Many residents walk, jog, and ride bikes past the small lake and Oriental garden in Kidd Springs Park in north Oak Cliff. They may not even notice the historic art and decor dotted around the place.

Kidd Springs Park is truly a community space. Planners incorporated fields for soccer, baseball, and softball, courts for basketball, tennis, and pickleball, and a recreation center. Read on for some ideas.

History

For a long time, North Texas summers were synonymous with trips to the neighborhood swimming pool. These gathering places were where families and friends escaped the heat and learned to swim together, socialized in the sun, and shared laughter and good times.

Kidd Springs Park was named after Colonel J.W. Kidd and the natural spring located on the property he purchased in 1874. The 31-acre park was added to the Dallas city parks system in 1947.

A large pool was created, and the park became a popular place for entertainment. Although it did not feature the roller coaster, Ferris wheel, or 3 theaters of Lake Cliff Amusement Park, it did boast a large pavilion and several towers, platforms, and diving boards for divers.

In 1969, the park received a gift of three Japanese artifacts from Ethel Buell and the family of Jack Edwards. The gardens were designed by Lambert Nursery and were later restored with funds from a City of Dallas bond election in 2017.

Amenities

Kidd Springs Park is jam-packed year-round with family-friendly events and activities. A local swimming pool and lake with wild waterfowl, a recreation center, tennis courts, playgrounds, basketball, soccer and baseball fields, and walking trails are just some of the many amenities available at this popular Oak Cliff neighborhood park.

The park is named for Colonel J.W. Kidd, whose son Jim dammed the natural spring with a log to create a swimming area and built a pavilion in 1874. The land later became the site of a private lake club, the Kidd Springs Boating and Fishing Club, which had numerous prominent Dallas residents as members.

Today, families in Kidd Springs Park enjoy playing ball, swimming in the new aquatic center, and strolling through the Japanese Garden. The community’s proximity to the Bishop Arts District, downtown, and North Oak Cliff makes it a popular place for young professionals and families alike. The neighborhood also offers a variety of historic homes, from large Colonial Revival and Craftsman to smaller Tudor, Bungalow, and shingle residences. Visit this site!

Events

Kidd Springs Park is packed year-round with family-friendly activities and events. It has a local pool, lake with wild waterfowl, tennis courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas. It is also close to highly-rated schools, daycare centers, and preschools.

The park features a beautiful Japanese Garden and a pavilion designed by Shipley Architects. There are also many manicured gardens to enjoy during a stroll around the grounds. The garden is a favorite with local Master Gardener volunteers, who plant drought and child-tolerant plants that can stand up to a romp by kids or nosy dogs.

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra continues its long-standing tradition of performing at park concerts throughout the city. This year’s performances include patriotic music and American classics.

Parking

In the heart of Oak Cliff, Kidd Springs Park is a favorite destination for families with kids of all ages. It’s a great place to picnic, swim in the new aquatic center, play basketball, soccer, or tennis, and enjoy the walking trails that crisscross the 31-acre park. Dog lovers also appreciate this popular dog park because there are plenty of off-leash areas where dogs can romp around with their owners.

The park’s name is a tribute to J.W. Kidd, who originally purchased the land on which the park now stands. He dammed the natural spring and created a lake, which served as the focus of a private club, the Kidd Springs Fishing and Boating Club.

Bond funds have recently been approved to restore the historic Japanese garden at the park. In addition to the beautiful gardens, the park is also home to a large swimming pool and several other recreational facilities. It is bounded by Zang Boulevard on the east, Tyler Street on the west, Colorado Boulevard on the north, and West Davis Street (SH 180) on the south. Check our next area of interest here.

 

 

Driving directions from TJ’s Professional Painting to Kidd Springs Park

Driving directions from Kidd Springs Park to Valley Ridge Park