Kessler Park Median Islands:
A Vision Taking Shape
Did you know we have 18 median islands, sometimes referred to as greenspaces or “pocket parks”, scattered throughout Kessler Park? These pocket parks, some small, some expansive, all uniquely shaped, form the green backbone of our neighborhood and are some of the most recognizable features of Kessler Park — pockets that soften our streets, frame our historic homes, and create a sense of place found nowhere else in Dallas.
While these greenspaces provide our neighborhood with unique character, they are also structurally unique — they are owned by the City of Dallas but require local efforts for upkeep. For decades, they have been maintained through volunteer efforts, KNU support, and limited City resources, but after years of limited input and attention, they need more than general upkeep.
Now, for the first time, KNU is undertaking a transformative, long‑term initiative to re-envision, redesign and relandscape every island in the neighborhood through a comprehensive, professionally designed master plan created specifically for Kessler Park — and generously donated by one of the nation’s leading landscape architects.
This master plan will ensure the long‑term care, beauty, and ecological function of our beloved greenspaces and create spaces that allow pedestrians to engage with the surroundings; lower ongoing maintenance and operational costs with local, drought-tolerant plantings and modern lighting systems; and provide a cohesive look and feel throughout Kessler Park.
A Neighborhood‑Led Vision for a More Beautiful and Cohesive Kessler Park
What the Redesigned Islands
Will Look Like
Each island has been individually studied and redesigned to reflect its size, shape, traffic context, and existing vegetation. The designs share a consistent palette of materials and plantings, creating a cohesive identity across the neighborhood while giving each island its own character.
Below are the completed renderings, showing how the medians will look once implemented.
A simple, low‑maintenance design that enhances a quiet residential street.
S. Canterbury Court
Groundcover, decomposed granite, limestone benches
A simple, low maintenance design that enhances a quiet residential street.
Clinton and Canterbury
Ground cover, decomposed granite, limestone benches, flowering trees, stepping stones
Reimagined patio and seating arrangements create an inviting space for neighbors to sit and chat or enjoy quiet time in nature.
Colorado Boulevard at Lausanne (Small, South of CO)
Groundcover, decomposed granite, new sidewalk, limestone benches, limestone traffic barriers
Reimagined patio and seating arrangements create an inviting space for neighbors to sit and chat or enjoy quiet time in nature.
Colorado Boulevard at Lausanne (Large, North of CO)
A new sidewalk improves walkability along busy Colorado Boulevard, while limestone elements define safe pedestrian zones.
Kessler Parkway at Colorado Boulevard
Groundcover, flowering shrubs, decomposed granite, limestone benches
This gateway island introduces the project’s signature elements: native groundcovers, seasonal color, durable limestone seating, and eye-catching patterns.
Kessler Parkway at N. Edgefield
Groundcover, lawn, decomposed granite, limestone benches, restored fountain
This design restores and visually exposes the fountain as a focal point, and creates a welcoming green space, additional seating, and visually interesting patterns along one of our major neighborhood corridors.
Montclair at Argonne
Groundcover, stepping stones, decomposed granite, limestone benches
Limestone benches in a 3x3 pattern create a playful, walkable path through the median.
Nob Hill at Kessler Canyon
Groundcover, decomposed granite, limestone benches, red yucca, lacebark elm
A new lacebark elm anchors the space, with red yucca adding sculptural interest.
Nob Hill Place
Groundcover, decomposed granite, limestone benches, Trident red maple
A striking red maple provides fall color and a strong focal point.
Evergreen Hills Road
A sculptural agave centerpiece gives this circular island a bold, modern identity.
Colorado Boulevard at Montclair
Groundcover, decomposed granite, limestone benches, crape myrtle
Crape myrtles add seasonal color and height to this prominent triangular island.
Kensington Lane
Groundcover, decomposed granite, limestone benches
These paired medians create a rhythm of shaded seating areas and low‑maintenance plantings along Kensington Lane.
Lausanne at Argonne
Groundcover, decomposed granite, limestone benches
A simple, elegant design that enhances a secluded intersection and provides seating for neighbors to gather.
Belleau at N. Edgefield
Decomposed granite, flagstone, limestone benches
Flagstone paths introduce a natural, handcrafted feel.
N. Windomere at Belleau
Groundcover, decomposed granite, limestone benches, ferns, flowering trees
A lush, layered planting palette brings softness and shade to this residential corner.
Olympia Drive
Ornamental grass, decomposed granite, limestone benches
A clean, circular design that emphasizes texture and simplicity.