Volunteers joined city leaders and organizers on April 11 to improve green space in one of Dallas’ busiest parks ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Dallas marked another step in its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday, April 11, as volunteers gathered at Churchill Park to plant 50 new trees in a community effort focused on sustainability and neighborhood improvement.

The tree-planting event brought together local families, college students, children, city officials, and community groups. The initiative was organized by the City of Dallas, the Dallas Park and Recreation Department, and the North Texas World Cup Organizing Committee.

Community Event Supports Greener World Cup Hosting

Organizers said the project is part of a wider effort to help Dallas welcome World Cup visitors while also investing in long-term environmental improvements.

Churchill Park, a longtime neighborhood destination since 1959, was selected for the planting as a way to strengthen one of the city’s most heavily used public spaces.

Dallas City Council Member Bill Roth described the park as one of the most popular community locations in the city and said the additions would help improve a place that residents already value.

Volunteers of All Ages Join the Tree-Planting Effort

Throughout the event, instructors showed volunteers how to plant the trees properly as participants worked side by side across the park.

Kemi Okeowo, one of the volunteers, said the project represented a direct way for residents to contribute to the city’s beauty and future. Children also took part in the event. Okeowo’s three-year-old daughter, Oyin, said she had planted a tree before at school. Volunteer Janiah Cooper said the effort reflected a practical balance between preparing Dallas for a major international event and keeping the city attractive and livable for residents and visitors alike.

Cooper attended with sorority sisters from Alpha Kappa Alpha, who joined the project as part of their service efforts. Another volunteer, Megan Manning, said the group welcomed the chance to spend time outdoors while supporting environmental beautification, which aligns with one of their program initiatives.

Sustainability Remains a Key Theme for Dallas 2026

Event leaders said the planting was designed to do more than improve the appearance of the park.

Monica Paul, president of the North Texas World Cup Organizing Committee, said host city planning includes finding environmentally responsible ways to manage large-scale events. She noted that tree planting can help offset some of the carbon emissions associated with hosting major gatherings. That message also resonated with parents who brought their children to the event.

Mar Rivero and Fernando Villanueva said they attended to teach their kids about caring for the environment, learning how to plant, and taking better care of the world around them. Rivero added that civic pride and environmental responsibility should remain important whether or not the city is hosting a major event.

World Cup Excitement Builds in Dallas

For many participants, the event also reflected the excitement surrounding Dallas’ role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Volunteer Andrew Dockrill, who attended with his toddler, Parker, said the tournament will give the city an opportunity to connect with people from around the world and experience different cultures through sport.

As Dallas continues preparing for one of the world’s biggest sporting events, Saturday’s tree planting offered a small but visible example of how civic engagement and sustainability are becoming part of the city’s World Cup plans.