In 10 years, The Loop Dallas has gone from an idea to an award-winning project that will be a legacy asset and amenity for Dallas. I am thrilled to announce that The Loop Dallas was honored with the prestigious Community Impact Award in the Dallas Business Journal 2024 Best Real Estate Deals, nonprofit category. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and vision of everyone involved.
I started down this path in 2015, after receiving a call from Linda McMahon, who was then president of The Real Estate Council (TREC). She knew I was a cyclist and an outdoors guy, and one of the projects TREC was looking to support with a large impact grant was the idea of enhancing our Dallas trail system. I accepted the offer to advocate for Dallas trails and it has changed my life in so many positive ways ever since.
As a bike rider, I had the experience of going a few miles on a Dallas trail, loving it and then quickly experiencing a dead end. I knew we could have a phenomenal trail system if we could get the trails connected, and I give credit to Jeff Ellerman for looking at the overall map and seeing the potential for a connected, 50-mile loop that could only be realized with a public-private partnership.
I’m honored to work alongside this entire team and to serve as The Loop Dallas Board of Directors President.
The Dallas Business Journal Best Real Estate Deals recognizes the top projects, transactions, and industry executives in Dallas, making this accolade particularly meaningful. Winning the Community Impact Award reaffirms our commitment to making a positive difference in our community and better connecting Dallas to Dallas.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Dallas Business Journal for hosting such an incredible event and for acknowledging our efforts with this esteemed award. It was an honor to be among the finalists and to celebrate alongside other deserving organizations, including Viola’s House of Dallas building purchase and South Dallas Cloud Kitchen.
At the awards ceremony, Board Member Mike Terry, Executive Director Philip Hiatt Haigh, and I had the privilege of representing The Loop Dallas, accepting the award, and congratulating all the finalists. Their leadership and dedication have been instrumental in achieving this recognition, and we are immensely proud of their contributions.
This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of our community, volunteers, partners, and donors. Your commitment to our mission of fostering connectivity and making a meaningful impact in Dallas has been deeply appreciated and inspiring.
The celebration continues! We are also thrilled to announce that our Executive Director, Philip Hiatt Haigh, has been selected as a Dallas Business Journal 40 under 40 honoree. This esteemed recognition highlights Philip’s exceptional leadership and dedication to driving positive change in our community. Philip’s passion and commitment to our mission have been instrumental in advancing The Loop Dallas’s impact, and we are incredibly proud to see him honored among Dallas’s brightest young leaders.
As we reflect on these milestones, we are energized and motivated to continue our efforts to create a more vibrant, connected, and inclusive city for all.
Once again, thank you to the Dallas Business Journal and everyone who has been a part of our journey. Your support fuels our passion and strengthens our resolve to drive positive change in our community.
See you on the trails!
Rick Perdue
The Loop Dallas
