The Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability is proud to partner with the Dallas Park and Recreation Department and recognize their efforts to join the Certified Green Business list.
Under the Dallas Green Business Certification Program, Dallas Park and Recreation Department qualified eight of its facilities with one achieving platinum level and seven achieving gold. Additionally, each facility earned perfect scores in the waste and leadership categories. This impressive accomplishment demonstrates the City’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure and strengthening community assets.
| Name | Certification |
| Bachman Recreation Center * | Platinum |
| Fretz Recreation Center* | Gold |
| Kiest Recreation Center | Gold |
| Park in the Woods Recreation Center | Gold |
| Pleasant Oaks Recreation Center* | Gold |
| Samuell (East) Farms | Gold |
| Singing Hills Recreation Center | Gold |
| Willie B. Johnson Recreation Center* | Gold |
* Denotes facilities with rooftop solar arrays
Among the eight facilities, Bachman Recreation Center performed the highest and earned platinum status. In 2021, Bachman underwent significant renovations that included incorporating upgrades to conserve water and electricity. Efforts were also made to reuse materials and preserve historic features during the construction phase of the renovation.
Fretz Recreation Center, Pleasant Oaks, and Willie B. Johnson Recreation Centers have rooftop solar arrays that generate clean, renewable electricity that support powering the buildings and reduce the total energy usage. A rooftop solar array was also installed at Bachman, and it will be part of a pilot project using battery storage for energy generated by the solar array.
Singing Hills Recreation Center is another notable facility. Located in south Dallas, Singing Hills is surrounded by tall trees and wildscapes with Texas native vegetation. To protect the area’s natural resources, the site was carefully designed to increase energy efficiency and water conservation and to minimize pollution. This includes special considerations to landscaping, such as stormwater and erosion control measures that reduce pollution and increase water savings through drip irrigation. The building’s shape and the materials used were carefully chosen to lower electricity use, improve indoor air quality, and minimize waste. Visitors can also take advantage of the train station next door, helping to further reduce air pollution.
These facilities represent just a few examples of the thoughtful planning and sustainability efforts that guide the Dallas Park and Recreation Department’s work. Whether you enjoy exploring the prairie habitat at Samuell (East) Farm, walking the trails at Kiest Park, or attending an event at Park in the Woods, every location provides something for everyone.
To find a Certified Green Business or to visit a local recreation center near you, please visit https://dallasparks.org/.
More about the Dallas Green Business Certification Program
The Dallas Green Business Certification Program re-launched in August 2025. The purpose of this program is to highlight local businesses that prioritize sustainable practices and make conscious decisions to protect and restore our natural environment. These green actions also have the potential to extend the reliability and longevity of a business by saving money and giving back to the community in ways that will last for generations. Any business located within Dallas city limits is encouraged to join. The application is free, and businesses can apply at any time. For more information, visit our website at dallas.gov/greenbusiness.