Anita Harris Phelps Park, located at 2200 Cedar Springs Road, has been transformed into an urban oasis thanks to Uptown Dallas, Inc. (UDI), the management company behind Uptown’s Public Improvement District (PID).
On Thursday morning, October 13, a dedication ceremony was held honoring the evolution of the Park. Special guests of the ceremony included Dr. William Lee Phelps, husband of Anita Harris Phelps, Steven Phelps, son of William and Anita, Sue Ansel, CEO of Gables Residential, Nic Noblique, Sculpture Artist, members of the Dallas Park Department, and Uptown Dallas Inc.’s Chairman of the Board, Katy Slade and President and Executive Director, Nolan Marshall III.
“Continued investment in our parks is a virtuous circle for Uptown, as it demonstrates its historic success and leads to more economic vibrancy and improved quality of life in the future,” said Katy Slade, UDI’s Chairman of the Board. “As Uptown thrives, we need to make the most of our public green spaces and hope to add more layers of cultural and artistic interest. Anita Phelps Park is a small, but significant space where residents, workers, visitors, and even districts intersect.”
The 0.2-acre mini park, nestled in the prestigious core of Uptown and next to the famous Hotel Crescent Court is a park named after the late Anita Harris Phelps. Dedicated and named for her in 1976 the Uptown PID signed a 5-year beautification and maintenance agreement with the City of Dallas and has elevated the space into an inviting landscape complete with new sod, floral, park benches, waste bins, landscape lighting, a bike-fix station and 3 whimsical art sculptures donated by Gables Residential. The sculptures were created by Texas artist Nic Noblique.
Sue Ansel, Gables Residential CEO shared, “We take great pride in being a part of the Uptown enhancement. Not only does Gables office in Uptown, we also develop apartment homes in a mixed-use environment which supports the community and brings first-class retailers to the area. We believe in maximizing every opportunity to continue to ensure that Uptown experiences the growth and recognition it deserves. Supporting Anita Harris Phelps Park is another way for us to show our continued commitment to our residents, the neighborhood and the community at-large.”
Dr. William Lee Phelps, the husband of Anita Phelps, purchased the land in 1973 and donated the site to the City of Dallas Parks and Recreation Department on December 19, 1975. Anita was an advocate and contributor to the City of Dallas. The Park was officially named in honor of Anita Phelps at a city Park and Recreation Board Meeting on April 29, 1976.
“Anita would be very thrilled to be here today and I wish she could be,” said Dr. William Phelps. “I want to thank everyone for the wonderful reorganization of this plot as it’s gone through a number of ups and downs and I’ve never seen it look better than it does today.”
As part of the dedication, UDI presented plaques to Dr. Phelps and Gables CEO, Sue Ansel in thanks for their donations, “for which this park is now more beautiful and something everyone can enjoy,” stated Slade.
About Uptown Dallas, Inc.
Uptown is Dallas’ premier live, work, play district. Uptown Dallas, Inc. (UDI) is the nonprofit management company focused on the public improvement of the Uptown district (PID), with focus on capital improvement projects, maintenance, mobility, public safety, urban design and marketing. For more information, visit uptowndallas.net and follow Uptown Dallas on social media.
