Party in the Park 2024: Staubach Family chairs signature Klyde Warren Park event

Interview by Jennie Trejo. Photos provided by Klyde Warren Park.

Party in the Park celebrates the transformative impact of Klyde Warren Park on Dallas. Nestled in the heart of the city, the park bridges downtown and uptown, offering stunning 360-degree views of the skyline. Since its opening, it has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. Last year’s event gathered nearly 1,000 philanthropists, corporate leaders, and public officials, raising $1 million for park upkeep and community programs. This year’s celebration on October 10, presented by Republic National Distributing Company, promises a memorable evening with Honorary Chair Lyda Hill, and event chairs Jennifer and John Gates, Michelle and John Grimes, Amy and Jamie Mentgen, Stephanie and Todd Phillips, and Jenny and Jeff Staubach.

Managed by the Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation, the 5.4-acre park relies on contributions from donors to offer more than 1,300 free and diverse programs. Fundraising events such as Party in the Park are crucial to the nonprofit’s ability to serve the public daily. Guests will enjoy Hall wine, décor by Todd Events, a performance by Elvis tribute artist Kraig Parker, and dancing under the stars to ’90s country tribute band Straight Tequila Night. We spoke with Jennifer and John Gates about their family’s connection to the park and what inspired them to lead this year’s celebration.

What inspired your family to chair this year’s Party in the Park, and what makes this event particularly special for you?

We’ve been supporters of Klyde Warren Park and attended this event for several years. We recognize what a real gem the Park is for the city of Dallas.

Our family does a lot together socially, but we really haven’t done anything together philanthropically in a while. This was one cause that we could unite around because of the importance it has for Dallas. All five of us flew the nest and then came back here to raise our kids. We are really committed to making it a great city. And Klyde Warren Park is a great example of the “can do” spirit of Dallas. It is even being copied by cities around the country.

Klyde Warren Park has transformed Dallas in many ways since it opened. What do you feel has been its most significant impact on the community?

In addition to bringing everyone together on a daily basis all year long, what Klyde Warren Park has done for street level activity and the value of commercial property in the neighborhood has been transformative. The increased walkability from one’s apartment to their office or to a restaurant is game-changing. And every single one of those commercial assets surrounding the Park is worth more because of it. They are more appealing and in higher demand. And now seeing what’s been done with new downtown parks, the real catalyst for all of that was Klyde Warren. It’s been a fabulous success.

As longtime supporters of the park, how does your family personally enjoy the space, and what makes it meaningful for you?

Between the five Staubach siblings, we have for 15 grandchildren (12 girls and three boys), and John and I have four grandchildren plus one on the way. We take our four grandkids to the Park whenever we can. They love the fountains, playing with other kids, eating at the food trucks—really everything about it. It is a great place for families to gather, and the Park offers endless free activities to keep everyone busy.

What can attendees expect from this year’s event, especially with the exciting entertainment and unique details planned?

We expect close to a thousand guests to attend Party in the Park. First, there will be a cocktail reception over by the Nancy Best Fountain with an Elvis Presley tribute artist performing songs in front of the fountain and choreographed to the fountain’s dancing water. Then we will walk across Olive Street to a beautiful, seated dinner on the lawn. Finally, wrapping up the night is a performance by the ‘90s country band Straight Tequila Night. The whole time, we will be outside under the stars, surrounded by the beautiful uptown and downtown Dallas skylines.

Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of Klyde Warren Park and its role in bringing the community together?

Klyde Warren Park is truly becoming one of the most iconic places in Dallas. I know the Park is focusing on providing even more activities for the community to come together and enjoy. It already hosts the city’s official Independence Day fireworks show, puts on a huge trick-or-treating party and lights The Mayor’s Christmas Tree every December. With its expansion on the horizon, there could even be an outdoor ice-skating rink in the winter. It truly is perfect for families to visit year-round.

To learn more about getting involved with Klyde Warren Park or to purchase tickets for Party in the Park, visit their website here.

Party in the Park 2024: Staubach Family chairs signature Klyde Warren Park event

What inspired your family to chair this year’s Party in the Park, and what makes this event particularly special for you?

Klyde Warren Park has transformed Dallas in many ways since it opened. What do you feel has been its most significant impact on the community?

As longtime supporters of the park, how does your family personally enjoy the space, and what makes it meaningful for you?

What can attendees expect from this year’s event, especially with the exciting entertainment and unique details planned?

Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of Klyde Warren Park and its role in bringing the community together?

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