Dallas Spends $13.65 Million to Acquire Adventure Landing Amusement Park

All Cara Mendelsohn wants for the holidays is to preserve Adventure Landing in her Far North Dallas district. The Dallas City Council member got her wish at a Dec. 11 meeting when her colleagues voted unanimously to spend $13.65 million to acquire the site near Coit Road and the George Bush Turnpike in Collin County. 

Mendelsohn said the area is a “park desert” and she wants the amenities at Adventure Landing to remain in place so residents can access green space in their own neighborhoods. Once funding is secured, likely through future bond programs, the City of Dallas will develop a community park on the site and its Park and Recreation Department will operate the soccer fields. The existing Adventure Landing operator will manage all other facilities and amenities until the future park is constructed, officials said in a press release.

The area is home to more than 6,700 housing units zoned for the Plano school district, Mendelsohn said during last week’s council meeting. 

“Currently people have to walk 1.8 miles just to get to the nearest trail and that doesn’t include access to playgrounds or sports fields,” she said. “This park will change that, providing critical amenities close to home. If you’ve lived in or visited District 12, chances are you’ve been to Adventure Landing. Like many others, my husband Barry and I have hosted birthday parties for our children there, we’ve taken the kids to batting cage practice, and we’ve shared wonderful memories with friends and family.”

Investing into the park is a “financial model that will pay for itself,” Mendelsohn added. 

“We’re purchasing both the amusement park and the soccer fields for under $14 million and we’ll keep the same operator,” she said. “This means we can expect an annual revenue of $500,000 to $1 million a year, which will help maintain not just this park but support other parks in our city.” 

‘The Fabric of Our Community’

The council member allocated $5 million in discretionary bond funds approved in May toward the 13.48-acre Adventure Landing site. The city purchased the property from 87-year-olds Wilbur and Lucy Hildebrand, who now live in Florida.

“Adventure Landing is a part of the fabric of our community,” Mendelsohn said. “It’s a 30-year beloved place for families, school field trips, and lasting memories. I’m excited to preserve this community treasure and see more Dallas residents create their own happy memories at Adventure Landing and the Hildebrand soccer fields.” 

Attorney Buzz Deitchman, representing the Hildebrand family, attended last week’s council meeting with students from J.J. Pearce High School to support the project. 

“These students have enjoyed outings with their families and friends taking advantage of attractions at Adventure Landing,” Deitchman said. “They want to express their gratitude that the same entertainment opportunities that they have all enjoyed will be preserved under the new ownership of the City of Dallas.”

The Hildebrands turned down offers from developers for millions more than the pricetag agreed upon with the City because “no developer would agree to carry on their mission,” Deitchman said. 

“They are happy that their legacy property will be preserved as a place for wholesome family entertainment that Adventure Landing provides,” he said. 

Lane Conner, District 12 Park and Recreation board member, said the acquisition represents far more than the purchase of land. 

“It symbolizes a pivotal investment in addressing a critical need within a community with the fewest parks in the entire city,” Conner said. “By creating this new park, we are taking a transformative step toward providing every resident, no matter their neighborhood, with access to exceptional green spaces.”

Mendelsohn was all smiles as the council voted on her project. Most around the horseshoe wore ugly holiday sweaters at the last council meeting of the year. Mendelsohn wore a bright blue T-shirt and explained her attire. 

“I’m wearing an Adventure Landing shirt, which is what I’m hoping for for Hanukkah, so that’s how I fit into the holiday theme,” she said.