DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – The new Executive Director of Fair Park is addressing challenges the park is facing amid an effort to revitalize it.
‘Fair Park First’ announced, earlier this summer, Brian Luallen as Executive Director of the nonprofit devoted to restoring, revitalizing, and renewing the National Historic Landmark.
“The board of Fair Park First is thrilled to welcome Brian Luallen as our executive director,” said board member Emily Ledet. “Brian brings a unique blend of experience spanning all four pillars of our work: Community, Activation, History, and Culture. His background combined with the local engagement of the board, and many partners, is a strong foundation for the future.”
Luallen joins Fair Park First from the Witte Museum in San Antonio. With more than 20 years of experience in destination tourism, his work has been featured in Time Magazine, The Wall Street Journal and numerous other national media outlets.
Luallen said Fair Park has great potential but faces challenged such as financing for preserving the the largest collection of Art Deco buildings in the country.
“There’s enormous significance to those and there will be a capital cost to that,” Luallen said.
Board president Darren L. James stated, “I’m excited to continue the efforts transforming Fair Park into a daily destination for residents of the neighborhoods surrounding the Park, as well as across the metroplex. Brian’s wealth of national experience in innovative programming, activities, and donor relations will do just that as Fair Park rises in our local consciousness. We look forward to his creative energy.”
With Luallen hired, the non-profit continues their strategic plans to improve the world-class park into an entertainment and cultural campus. In collaboration with the board of directors, Luallen is expected to focus on fundraising for improvements to help preserve the history of the facilities, attract new events and organizations, as well as increase involvement and programming for the surrounding neighborhoods.
A series of public hearings on the transformation is set for next month.
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