22 Sep TONY MOORE | EXECUTIVE SPOTLIGHT

EXECUTIVE IMPACT: HAROLD SIMMONS PARK SPOTLIGHT

BUILDING URBAN GREEN SPACES, TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES, AND INSPIRING GENERATIONS

At Liftoff Enterprises, we believe in elevating leaders who aren’t just shaping projects — they’re shaping the future of cities. This Executive Spotlight highlights someone bringing that vision to life in Dallas: Tony Moore, Chief Executive Officer of Trinity Park Conservancy, leading the development of Harold Simmons Park.

HAROLD SIMMONS PARK: CREATING SPACE FOR NATURE AND COMMUNITY

Trinity Park Conservancy isn’t your typical nonprofit. Founded in 2004, the organization has been dedicated to recreational, economic, and environmental development along the Trinity River corridor. Its most ambitious project to date is Harold Simmons Park, a world-class urban park designed for all communities of Dallas.

The park will add to the city’s already rich cultural landscape by combining nature, play, and innovation in one transformative green space.

“We want Harold Simmons Park to enhance the live, work, and play experience for Dallas,” Tony explains. “It’s placemaking that will have generational impact.”

TONY MOORE’S MISSION AT TRINITY PARK CONSERVANCY

Tony brings over 30 years of experience leading attractions such as Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and ZooTampa. Most recently, he oversaw Tulsa’s acclaimed Gathering Place Riverfront Park.

Now in Dallas, Tony sees Harold Simmons Park as the next great opportunity to inspire, connect, and improve lives.

“The chance to be part of another transformational park is what I call once-in-a-lifetime,” he says. “This project is about creating a legacy for the citizens of Dallas.”

WHO HAROLD SIMMONS PARK SERVES

The park has been designed to serve a broad and diverse community:

• Families seeking nature, play, and quality time together

• Residents looking for wellness, connection, and recreation

• A city ready to embrace green space as a driver of mental health and quality of life

Parks like Harold Simmons Park are more than amenities; they are critical urban infrastructure. With nature preserves, playgrounds, gardens, and gathering spaces, the park will build and maintain health, connection, and belonging.

HAROLD SIMMONS PARK MILESTONE LED BY TONY MOORE

For decades, Harold Simmons Park — historically known as the Trinity River Floodway Park — existed only as an idea.

On April 8, 2024, that changed. The Conservancy officially broke ground on the 22-acre West Overlook site, the first section of the park to open.

“This project has been hoped for and discussed for over 30 years,” Tony says. “Breaking ground means the dream is finally becoming reality.”

INNOVATION THAT CONNECTS

While Harold Simmons Park is rooted in nature, technology plays a vital role in its design and experience.

• Seamless wayfinding and navigation tools

• Programming integration for events and activities

• Opportunities for visitors to share and connect digitally

• Design innovation by landscape architects Michael Van Valkenburgh and Associates

“Our goal,” Tony explains, “is to let technology enhance the park without taking away from the natural experience.”

LEADING WITH THE END-USER IN MIND

A guiding mantra for Tony is simple: never lose sight of your end-user.

“Projects like this can get bogged down in funding, logistics, and compromises,” he says. “But if the end result doesn’t inspire the people it’s built for, then we’ve missed the mark.”

This people-first leadership ensures Harold Simmons Park will be relevant, repeatable, and impactful for generations.

THE POWER OF COLLABORATION AND TRUST

Harold Simmons Park is a $325 million public–private partnership — one of the most ambitious park projects in the country.

It is made possible through collaboration between private donors, the City of Dallas, and the community.

“Great cities are enhanced by great parks,” Tony says. “It takes everyone — government, donors, and residents — working together to make this possible.”

A HIDDEN GEM: THE TRINITY RIVER

While Harold Simmons Park will feature playgrounds, splash pads, gardens, and ferries, Tony points to the Trinity River itself as the park’s most powerful secret.

“The Trinity River flows through the heart of Dallas, and it flows through the heart of this park,” he says. “Helping people embrace and take ownership of this natural treasure will be one of our biggest goals.”

Tony’s Advice to Other Business Leaders

“Make sure growth is strategic, not impulsive,” Tony advises. “Timing is everything. Too many organizations expand too quickly without the data to back it up. Real growth is about balance, research, and readiness.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT HAROLD SIMMONS PARK

Construction is now underway, with the first phase set to open in three to four years.

To follow the journey and learn more, visit: www.haroldsimmonspark.org
Stay connected by following Harold Simmons Park on social media for updates.

Permission granted by Tony Moore to feature all quotes, names, company, and offerings across Liftoff Enterprises platforms.