Dallas once had a real plan to become a port city, with boats traveling from the Gulf of Mexico all the way up the Trinity River into the heart of Dallas. In this episode, we trace the strange and ambitious history of the “Port of Dallas” and how Oak Cliff sat directly in the path of that dream. From devastating floods and disappearing bridges to the construction of the Oak Cliff Viaduct and the reshaping of the Trinity itself, this is the story of how Dallas tried to engineer its way into becoming something it wasn’t and how Oak Cliff still carries the marks of that vision today.

Two years after her first appearance on The Hidden City Podcast, April Allen returns as Halperin Park prepares to officially open in Oak Cliff this weekend. Recorded inside the park just days before opening, this episode captures a full-circle moment for one of Dallas’ most ambitious community-led projects.

April, President & CEO of the Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation, shares what it took to bring the park from early renderings to reality, the emotional weight of reaching opening weekend, and how neighbors helped shape nearly every detail of the space. From the 12th Street Promenade reconnecting divided neighborhoods to the native landscaping, gathering spaces, and future plans for Phase Two, this conversation explores how Halperin Park was designed with Oak Cliff at its center. We also talk about opening weekend festivities, local partnerships, and why April believes this park will change how people experience both Oak Cliff and Dallas itself. This episode features sneak peeks of the new park, aerial footage, and an early look at one of Dallas’ most significant new public spaces.

Senior City Planner and longtime Oak Cliff resident Don Raines Jr. joins the Hidden City to talk about the roots and rhythms that shaped Dallas’s most distinctive neighborhood. From the Caddo Nation’s influence and Oak Cliff’s “Brooklyn of the Southwest” beginnings to the flood that forged its independent spirit and the community’s reluctant annexation into Dallas, Don traces how character, creativity, and geography continue to define this side of the river. We talk about the Trinity River, the rebirth of Bishop Arts, and what’s next for Elmwood and the streetcar line as Dallas looks to its future.

John Slate has been Dallas’ city archivist for over two decades—but his love of history goes deeper than dusty documents. In this episode, John joins us to share stories that span from the JFK assassination files to forgotten WPA plans that saved a historic Oak Cliff pavilion. We talk about the origins of Lake Cliff Park, bootlegging archivists, dry neighborhoods, artisanal wells, and why Bonnie & Clyde’s roots in West Dallas still fascinate him today. Whether it’s helping city departments avoid reinventing the wheel or leading the charge to make historic archives accessible online, John proves history is alive and well—if you know where to look.

Gabriel grew up in Elmwood and never really left Oak Cliff - today he’s helping shape its future as Assistant Vice President of Vendor Management at DART. In this episode, Gabriel shares how a summer internship turned into a 24-year career advocating for small, minority, and women-owned businesses within one of the nation’s largest transit agencies. We talk about the cultural challenges of building public transit in a car-loving state, what’s next for DART’s growth, and how local voices can shape the system. Plus, Gabriel tells us the real reason the Dallas Cowboys' AT&T Stadium landed in Arlington - and what DART had to do with it.

In this special bonus episode, we're sharing the full audio from the Dallas District 1 City Council candidate forum between incumbent Chad West and challenger Katrina Whatley. Hosted in partnership with Heritage Oak Cliff, Wax Space, and the Dallas Observer, this community forum dives into pressing local issues—from affordable housing and development to public safety, neighborhood preservation, and short-term rentals.

Whether you're still undecided or just looking to hear directly from the candidates, we hope this conversation helps inform your vote. Early voting begins April 22nd, and Election Day is May 3rd. Make your voice heard—vote!

Chad West didn’t grow up in Dallas, but Oak Cliff is where he found his community—and where he’s been working ever since to serve it. In this episode, we talk with the District 1 City Council Member about his path from Southern Illinois farm kid to Oak Cliff homeowner, small business owner, and public servant. Chad shares how he ended up in city politics, what he’s learned about housing, zoning, and walkability, and why the real work of change starts at the neighborhood level.