Dallas Terminates Fair Park Management Deal Before State Fair

Yahoo

19-06-2025

The City of Dallas announced Wednesday it has issued a notice of termination to Fair Park First, the nonprofit managing Fair Park under a long-term agreement, effective in 90 days.
The decision also ends the subcontracting relationship with OVG360, which has handled venue and facilities management and daily operations at Fair Park since January 2019.
The termination will become effective just days ahead of the start of the State Fair of Texas, which opens at Fair Park this year on September 26 and runs for three weeks. The fair attracts more than 2 million visitors each year.
City leaders cited a flawed organizational structure in the existing contract, which lacks a direct relationship between OVG360 and the city, as the reason for the termination.
'Fair Park is a vital part of our city's cultural and historic identity,' said Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert. 'This decision reflects our commitment to ensuring sound stewardship and transparent management of this beloved public asset.
'The city is prepared to move forward decisively to protect Fair Park's future. We will work with all our stakeholders to maintain this Crown Jewel of Dallas.'
The move follows scrutiny of Fair Park First and OVG360 after an October 2024 audit revealed that $5.7 million in private donations, restricted for specific Fair Park projects, were misused by OVG360 for operating expenses and unqualified projects. This accounted for roughly a third of the total funds raised since the city awarded the management deal to the partnership between Fair Park First and Oak View Group, OVG360's parent company.
Oak View Group later disputed the audit findings. Reports also surfaced about OVG360's issues paying third-party vendors.
'This step enables us to reset our approach to Fair Park management and is in the best interest of Fair Park, patrons, and the taxpayers of Dallas,' said John D. Jenkins, Director of the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. 'Dallas is firmly committed to developing a new plan that is financially sustainable, vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive in order to propel Fair Park forward so that Dallas residents will be able to enjoy the park year-round.'
'The new plan will involve Dallas Park and Recreation managing the daily operations and maintenance, partnering with a non-profit to deliver third party funding opportunities, continuing the relationship with existing campus partners, and bringing in new companies with expertise in producing large and small events and programs,' Jenkins added.
During the transition, Dallas Park and Recreation staff will be on-site to ensure continuity for park tenants, campus partners, and upcoming events. The city will honor all existing contracts for park events.