Although heavily used by its community in southwest Dallas, Martin Weiss Park did not fully utilize the opportunities of its rolling site along Coombs Creek in SW Dallas. DSGN Associates replanned the park to take better advantage of these natural amenities, and to provide additional amenities.

The primary feature of DSGN’s work is a new picnic pavilion, designed to create a shaded courtyard adjacent to the existing pool house for events. The pavilion establishes a strong edge toward the courtyard with a simple brick wall, balanced by a light steel structure and roof that gradually open up to an adjacent lawn.

The new park plan provided for a new playground on the east side of the creek adjacent to other active features of the park, including enhanced tennis courts and the baseball diamond. Parents can now use those facilities while their children play nearby and, in addition, stone walls around the playground provide additional separation from the creek and parking.

Weathered-steel bridges and a walking loop connect all portions of the park, both new and existing. Regional and recycled materials were used for sustainability throughout, and to blend well with park surroundings and the existing recreation center.