Kiest is a 263.1 acre metropolitan park, established in 1930  through a generous donation by Edwin John Kiest, publisher of the Dallas Times Herald, in memory of his wife, Elizabeth Patterson Kiest. It stands as the largest city park in the Oak Cliff area and is recognized as a Lone Star Legacy Park by the Texas Recreation and Park Society, honoring its historical significance and community impact.

The park features an array of recreational opportunities including a 2.3 mile loop trail with fitness stations, basketball courts, full service tennis center, championship softball complex, soccer fields, an accessible playground, and more. 

Historic Features & Gardens

Designed by landscape architect Wynne B. Woodruff in 1934, the park features a 2.5-acre Memorial Garden, complete with a stone-lined rill and pergola, built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The garden has undergone restoration efforts by Friends of Oak Cliff Parks, including the rebuilding of the pergola in 2014 using original plans and $2 million in bond funds .

Public Art

Kiest Park holds cultural importance as the childhood home of legendary musicians Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughan. In 2021, a sculpture honoring the brothers was installed at the park, celebrating their contributions to music and their Oak Cliff roots.