March 03, 2010

Chase loves The Park! Already a big supporter of our day to day efforts, the JPMorgan Chase team accelerated the final phase of our capital campaign with a check for $3 million! JP Morgan Chase & Company CEO, Jamie Dimon, came to Dallas to make the announcement alongside Elaine Agather, Chairman of the Dallas Region. As friends and neighbors cheered the news, we presented Dimon with a key to The Park and an invitation to the Grand Opening, spring 2012!

In recognition of Chase’s incredible commitment, the Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation is honored to name the beautiful tree-lined walkway that connects all areas of The Park – Chase Promenade.  In addition to helping us complete The Park’s construction, their donation will make possible free cultural and educational programs in The Park.

With the momentum of a $3 million gift from Chase, the Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation is well on its way to securing the final $25 million for park improvements, amenities, programs and operations. Park leaders are so confident that other civic minded corporations and individuals will want to be part of this transformation project; they have set a goal of raising $10 million by year end.

Park donors are motivated by their passion for Dallas, their desire to create a legacy that will be created in a twinkling and enjoyed for generations, and their love of nature and sustainable design. These generous visionaries will be recognized by “one time only” naming opportunities including The Park’s given name, the Children’s Garden, the Groves, the Arts Boulevard and Olive Plaza. Linda Owen and Kristin Gray may be reached at 214.880.1509 for more information on The Park’s capital campaign.

Archer Western is working hard to keep The Park on track despite February’s inclement weather. The foundations for the deck and center support are well underway and will continue through winter. The center support wall is quickly taking shape to support over 300 concrete beams – that, if laid end to end, would equal seven miles!

For up to the minute construction information, please visit our website, follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

You may have noticed something missing in Nasher Sculpture Center: Jonathan Borofsky’s Walking to the Sky. The signature sculpture, one of the most photographed icons in the city, was de-installed for some structural re-engineering and will return home next year.

The Winspear Opera House has announced its 2010-2011 season where “Dangerous Desires” are the theme and motivation behind five compelling works by Mozart, Donizetti, Gounod, Verdi and Mussorgsky. Opening night is Friday, October 22nd. For more information about these and other neighborhood events, please go to our site’s Arts District page.

We are delighted to announce Micaela Coakley as the newest addition to the Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation. As our development and communications assistant, Micaela will greet you when you call or email us, manage our social media efforts, coordinate speaking engagements, and serve as our ambassador to the community. Please join us in welcoming Micaela!

Watch this space for membership information!

Donate: We would love your financial support! Please consider a gift to The Park. We’ve made it really easy. Go to: theparkdallas.org/support.

Socialize with us: We want you to be a friend of The Park on Facebook (www.facebook.com/theparkdallas) & follow us on Twitter @theparkdallas! Join the conversation and share your support on our Blog – Common Ground (http://theparkdallas.org/Blogs.aspx)!

Don’t forget to forward this e-newsletter to your friends and encourage them to sign up for the latest news!