Greetings!

What began as an ambitious joint initiative between the Turtle Creek Association (TCA), Turtle Creek Conservancy (TCC), and the City of Dallas has become a true neighborhood triumph. Six bridges under TCA’s care—each with its own history, character, and unique craftsmanship—have now been restored, shining, and ready for the next hundred years of service.

And yes, we finished ahead of schedule and under our contingency budget. When’s the last time you heard that about a construction project?



Here’s a look back at what we accomplished—one bridge at a time.

Stonebridge Drive Bridge (circa 1936)

Built as the grand gateway to the 1926 Turtle Creek Park Subdivision, the Stonebridge Drive Bridge once graced newspaper ads promising “heavily timbered hills and fine residential conceptions.” Nearly a century later, it still welcomes residents with timeless charm—though it needed a good deal of pampering.

We repaired and restored its ornate lamp posts, patched rust holes, repaired concrete, replaced mismatched globes with elegant Acorn-style lights, and added warm LED bulbs for that perfect “historic glow.” The result? A bridge that’s positively radiant—call it a facelift with architectural integrity.

Blackburn Street Bridge (circa 1930)

Remember when we said Blackburn Bridge was “showing its smile, just missing a couple of front teeth”? Well, she’s been to the dentist! Three new balusters were crafted and installed, eco-blasting cleaned years of grime off the surface, and now she's flashing a full, confident grin.

To top it off, we restored electricity and refurbished the lamp posts, so Blackburn now shines brightly both day and night. We also cleared brush and raised the tree canopies to let her beauty take center stage. She’s officially the bridge equivalent of a full spa day and a brand-new pair of shoes.

Lemmon Avenue Bridges (circa 1930 & 1963)

The eastbound and westbound Lemmon Avenue bridges are now cleaner, brighter, and greener—literally. With fresh beige walls, calming green retaining walls, new vertical fencing to prevent encampments, and a graffiti-free makeover, these crossings have been transformed into handsome gateways that showcase the beauty of Turtle Creek. A new fence, new faces (well, new walls!)—Lemmon Avenue bridges are turning heads.



Fun fact: Lemmon Avenue was once one of Dallas’ first paved streets. Today, it’s one of our first restored success stories.

Fairmount Street Bridge (circa 1918)

Fairmount’s transformation is nothing short of a comeback. Once overshadowed by encampments, drug paraphernalia, and graffiti, the bridge is now a safe, clean, and inviting stretch of the Turtle Creek Leisure Trail. Working hand-in-hand with the City of Dallas, we cleared brush, added rip-rap stone, installed lighting, and restored this area’s dignity—turning it into a space the community can truly enjoy.

Thirteen balusters were too damaged to save, so we crafted molds to replicate them perfectly. It’s equal parts construction and magic—history preserved one baluster at a time.

Maple Avenue Bridge (circa 1919)

Ah, the bridge that taught us the fine art of “dirty sand.” When new balusters didn’t quite match the old, our team mixed up a little historic wizardry—blending color, texture, and technique until everything looked seamlessly aged (and fabulous).

Concrete repairs, eco-blasting, precision staining and painting brought Maple Avenue Bridge back to life. She’s proof that a little creativity and a lot of care can make new concrete look like it’s been part of the neighborhood forever.

A Job Well Done

With restoration work now completed on all six bridges under TCA’s care, we pause to reflect on the scope and significance of this extraordinary partnership.

From crumbling balusters to restored lamp posts, from graffiti to glowing lights, every detail reflects our community’s shared commitment to beauty, safety, and historic preservation.

Our sincere gratitude goes to the City of Dallas, whose partnership was instrumental throughout this process. Their support in expediting permits, coordinating traffic control, and addressing countless technical details helped us avoid delays and manage costs—ensuring the success of this complex initiative.

These bridges are enduring symbols of collaboration, and community pride. They have witnessed more than a century of Dallas history, and thanks to this shared effort, they will continue to stand strong for generations.

Men at Work...

Fun fact: Did you know that four bridges — both Lemmon Avenue bridges and the Fairmount Street and Maple Avenue bridges — were painted entirely by hand? Yep, no sprayers allowed! To avoid any chance of overspray, both the primer and the paint were carefully rolled on by hand using high-quality Benjamin Moore paint. It was truly a labor of love — and quite the arm workout for the crew!

