Getting to Know Klyde Warren Park’s Myrna Schlegel, One of Stanley Korshak’s “Dallas Great 8”

This article is part of a promoted series and not produced by the editorial staff.

Beloved Dallas retailer Stanley Korshak recently launched its “Dallas Great 8” initiative, celebrating eight local nonprofits that make Dallas so incredible, as well as the volunteer leaders who ensure their lasting impact. We don’t envy the committee that had to narrow down that list. Dallas is full of outstanding organizations and leaders doing life-changing and lifesaving work. 

But, alas, decisions had to be made. The inaugural class of the Dallas Great 8 includes: Regina Bruce (Frontiers of Flight Museum), Mary Bowen Campbell (The Family Place), JoJo Fleiss (Texas Ballet Theater), Kim Hext (Dallas Symphony Orchestra), Frank Mihalopoulos (Austin Street Center), Myrna Schlegel (Klyde Warren Park), Tommy Stockton (Resource Center), and Louise Spence Griffeth (Equest).

In today’s spotlight, we’re going to learn more about one of Dallas’ most beloved leaders doing phenomenal work in our city while leading one of Dallas’ most philanthropic families: Myrna Schlegel, representing Klyde Warren Park.

Tell us about Klyde Warren Park and why it’s so special to you.

Watching [Klyde Warren] Park evolve from a bold vision into a world-renowned urban destination has been one of the great privileges of my life. 

Today, architects, city planners, and civic leaders from around the globe visit Dallas to experience firsthand the transformative impact of this extraordinary public space. The Park is a welcoming community gathering place that provides programs for more than two million visitors a year. I am deeply grateful to Jody and Sheila Grant, whose passion, leadership, and unwavering dedication have helped make Klyde Warren Park such a remarkable asset for our city.

Wow, that’s incredible! What is your involvement like with the Park throughout the year?

Currently, I serve on the Park’s Executive Board and Finance Committee. Alongside my family, I also had the privilege of chairing Party in the Park, a signature fundraising event that welcomed more than 1,000 guests under the stars while raising critical support for the park’s programs and future growth. I am thrilled that soon there will be more to love as the 1.7-acre expansion gets underway in the near future.

Such exciting news for the city of Dallas and beyond. We’re confident that expansion will serve even more visitors. Are you involved in anything else or other causes in Dallas?

A registered nurse by profession, I previously owned and operated nursing and retirement centers and wrote a weekly syndicated column, “On Aging.” As I continued to expand outside of my career, I have been fortunate to impact and serve organizations dedicated to strengthening communities, advancing education, and improving lives. 

I have cherished being a current member of YPO Gold and the CEO Organization. I have also served as Chairman of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, past President of AWARE, and also a member of the National Alzheimer’s Association Board. My community involvement has also included being a member of Crystal Charity Ball, the Baylor Foundation Board, The Family Place Foundation Board, along with many other organizations. 

As Chairman of the Schlegel Family Foundation, I remain committed to supporting meaningful philanthropic initiatives. I was honored to receive an Honorary Doctorate from Wilfrid Laurier University, and one of my greatest passions today is supporting future healthcare leaders through the Myrna D. Schlegel/AWARE Scholarship Fund, which provides assistance to graduate nurses pursuing advanced studies in gerontology and dementia care.

That’s quite the commitment! Do you have any hopes or dreams for the future, whether for yourself or the city of Dallas?

Alongside my husband Bob, I hope to pass along my passion for helping others to my four children and eight wonderful grandchildren.

Great organizations rely on great leaders, and Myrna Schlegel has been one for Klyde Warren Park since its early days. She always believed in the project, the mission, and the impact it could have. We have appreciated her business savvy, sophistication, and generosity of time, talent and treasure.    “There is only one Myrna. Her name is synonymous with style, grace, and brilliance. She has supported and represented the Park so beautifully for so many years. She is a leader others want to follow, and we are grateful for her every day,” said Calvert Collins-Bratton, President and CEO, Klyde Warren Park.

For ticket information for The Dallas Great 8 fashion show and luncheon on February 9, 2027, contact Chuck Steelman at chucks@mitchells.com .