Trust for Public Land’s ParkScore® index provides a comprehensive evaluation of park systems in the 100 most populated cities in the United States. The index aggregates information from public and private organizations supporting parks in each city and evaluates each city park system according to five categories: access, investment, amenities, acreage and access for all. Cities are scored by comparing their data in each category to the median across all cities. The primary goal of the index is to help city leaders and residents advocate for needed park resources and provide relevant data to inform local park improvement efforts. This tool could be particularly helpful for planning efforts by larger park and recreation agencies.

Since 2021, Dallas has steadily improved both its ParkScore and national ranking. In 2021, the city earned a score of 50, placing 50th nationwide. By 2023, that score increased to 53, moving Dallas up to 43rd. In 2025, Dallas reached a score of 61 and rose to 34th in the nation, also the second-highest ParkScore in Texas. This steady improvement reflects continued investment in parks and a focus on expanding access and improving park spaces for all Dallas residents.

Trust for Public Land 2025 ParkScore

Urban wildlife flourishes throughout North Texas. Conditions involving wildlife sightings and hazardous interactions within communities are monitored and managed by local, state and federal agencies including the USDA-Wildlife Services and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Dallas Park and Recreation Department encourages communities to immediately report sightings and unusual wildlife behavior by calling 311, and for coyote-specific sightings, call 469-676-9813. In an emergency, call or text 911.