Passing the Baton

With the restoration of these six historic bridges complete, the Turtle Creek Association now proudly hands the baton to our partners at the Turtle Creek Conservancy (TCC) to continue the work on the Bowen and Hall Street Bridges.

We have shared the insights gained from working with these remarkable structures and look forward to seeing the lights on the Bowen Street Bridge—dim for decades—shine once again, and the graffiti-covered walls of Hall Street restored to their original beauty.

By year’s end, this ambitious, years-long effort to restore the historic bridges of Turtle Creek will reach its remarkable conclusion—ready for its well-deserved close-up.

A Heartfelt Thank You

None of this incredible work would have been possible without the generosity and vision of our founding supporters. We extend our deepest gratitude to Pat Kozak, Lyda Hill Philanthropies, The Beasley Foundation, Ann Stuart, Anne & Kyle Crews, Elyce & David Walthall, Dr. Thomas McConnell, and Kathleen & Frank Lauinger.



In addition, we want to recognize all the individuals who contributed to this effort—every donation, large or small, made a meaningful difference in achieving this remarkable accomplishment.

Your belief in the power of preservation and civic partnership has helped bring these historic bridges back to life, ensuring that Turtle Creek remains a cherished part of Dallas.

Warm regards,

President|CEO

Turtle Creek Association

We are thrilled to announce that the 2025 Turtle Creek Association Gala is officially SOLD OUT! Thanks to the incredible support of our members, sponsors, and friends, this year’s event promises to be one of our most successful yet.

But don’t worry—there’s still another wonderful way to experience the beauty and charm of Turtle Creek! Tickets are still available for the 2025 Tour of Homes, taking place on Sunday, October 19th. This beloved tradition offers guests a rare opportunity to step inside some of the area’s most stunning private residences, each reflecting the unique character and timeless appeal of our neighborhood.

Whether you’re a design enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply enjoy a good peek behind the gates, the Home Tour is an event you won’t want to miss.

If you’re unable to attend either of these special events, please consider making an honorary donation in support of Turtle Creek Association. Every contribution—large or small—helps us continue our mission to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural beauty and historic integrity of the Turtle Creek Corridor.

Your participation and generosity make all the difference. We can’t wait to celebrate this exciting season with you—on the tour or in spirit!

A heartfelt thank you to our 2025 Gala and Home Tour sponsors!

🌟 Your generosity makes these signature events possible and ensures Turtle Creek continues to shine as one of Dallas’ most treasured neighborhoods. We are deeply grateful for your support and partnership.

While we love celebrating the arrival of fall along Turtle Creek, this year’s lingering heat has other plans. With temperatures still hovering in the upper 80s and low 90s we’ve made the decision not to install our traditional pumpkin displays this season.

Unfortunately, the extreme heat causes pumpkins to rot within days, making the display both short-lived and costly. Combined with last year’s high “pumpkin disappearance” rate, we felt it was best to pause the tradition this year.

But don’t worry—we're planning something new and special for the holiday season! This year we hope to create a display that will inspire from our newly restored bridges, bringing even more beauty to Turtle Creek as we head into the holidays.

We look forward to bringing back our signature fall decorations next year when cooler temperatures return and our pumpkins can once again thrive along the creek.

There has been a noticeable uptick in encampments throughout Katy Trail, Uptown, and the Turtle Creek corridor. This is a direct result of the City of Dallas’s Street-to-Home initiative, launched this past May to clear downtown encampments. Unfortunately, while the effort has successfully placed approximately 257 individuals into homes, it has also displaced many others into nearby neighborhoods.

Turtle Creek Association continues to work hand-in-hand with city officials to monitor the area and promptly address any new sites that appear within the corridor. Currently, we have one active site located on the upstream side of the Cedar Springs bridge. This site (photo inset) has been cleared twice within the past 10 days. During one visit, a TCA staff member observed a campfire burning on a 90-degree day — the Dallas Fire Department was immediately notified and responded quickly to extinguish the fire. Given the lack of rainfall and extremely dry vegetation, this campfire created a serious safety concern.

The TCA office has also received several inquiries about individuals sitting on park benches during the day. We want to clarify that this is not an illegal activity. What is illegal is setting up camp sites on city property. If you notice an encampment, we encourage you to report it through Dallas 311. It’s quick and easy, and the city will follow up to advise on the course of action taken.

