Arlington, Texas – Arlington saw a joyful event honoring its most recent addition to the metropolitan scene, the Rotary Dream Park at 151 N. Center Street, right in the heart of downtown. The event signaled the end of a year-long centennial celebration by the Arlington Parks & Recreation Department, therefore ushering in a new phase for public art and community events.
Just north of the Union Pacific Railroad, the 0.619-acre Rotary Dream Park has rapidly become an important landmark in Arlington thanks to its unusual characteristics and community work toward reality. Two big sculptures, a stone-paved public gathering area, cozy bench sitting at key points, pedestrian-friendly lighting, and exquisitely maintained green areas define the park’s offerings that appeal to both aesthetics and function.
The creation of this park was made feasible by a major community cooperation including several nearby companies and organizations. While The Fain Group took care as the general contractor, accurately and skillfully bringing the idea to life, the MESA Design Group acted as the project consultant, making sure every element of the park was carefully incorporated into the current urban fabric.
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In particular, the Rotary Dream Park was completely sponsored without any property taxes used. Instead, the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation, kind donations from the Rotary Club of Arlington and the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation, plus settlement money and park fees paid by private developers, helped financially support the project’s construction. This group effort emphasizes the community’s commitment to improve public areas without burdening taxpayers.
“We’re excited to celebrate this unique, iconic new public space in Downtown Arlington,” said Parks and Recreation Director James Orloski in a news release. “We’re very thankful for the contributions of our partners who made this park possible, including Downtown Arlington Management Corporation, Rotary Club of Arlington, the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation and AT&T. We’re excited to have the community join us as we dedicate this new park and celebrate the end of our centennial year for Arlington’s parks system.”
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Two unique sculptures among the centerpieces of the park not only improve its appearance but also encourage interaction. In June 2023 the Arlington Rotary Club sponsored “Boundless,” an interactive work by Jen Lewin. Inspired by the recognizable Rotary emblems, this sculpture offers a humorous and interesting experience with its infinity mirrors lighting hundreds of hues as visitors move around it.
Moreover, permanently housed in the park is the “DREAM” sculpture provided by Downtown Arlington Management Corporation. Originally on exhibit close to Levitt Pavilion Arlington since 2015, this remarkable 54-foot-long and 12-foot-tall artwork created by Laura Kimpton and Jeff Schomberg was relocated to the park early this month. It is evidence of the city’s commitment to public art and active community participation.
“The Downtown Arlington Management Corporation has been the proud steward and organizer for bringing DREAM here, and taking care of it all these years until we were ready to make a permanent place for it,” Campbell said. “This Rotary Dream Park is going to be another centerpiece of public space for our downtown, thanks to everyone who shared the vision and helped support this investment in public art.”
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The park’s location was secured thanks to a 1999 agreement with AT&T, formerly Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, which provided the funds for the land acquisition. This deliberate location not only improves the park’s accessibility but also helps to fit it within Arlington’s larger urban development narrative.
Opening its gates to the people, Rotary Dream Park represents communal spirit and the transforming potential of group public service. With its creative works, the park not only provides an exciting location for leisure and recreation but also enhances Arlington’s cultural fabric, thus ensuring that both locals and guests will cherish this space in the years to come.
