NorthPark Center’s annual pumpkin patch returns Oct. 1, transforming CenterPark into a whimsical fall display while raising money to help children and families across Dallas County. Crews are putting the finishing touches on the elaborate display, turning plans on paper into a space filled with pumpkins and plenty of opportunities for fall photos. “It really is a magical place to be each fall,” said Joanna Clarke, President/CEO of Community Partner of Dallas. But the pumpkin patch is more than a photo backdrop. “So all of the change collected in our fountains both inside NorthPark and here at the wishing well in the patch will be donated to Community Partners of Dallas,” said Shelby Foster, NorthPark Center Director of Communications. “It’s called Change is Good; it’s all about kids helping kids,” Clarke said. The donations help Community Partners of Dallas provide basic resources to families in need. “54 percent of our client population earns less than 14k a year, so poverty is a major factor in the equation, and we are proud that we can come in and provide very basic resources that can be transformative in keeping families housed and keeping families together,” Clarke said. That means families visiting the pumpkin patch to make memories can also help change lives through their donations. “Being charitable and donating and caring for others is something that we really value, so I think even if he’s young, it’s good to start implementing that,” a parent said. “We believe that every child in Dallas County deserves to be safe and deserves to feel loved,” Clarke said. For some families, an annual trip to the pumpkin patch could become a tradition. “Hopefully, if we keep coming every year, it will be something he gets to look forward to every year,” a parent said. New this year, NorthPark Center will host “Fridays in the Patch,” with activities including live music, food and drinks from Eataly, and movies. The NorthPark pumpkin patch opens Oct. 1 in Dallas. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication. ...read more read less