TCA will continue to closely monitor the area and coordinate with city partners to ensure public safety and protect the integrity of the creek and surrounding parkland.

The Bridges of Turtle Creek are looking better than ever but keeping them that way takes teamwork—and quick action. Just as we were putting this update together, we learned the freshly painted Lemmon Avenue Bridge had been tagged with graffiti. While frustrating, it’s something we anticipated and are ready to handle.

Here’s how TCA will keep the bridges clean:

• Painted areas: We’ve saved leftover restoration paint and the color formula, so we can cover graffiti within 72 hours, just like our Beautification Agreement with the City of Dallas requires.
• Eco-blasted concrete areas: E&J Eco-Blasting will safely remove any markings without harming the finish.
• Ongoing care: Each bridge will be power washed at least once a year to keep them sparkling.

Restoration is just the first step—keeping the bridges beautiful is an ongoing effort, and TCA is committed to making sure these historic landmarks stay a source of pride for the neighborhood.

On October 1st, approximately 40 guests gathered at 3525 for a Turtle Creek Association membership drive hosted by Mary Anna and David Dennard. The evening offered members and potential new supporters an opportunity to learn more about the ongoing work TCA is doing to enhance and protect the Turtle Creek corridor.

A highlight of the night came when TCA board member Wayne Smith surprised the crowd with a $5,000 matching challenge, inspiring generous giving and excitement throughout the room. Thanks to everyone’s support, the event raised approximately $7,000 for our continued beautification and preservation efforts.

Our heartfelt thanks to Mary Anna and David Dennard for graciously hosting such a successful and inspiring evening and to Wayne Smith for his generous matching gift.

Every organization has a story, and for the Turtle Creek Association (TCA), ours is one of collaboration and care. In partnership with the City of Dallas, we’ve built a successful public-private model for protecting the beauty, health, and vitality of Turtle Creek—a model that continues to inspire others in the community.

Recently, TCA President and CEO J.D. Trueblood has been invited to share this story with several prominent audiences, including the Dallas Junior League Garden Club, Junior Charity League, Mes Amies, and—on a national stage—at bbcon25 in Philadelphia. These opportunities allow us to educate others about the environmental needs of Turtle Creek and the critical work being done to preserve its future.

Telling our story is more than recounting accomplishments—it’s about raising awareness. Each presentation begins with the current health of the creek: the 10 tons of trash removed by hand every year, the destructive floodwaters eroding banks and uprooting historic trees, and the disruption to wildlife that call Turtle Creek home. These are not abstract challenges—they’re real, visible, and urgent.

Through partnerships, volunteers, and the generous support of our members and donors, TCA continues to turn awareness into action. Every cleanup, restoration, and beautification project helps ensure that Turtle Creek remains a vibrant, healthy, and safe urban sanctuary—for residents, wildlife, and visitors alike.



Because when we tell our story, we don’t just talk about what’s been done. We remind people that this story belongs to all of us—and it’s still being written.

As we close this remarkable chapter of restoring the historic bridges of Turtle Creek, I can’t help but feel a bit sentimental. Each bridge—our grand old dames—has her own story, personality, and quirks, and I’ll genuinely miss working so closely with them.

This effort was not without its challenges. What began as a shared vision between the Turtle Creek Association, the Turtle Creek Conservancy, and the City of Dallas demanded patience, persistence, and a deep commitment to collaboration. Truth be told, bringing so many voices and visions together wasn’t easy—but it made the results that much more meaningful.

To everyone who followed along, offered encouragement, donated, or simply paused to admire the progress—thank you. You’ve been part of this story every step of the way.

Together, we’ve honored our city’s past while shaping its future—and shown what can happen when a community rallies behind preservation and progress.

Here’s to the next chapter—and to the enduring beauty of Turtle Creek.

All the best,

J.D.

Being a member of the Turtle Creek Association means playing an active role in preserving one of Dallas’s most beautiful and historic treasures. Membership dollars directly fund the projects that keep Turtle Creek safe, vibrant, and thriving—from restoring historic bridges to enhancing landscaping, public art, and lighting. More than just a contribution, membership is a partnership that ensures this unique urban oasis will continue to inspire and welcome generations to come.