Harold Simmons, Dallas Philanthropist, Park Reaches Significant Milestone!

“Harold Simmons has done innumerable acts of kindness for our city; this park is one more testament to a lifetime of generosity.”
– Mayor Eric Johnson

As Harold Simmons Park advances toward groundbreaking, we are grateful for the generosity of his family toward this visionary project. Harold Simmons’ story of success from humble beginnings exemplifies the opportunities that his namesake Park will create for Dallas.

Harold Simmons was a leading Dallas philanthropist, through personal giving with his wife Annette as well as through the Foundation which bears his name. Organizations benefited by Mr. Simmons and his foundation include the Crystal Charity Ball, Dallas Opera, Dallas Zoo, George W. Bush Presidential Library, Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, Parkland Memorial Hospital, Southern Methodist University, Texas Women’s Foundation, UCLA Medical Center, the University of Texas, and UT Southwestern Medical Center. Mr. Simmons’ legacy is one of transformational change in medical research, education, human services, and beyond.

In naming Dallas’ largest riverfront park for her late husband, Annette Simmons said: “My husband Harold was a visionary, a humanitarian and a nature lover.” said Annette Simmons. “He was committed to investing in Dallas and its citizens. This gift will begin the creation of a great public space in our city that will be a place to gather, to enjoy nature and promote health and well-being. I cannot think of a more lasting and meaningful way to honor Harold’s memory and legacy.”

Mrs. Simmons’ commitment of $50 million is the largest single private donation to a public-private partnership in Dallas’ history. The park was named for Harold Simmons by approval of Dallas City Council in 2017.