History

The Friends of Oak Cliff Parks Garden Club (FOCP) was organized in 2002 

by David Klempin and Nola Rae Smith, with the support of John Jenkins, Regional Manager of the Dallas Parks and Recreation Department, for the purpose of restoring horticulture in and preserving the historic parks of Oak Cliff. These parks include Kiest Memorial Garden, Kiest Conservation Area, Lake Cliff Park, Founders' Park, Kidd Springs Park, and Lake Cliff Park.

FOCP is a grass roots organization and has been blessed with growth of volunteer membership, recognition by local and state organizations, significant grants and donations from individuals,

business, and foundations, and recognition by the Dallas City Council and Dallas Park Board. 

The Friends of Oak Cliff Parks provide numerous and varied opportunities for club members, including but not limited to: quarterly meetings, a diverse assortment of speakers, field trips, social interaction, opportunities to work on projects to restore and create gardens, and to provide educational community outreach programs. 

Quarterly meetings are at varying locations during the last week in March, June and September as determined by the board. The December meeting is the Holiday Social, generally near the end of the second week in December. 

The Friends of Oak Cliff Parks Garden Club is proud to be a member of both Texas Garden Clubs Inc. and National Garden Clubs Inc. 

We strive to reflect in our projects the objectives of both parent organizations.