Reverchon Park is a beloved green space cherished by the community. However, over the years, the passage of time has taken its toll on the once-grand baseball field. But fate has something special in store for Reverchon Park. Recently, hundreds attended a long-anticipated celebration to break ground for multimillion-dollar renovations to the park’s historic 1920s-era ballfield.
In recent years, the Dallas City Council recognized the importance of preserving this iconic landmark and voted to embark on a journey of restoration and revitalization. Construction and renovation of the park include improvements to the field and grandstand, and adding new bullpens, batting cages, dugouts, and other upgrades to bring the facility up to standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Dallas Park and Recreation officials expect the ballfield to be completed in 2024.
News of the restoration created excitement and anticipation among the residents of Oak Lawn and beyond. This area holds special meaning for Dallas ISD as Reverchon is the home field for the Bulldogs Baseball team of North Dallas High School. The community has been interested in this project for a long time with residents and other advocates publicly opposing the area being turned over to private developers.
At the groundbreaking, Dallas Park and Recreation Board President Arun Agarwal spoke of the area’s history. Established in 1914, Reverchon is one of the oldest city parks and is named after French botanist and La Reunion colonist Julien Reverchon. One of the amazing parts of this project is having a partnership with Dallas ISD, Agarwal said, adding he could see Dallas ISD Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde’s passion for making this project happen. “Her first question being, ‘How can we partner more?’ We serve our people, and students are a key part of this. Having her in the helm of the leadership here made the difference and now the neighborhood is seeing a Renaissance.”
Dr. Elizalde acknowledged supporters including Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, Dallas ISD Trustee Maxie Johnson, other elected and appointed officials, North Dallas High School Principal Katie Eska, and the school’s baseball team. “Nothing says to our next generation of leaders that they are valued than when we put in our time, treasure, and talent into our facilities for them. There’s so much we can do when there’s a partnership and serving. Pun intended; I think this is a home run.”
Dallas City Council member Jesse Moreno reminisced about his dad attending North Dallas High School and playing on the baseball team. “Reverchon will continue to be ‘The Baseball Cathedral of North Dallas’ and needs to remain a public park for generations to come.”
Mita Havlick of Dallas ISD Foundation emphasized that a quality school athletic program recruits students not just to the field but to the classroom and that sports save kids. She read an inspiring message from Texas Rangers Hall of Famer Michael Young, “Baseball has a way of bringing people together - friends, families, and fans of all ages and backgrounds - and Reverchon will do that for this community. To the North Dallas Bulldogs, I’d like to ask that, when you play here on your new home field or at any away game, you always play with enthusiasm, energy, and passion. Congratulations to the City of Dallas and Dallas ISD for making the vision of this ballpark a reality. If you’d let me, I’d love to throw out the opening pitch.”
The baseball field sits in the 41-acre Reverchon Park and debuted in the 1920s. Reverchon Park’s restoration goals have become a symbol of community resilience and determination. It showcases the power of preserving history, embracing inclusivity, and investing in shared spaces that unite people. The park will forever stand as a testament to the unwavering spirit of the community and their unwavering commitment to the timeless sport of baseball.
