rec center locations, and a full list of applicable venues. All summer long, Dallas teens can have fun and stay safe at premier Dallas attractions for free with the Teen All Access Pass!
Convention Center Groundbreaking
In other news, the ongoing revitalization of downtown reached a major milestone last week as Dallas broke ground on the new Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center — a project years in the making.
Two years ago, I championed Proposition A, which secured funding for the renovation and expansion of the convention center without raising taxes on Dallas residents. The new facility, scheduled to open in 2029, will be a world-class development enjoyed by both residents and visitors.
The expanded convention center will transform the heart of Dallas, seamlessly connecting downtown with The Cedars and South Dallas through new green space, residential and retail development, and tourist attractions.
This project will also drive unprecedented economic growth. The enhanced appeal of Dallas as a host for major events is already evident, with nearly 50 conventions worth over $1.2 billion already booked in the new facility upon its opening. Moreover, the renovation of the historic Dallas Memorial Auditorium was instrumental in bringing the Dallas Wings home to this city.
Upon completion, the expanded Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center will generate billions of dollars and reinforce Dallas’ status as a world-class city booming with opportunity.
Lastly, enjoy Independence Day this Thursday! Spend time with your friends and family, watch some fireworks, and celebrate the values of freedom and unity that define this country.
That’s all for today. Have a great week and stay safe!
