The first phase of the “Gateway to the Arts” project is complete.  I want to thank each of you who gave of your time, money, and suggestions.  The ”Friends of Exall Park” had a significant role in making this project happen.  Thank you to those who came out and volunteered their time to plant, dig holes, and spread dirt and gravel.  Thank you for helping with the registration, and the grilling and serving over 100 hot dogs for the two Saturdays.

I want to thank the Friends Board for agreeing to furnish hot dogs, water, chips, and soft drinks for the over 70 volunteers the two Saturdays.  I do not know how much that helped recruit volunteers, but I do know that the ones there working appreciated the hot dogs and drinks very much.

Just like our wonderful park, the “Gateway” project is going to make an impact on our neighborhood, our community, and the city of Dallas.  We are very fortunate to live in a neighborhood that so many neighbors will come together to continue to make Bryan Place one of the best places to live in Dallas.  Thank you all for your support and “can do” attitude for Exall Park, and our neighborhood.

Work will be continuing as funds are available, and new partnerships come about on the gateway to the Arts District.  We want to make it a pedestrian friendly, safe, well lighted, and pleasing walkway under Central Expressway.  If you have not been by there, take a look, a close look!

Congratulations and thank you to all that gave of your time, money, sweat, and sore muscles.  The first phase of our “Gateway to the Arts” project is complete.  Everyone involved with their time, money, or prayers, should take great pride in what has been accomplished in our neighborhood, community, and city.

We had over 70 people between the two Saturdays in their Oriental Rug Cleaning “blue shirts” digging, planting, raking, shoveling, and offering words of encouragement.  It was best described as a sea of blue, creating a ribbon of green on Ross Ave. and Central.  The Friends of Exall Park served over 120 delicious hot dogs, Dan Warren provided some homemade brownies this last Saturday, and many of our neighbors got better acquainted.

The “Gateway” project had support from Downtown Dallas, One Arts Center, Fellowship Church, Jesuit Swim team, the many town home associations surrounding Bryan Place, and the Bryan Place Neighborhood Association.  We are fortunate to have such caring and pro active neighbors.  This attitude has always made Bryan Place and the surrounding areas a wonderful place to live.

This is a first and important step to take and build on.  As we continue to promote and seek donations, we hope the build out under Central on Ross Ave.  The goal is to have a safe, pedestrian friendly, well lighted, and beautiful walking & biking trail on Ross Ave. to connect with the Arts District.

Once again, thank you all so very much,
Wayne & David

The time has come to begin our landscaping project for the “Gateway to the Arts” project.  This important project would not be possible without you graciously giving of your money, the $10,000.00 from the Loving My Community grant, and the hard work of David Allen to leverage that $10,000.00 for another $10,000.00 from the Downtown Dallas Association.

We have two Saturdays for planting set, April 10th & April 17th.  Some have given money, and some have promised their time.  We NEED everyone’s time that could come help both Saturdays, or at least one Saturday.  We will begin by 9:00 A.M., the Friends of Exall Park will be serving their FAMOUS grilled hot dogs.  We hope to wrap up each Saturday by 1:00 P.M.  On the 10th, we will be planting on the south side, and on the 17th the north side.  Even if you cannot make it by 9:00 A.M., come when you can and bring a shovel or rake if you have one.  There is plenty of planting to do, and lots of delicious hot dogs.  We will also have free Dallas Arboretum admission tickets for volunteers.

Please let me know if you can help both Saturdays, or even one.  This will help us with the hot dog count, and job assignments.

THIS WILL HAPPEN,  RAIN OR SHINE!
Thank you all so much,
Wayne