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Call Us Today: 214-526-2800
Email: Info@turtlecreekassociation.org
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Greetings!
They say it takes a village… but in our case, it took two nonprofits, a city government, and enough patience to fill Turtle Creek. The fact that we’re all still speaking—and even smiling—might be the biggest miracle of the Bridges of Turtle Creek joint initiative!
I am beyond thrilled that the ambitious Bridges of Turtle Creek joint initiative is officially underway! This isn’t just about painting and cleaning old structures—it’s about breathing new life into eight historic bridges that have long defined our neighborhood. I can hardly wait to see the Bowen Steet Bridge’s wrought-iron railing gleam once again, and to watch its unique concrete lamp posts—silent for decades—illuminate the night sky over Turtle Creek. Each bridge has its own character, and through this restoration, they will once again become proud, shining landmarks of our community.
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What makes this milestone even more special is the unprecedented collaboration behind it.
The Turtle Creek Association and the Turtle Creek Park Conservancy, both passionate guardians of our neighborhood, and the City of Dallas came together to make this happen.
For context, if you can imagine the Dallas Mavericks and the L.A. Lakers suddenly teaming up on a single project—without a referee—you’ll get a sense of the magnitude (and occasional chaos) of this effort. At times, it felt like we were trying to choreograph a ballet… in a construction zone… during rush hour. But somehow, through trust, persistence, and shared vision, these two organizations—once spirited competitors—aligned their energies, navigated the red tape, and pulled in the same direction.
The result? A project that will not only restore and beautify our historic bridges but also unify our community in ways we haven’t seen before—bridging gaps both literally and figuratively.
This journey has reminded me why Turtle Creek is so special: it’s not just about the places we love, but the people willing to fight (and occasionally laugh) through the challenges to bring them back to life. Soon, our bridges will shine brighter than ever, and our neighborhood will shine with them.
Warm regards,
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President|CEO
Turtle Creek Association
| | U.S. Highway 67 to Become the Eddie Bernice Johnson Memorial Highway | | |
A proud Turtle Creek resident and Patron Society member of the Turtle Creek Association, Eddie Bernice Johnson (“EBJ”) was deeply connected to our community.
EBJ was a trailblazer in Texas and national politics — the first African American from Dallas elected to Congress, the first nurse to serve in the U.S. House, and the first woman to chair a committee in the Texas Legislature. She represented Dallas in Congress for 30 years, securing major transportation funding and championing science, infrastructure, and community development.
In recognition of her extraordinary legacy, the Texas Legislature has officially designated the section of U.S. Highway 67 between U.S. Highway 287 and Interstate 20 in Dallas and Ellis Counties as the Eddie Bernice Johnson Memorial Highway.
The project, authorized through S.B. 2790, takes effect September 1, 2025. The Texas Department of Transportation will install signs marking the newly named highway.
This tribute ensures EBJ’s legacy will live on for generations, honoring her decades of leadership, advocacy, and service to North Texas.
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You're Invited: TCA Member Mixer at Salum Restaurant
Celebrating 40 Years of
Turtle Creek Association!
On Monday, August 18th, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, celebrated local chef Abraham Salum will graciously open the doors of Salum Restaurant exclusively for TCA members. Enjoy a specially curated selection of complimentary appetizers that showcase Chef Salum's renowned culinary expertise. A cash bar will also be available.
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Please RSVP by Friday, August 15th by email or calling Sharon Ballew at 214-526-2800 to secure your spot. Space is limited, so we encourage you to respond promptly.
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Bridges Uncovered -
Clearing the Way for History to Shine
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You may have already spotted landscape crews in action—clearing brush, pulling vines, and removing dead trees from around the bridges. Think of it as an archaeological dig, only instead of ancient artifacts, we’re unearthing Turtle Creek’s historic gems.
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This is the first step toward their full facelift, which will include power washing, dustless eco-blasting, and fresh coats of paint on bridge surfaces and lamp posts.
Not long ago, you could walk right past some of these bridges and never know they were there. They were, shall we say… exuberantly overgrown—like hidden treasures wrapped in nature’s overzealous gift wrap.
To prepare for restoration, each bridge needed at least five feet of clearance. That meant Pat and his crew from Trash Free Waterways, TCA’s contracted vendor, had to tackle dense brush, drooping limbs, and even full-grown trees leaning against the bridges—or sprouting right out of them. Persistent vines were politely, but firmly, told to pack up and move along.
| | Now, the reveal is on. With sightlines restored, these bridges are stepping back into the spotlight for the first time in years. And this is just the beginning. The before-and-after photos tell the story best: what was once hidden is now bright, inviting, and will soon be ready for their close-up. | | Eco-Friendly Sandblasting: Cleaning with Care for the Environment | | |
As we launch the ambitious Bridges of Turtle Creek initiative, you might be wondering: with all this cleaning and restoration, what about the dust? The chemicals? The impact on our environment and health? The good news—our vendor, A & J Ecoblasting, specializes in exactly the opposite of the old “dust cloud” approach. We sat down with owner Josh Romberg to learn more about what ecoblasting—a method required by the City of Dallas—really means.
