An audit into Fair Park’s finances was triggered after a whistleblower voiced concerns last May about a lack of “appropriate controls” handled by the park’s operator, Oak View Group, Fair Park First CEO Brian Luallen told The Dallas Morning News on Thursday.

It is unclear what connection, if any, the individual had to Fair Park First or Oak View Group. Luallen declined to provide details about the whistleblower, citing a need to protect the individual.

The whistleblower alleged funds controlled by OVG, including restricted donor funds, had “commingled” and moved in ways that risked violating the contract, Luallen said during an editorial board meeting.

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He added that he couldn’t immediately verify allegations at the time as Fair Park First staff does not have access to account statements. OVG360, Oak View Group’s entertainment division, controls and manages all bank accounts, Luallen said.

“This was a serious concern,” Luallen said.

Luallen took the information to the nonprofit’s board and then-board chair Darren James. Earlier this year, Fair Park First took over the audit process from OVG.

Initial findings from the audit — which is likely to be released in August — revealed a possibility that donor funds may have been used for day-to-day operations like maintenance work. Donations often have stipulations...

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