Judge Charles R. Rose Park Named Best New Dallas Park in D Magazine’s Best of Big D

We’re honored to share that Judge Charles R. Rose Park has been recognized as “Best New Dallas Park” in D Magazine’s annual Best of Big D guide. This recognition is a testament not only to the craft of the design, but to the families, partners, and city leaders who helped bring this community vision to life.

A legacy for future generations

Named in honor of long-time community leader Judge Charles R. Rose, who served for many years as a justice of the peace in the Highland Hills neighborhood, the park carries forward his deep commitment to community service and connection.

Access to the outdoors is a fundamental human need, and communities become stronger, healthier, and more connected when everyone has the opportunity to be outside. The park now serves nearly 4,000 residents within a 10-minute walk, as well as thousands of students at the University of North Texas at Dallas and Paul Quinn College, the oldest Historically Black College and University west of the Mississippi.

Advancing the Five Mile Creek Masterplan Vision

Judge Charles R. Rose Park is the second park delivered as part of the Five Mile Creek Masterplan, a transformative initiative developed by TBG Partners, the Trust for Public Land, and the City of Dallas Park and Recreation. The masterplan establishes a connected network of parks and trails following the tributaries of Five Mile Creek, yielding more than 124 acres of planned parks, including 40 acres of protected land at Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park.

Judge Charles R. Rose Park reflects what’s possible when community voices, ecological restoration, and thoughtful design come together to strengthen neighborhoods and expand nature access for generations to come. Key features include a restored Blackland Prairie, outdoor classroom/overlook, playground, community gathering picnic areas including a one-of-a-kind pavilion design by HKS, and distinct placemaking elements.

Crafting Identity: Branded Environments

To honor the park’s namesake and help establish a strong sense of place, TBG’s Branded Environments team created the distinctive rose logo, arrival signage, a signature rose sculpture that welcomes visitors into the landscape, wayfinding educational kiosks, and a unique wildflower themed donor recognition component. These elements reinforce the park’s identity, celebrate its cultural legacy, and create memorable moments of arrival and gathering.

Looking Ahead

We’re grateful to D Magazine for recognizing a park that reflects the heart of Southern Dallas and even more grateful to the neighbors whose voices shaped it from the beginning.

Judge Charles R. Rose Park represents what’s possible when community, ecology, and design come together. And as more parks and trails emerge from the Five Mile Creek Masterplan, we look forward to continuing this work to ensure every neighborhood has access to nature, connection, and opportunity.