Cleaner, Safer Methods
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Vacuum Blasting (Dust-Free Systems): A closed-loop system immediately captures spent abrasives and debris as they hit the surface, keeping dust out of the air. Perfect for urban environments where airborne particles “cannot be tolerated.”
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Wet Blasting (Dustless Blasting): Mixing water with the abrasive stream keeps dust down at the source, improving air quality and protecting workers and nearby properties.
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Abrasive Media Recycling: Durable media like steel shot or garnet can be cleaned and reused multiple times, drastically cutting waste and conserving raw materials.
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Biodegradable or Alternative Media: Recycled glass, garnet, walnut shells, corn cobs, and baking soda offer effective cleaning with minimal environmental impact.
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Efficient Equipment Design: Modern nozzles and blast enclosures use less media and energy while containing dust, making the process cleaner and more cost-effective.
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Why It Matters
Eco-friendly sandblasting offers more than just a cleaner worksite. Benefits include:
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Reduced Air Pollution: Less dust means healthier air for workers and neighbors.
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Waste Minimization: Reusable or biodegradable media mean less material going to landfills.
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Energy Efficiency: Advanced equipment uses less power and resources to achieve the same results.
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Lower Environmental Contamination: Containment systems keep paint particles, rust, and debris out of soil and waterways.
By using these sustainable methods, the Bridges of Turtle Creek initiative will meet strict environmental standards, reduce long-term costs, and help protect the very spaces we’re working to restore. It’s a win-win: cleaner bridges and a cleaner planet.
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BREAKING NEWS: A New Look for the Cedar Springs Gateway Median
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The long-awaited relandscaping of the gateway median on Cedar Springs Road—spanning the entire block between the Katy Trail Overpass and Gillespie Street—is officially moving forward in a big way.
As previously reported, we’ve been eager to secure funding for this transformative project. Today, we’re thrilled to share that a donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has graciously stepped forward to fully fund the entire endeavor. Their generosity came with just one request: a new design worthy of the term “gateway" and that we take on another project to be announced at a later date.
To deliver on that vision, we’ve partnered with LandPatterns —known for their work on several Katy Trail projects—to create a plan with a true “ah” factor, welcoming everyone who enters the corridor with beauty and impact.
Work is scheduled to begin in the next three to four weeks, weather permitting. This redesigned median will not only enhance the aesthetics of Cedar Springs Road but will also create a stunning first impression for all who pass through.
Stay tuned—we can’t wait to reveal the transformation.
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Addressing the Encampment Under the
Fairmount Avenue Bridge
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Like a challenging game of “whack-a-mole,” the Turtle Creek corridor continues to face the recurring challenge of illegal encampments. We clear one site, and before long, another one appears. Recently, the Turtle Creek Association has been focused on a particularly large encampment under the Fairmount Avenue Bridge.
We have been working closely with City of Dallas officials to address this issue in a coordinated and compassionate way. The site is now under daily surveillance, and the City’s Park Marshal is actively involved. In addition, 72 tons of 8x12 rip rap (large stones), funded by TCA, have been delivered and will be placed under the bridge beginning Tuesday, with Parks and Recreation providing the labor for installation.
This method has proven to be a highly effective deterrent in other parts of the city, helping to prevent the reestablishment of encampments in sensitive areas.
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Additional Measures
As part of the Bridges of Turtle Creek initiative, six large outdoor lighting fixtures will soon be installed under the Fairmount Avenue Bridge, greatly improving visibility and security.
As seen below, at the Park Bridge Court Bridge, new, more secure vertical fencing—similar to that installed under the Lemmon Avenue Bridge—has been added to further protect the area.
| | While the challenges of encampments are ongoing, TCA remains committed to working with our partners to find sustainable solutions that protect the safety, beauty, and accessibility of Turtle Creek—while addressing this issue with empathy and care for those affected. | | In Memory of Karona Renée Wilson | | |
We are saddened to share the passing of Karona Renée Wilson, a beloved member of our community. Many residents of The 3525 will fondly remember Karona for her years of dedicated service as the building’s manager, where her professionalism, kindness, and warm spirit left a lasting mark.
Karona was recently married and found great joy in her family. She was a proud mother to her son, Kayvon Wilson, and a devoted grandmother to her grandson, Sincere. Her love for them was evident in every conversation, and her pride in their accomplishments was boundless.
She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and the many residents whose lives she touched.
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