The Dallas County Parks and Open Space Program was initially established in 1976 with the donation of Lester Lorch Park. Dallas County voters approved the first bond program for undeveloped land to be acquired by the county for conservation in 1977.
The first Open Space plan was developed in 1981, ultimately leading to the creation of 21 preserves with over 3, 500 acres for the people of Dallas County. These preserves provide natural habitat for wildlife and recreational opportunities for people in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States.
