Cedar Hill breaks ground on first Legacy Dog Park with community backing

Cedar Hill put shovels in the ground May 12 for its first ever dog park, turning a four-acre stretch into what city leaders say will be a real outlet for dogs that need to run, not just linger. The Legacy Dog Park groundbreaking was held at Trinity Church, 1231 E. Pleasant Run Rd., from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with city leaders, Trinity Church representatives, the Parks Board and Friends of the Tri-City Animal Shelter gathered around a project that has been years in the making.

The park’s design goes well beyond a patch of open grass. Cedar Hill said the site will include separate play areas for small and large dogs, shaded seating, pet-friendly landscaping and connected sidewalks. That matters for owners of high-energy dogs, because the layout is built for off-leash movement and easier circulation rather than passive park use. The city expects construction to wrap by the end of 2026.

Mayor Stephen Mason said the project was driven by demand from residents. “This dog park exists because our community asked for it,” Mason said. City staff have framed Legacy Dog Park as a response to a clear local need, and the city has called it Cedar Hill’s first dedicated dog park. For families, that means a new public space that can handle more than a quick walk around the block.

The site also reflects an unusual level of civic cooperation. Trinity Church leased the land to the city for one dollar, tying the project directly to a local faith and community partnership. A Feb. 10 City Council agenda had already pointed to the park’s name, listing Resolution No. R26-779 and saying Legacy Dog Park would honor the community contributions and legacy of Pastor Jim Hennesy. Trinity Church identifies Hennesy as its lead pastor, and the Hennesy Foundation says he helped form Transformation Vision Cedar Hill, a community-focused coalition.

City Manager Melissa Valadez also connected the park to the Tri-City Animal Shelter across the street, saying the location could raise visibility for shelter animals and help more pets find homes. The shelter is a shared facility for Cedar Hill, DeSoto and Duncanville, and Cedar Hill says impounded animals are taken there. Friends of the Tri-City Animal Shelter has also subsidized surgery for more than 6,000 adopted dogs and cats through its pre-adoption spay and neuter program.

By the time Legacy Dog Park opens, Cedar Hill will have something it has never had before: a purpose-built space where a dog can arrive keyed up, burn energy safely and leave tired, while the people holding the leash finally have a place designed for both of them.