The Dallas Park and Recreation Department has joined the Certified Green Business list, with eight of its facilities qualifying under the Dallas Green Business Certification Program. The Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability announced the recognition, noting that one facility achieved platinum level certification while seven achieved gold level status. All eight facilities earned perfect scores in the waste and leadership categories.
Bachman Recreation Center performed the highest and earned platinum status. In 2021, the center underwent significant renovations that included upgrades to conserve water and electricity. During the construction phase, efforts were made to reuse materials and preserve historic features. A rooftop solar array was installed at Bachman, which will be part of a pilot project using battery storage for the energy generated by the array.
The other seven facilities to receive gold certification are Fretz Park, Kiest Recreation Center, Park in the Woods Recreation Center, Pleasant Oaks Recreation Center, Samuell Farms, Singing Hills Recreation Center, and Willie B. Johnson Recreation Center. Fretz Park, Pleasant Oaks, and Willie B. Johnson Recreation Centers have rooftop solar arrays that generate renewable electricity to support powering the buildings and reduce total energy usage.
