Members of the City of Dallas and the Ferguson Road Initiative broke ground on a new park Saturday, Dec. 1. This is the first phase of the future White Rock Hills Community Recreation Center project. The Ferguson Road Initiative worked with the city of Dallas to transform this location from a crime ridden and burned apartment complex. The group has been working for years to create the recreation center.

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Vikki J. Martin, executive director of the Ferguson Road Initiative, spoke as well as Councilman Mark Clayton and Park Director Willis Winters. Also attending were Angela Hunt, Becky Rader of Council District 9 and City of Dallas Manager T.C. Broadnax. Cub scouts from Mata Elementary School presented the flag for the Pledge of Allegiance and the third-grade choir from Uplift White Rock Hills Preparatory sang two holiday songs. The Mayor’s Youth Fitness Initiative arranged activities for the children.

Winters said the 17-year project has been a long road. “Parks are the soul of the city,” he said.

“You don’t have a neighborhood unless you have a neighborhood park,” Clayton said.

Plans for next year include a reconstruction of Highland Road that will feature a bike path.

Vikki Martin, founder and executive director of the Ferguson Road Initiative.