September 30, 2022

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: 
Andrea Hawkins, Dallas Park and Recreation, 817-994-2498 (Text/VM)

Exall Park ball field to be named in honor of longtime east Dallas community advocate

WHAT:    Exall Park Ball Field will be named Wayne Smith Ball Field at Exall Park

                Friends of Exall Park join City of Dallas officials to name the park's ball field after

                Wayne Smith, who was a founder of the Exall Park Task Force as president of the

                Bryan Place Neighborhood Association. Exall Park was established in 1914 and is

                one of the city's oldest parks. During the late eighties, the park had fallen into         

                neglect. The task force evolved into the Friends of Exall Park. With Smith's

                influence, hard work, passion for his community and private funds raised

                by Smith and by the friends' group, Exall has been transformed into a family-

                friendly gathering place that features a walking/running trail, additional lighting,

                new playground, and lush landscapes. Smith raised from private donors $20,000

                of the $25,000 needed to purchase and install five workout stations at the park.

WHEN:     10 AM    Saturday, October 1, 2022

WHERE:   Exall Park, 1355 Adair St., Dallas 75204

WHO:

• Paul E. Ridley, Dallas City Council, District 14
• Wayne Smith
• Rudy Karimi, Dallas Park and Recreation Board
• Marie Earley, President, Friends of Exall Park
• Danny Oberst, Friends of Exall Park