The new Carona Plaza at the Cotton Bowl Stadium is named after Dallas residents John and Helen Carona who in return, donated $5 million to Fair Park First, an organization aimed at renewing Fair Park.
The new Carona Plaza is set to be a pinpoint of activity as it is directly adjacent to the iconic Cotton Bowl Stadium and Leonhardt Lagoon. The Plaza will undergo a $140 million construction improvement project for landscaping and sitting areas as well as marquee signage on both north and south ends.
“This is an incredible gift that supports a historic gem in our city,” Dallas mayor, Eric Johnson, said. “I want to thank John Carona and his family, who have served our state over many years, for their generosity and commitment to Fair Park and Cotton Bowl Stadium. As we can see this month during the great State Fair of Texas, these are vital venues that serve Dallas residents while helping us welcome guests beyond our city, from across our state and from around the world.”
The Carona family has an impactful dedication for service to the Dallas community and their investment into Fair Park is an extension of that commitment to Dallas. John served as a former member of the Texas Senate from District 16 in Dallas County and a member of the Texas House of Representatives. He is now the president of the Dallas-based company, Associa.
“It is an honor to have the Carona family invest in the storied past and hopeful future of Fair Park,” Fair Park First board of director, Veletta Forsythe-Lill, said. “They will help us create a new and inviting campus for all.”
Fair Park has several other projects underway during phase 1 of their master plan that includes improvements to the Music Hall, African American Museum, Magnolia Lounge, and other building and grounds projects.
“We are so honored that the Carona Family’s gift will help facilitate the continued restoration and revitalization of the Fair Park campus,” said Heather Stevens, Rise360, Capital Campaigns for Fair Park. “Their generosity builds on the continued public and philanthropic support of the Phase 1 capital campaign, led by Fair Park First in partnership with Dallas Parks and Recreation, to revitalize Fair Park. Together collectively raised more than $350 million raised towards the goal, and we invite donors to join to the campaign in supporting this beloved campus as it enters a new era of serving the City of Dallas.”
