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Call Us Today: 214-526-2800
Email: Info@turtlecreekassociation.org
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Hello JD,
As previously announced, The Bridges of Turtle Creek is an ambitious public-private joint initiative—led by the Turtle Creek Association (TCA), the Turtle Creek Conservancy (TCC), and the City of Dallas. It focuses on the long-term care, restoration, and beautification of the eight historic bridges that span Turtle Creek. These iconic structures not only define the character of our corridor—they connect neighborhoods, tell the story of early Dallas, and serve as gateways into one of the city’s most beloved natural areas.
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A major milestone was reached on June 11, when the City of Dallas—City Council and key departments in transportation, public works, and parks—formally endorsed The Bridges of Turtle Creek project through the approval of separate 10-year beautification agreements for TCA and TCC.
Council Member Paul Ridley, District 14, praised the initiative, stating: “This collaboration exemplifies the power of public-private partnership in preserving Dallas’ historical and architectural legacy. Restoring the Turtle Creek bridges is not only an investment in infrastructure but also in community identity and continuity. I’m proud to support a project that will enhance safety, beauty, and connectivity for generations to come.”
Under the beautification agreements, TCA and TCC will each assume responsibility for maintaining the bridges within their respective areas. This includes landscaping, lighting, preservation, and other enhancements to ensure these historic structures remain both beautiful and meaningful for generations to come.
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TCA will be responsible for funding the restoration and beautification of five of the eight historic bridges included in this initiative. While we’re fortunate to have early momentum, additional support will be essential to bring the full vision to life and safeguard the future of these iconic structures.
Our strong start has been made possible thanks to the generosity and vision of our founding supporters. On behalf of the TCA, I extend heartfelt thanks to: Pat Kozak, Lyda Hill Philanthropies, the Beasley Foundation, Ann Stuart, PhD, Anne & Kyle Crews, Elyce & David Walthall, Dr. Thomas McConnell and Kathleen & Frank Lauinger. Their belief in the power of preservation and civic partnership is laying the foundation—quite literally—for a lasting legacy.
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We invite others to join this effort. Every contribution, large or small, brings us one step closer to revitalizing these historic bridges and reinforcing Turtle Creek’s role as both a cultural landmark and a natural sanctuary in the heart of Dallas.
Together, we can ensure that the bridges of Turtle Creek continue to inspire, connect, and endure for decades to come.
Warm regards,
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President|CEO
Turtle Creek Association
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Tickets On Sale Now! | Sponsorships Still Available
🌟 Turtle Creek Association’s 2025 Gala & Home Tour 🌟
Don’t miss our most anticipated event of the year! The Gala & Home Tour is more than just a fabulous evening and a peek inside some of the most beautiful homes in Dallas — it’s your chance to directly support the care and beautification of the iconic Turtle Creek Corridor.
Your participation helps fund:
- Manual trash removal from Turtle Creek
- Trimming and clearing the creek banks
- Raising the tree canopy to prevent trash buildup
- Replacing dying or underperforming median shrubs
- Removing invasive species like Chinese Privet
- Annual color (i.e. The Fall Pumpkin displays) and much more...
If you’ve ever enjoyed a scenic drive down Turtle Creek Boulevard, this is your moment to help preserve and enhance it.
- Buy your tickets today
- Become a sponsor and make a lasting impact
Together, we’re keeping Turtle Creek beautiful — one project, one event, one supporter at a time.
| | Prehistoric Pawprints… or Just a Creekside Illusion? | | |
A Mystery is Afoot in Turtle Creek!
Turtle Creek may be known for its beauty, serenity, and rich history — but could it also be hiding something prehistoric?
Recently, what appears to be fossilized animal footprints were discovered along the creek bed. Yes, actual tracks! And we’re not the only ones who spotted them — TCA members and eagle-eyed creek walkers Kay Goodman and her husband, Jason Diamond, also reported seeing the same mysterious impressions.
Naturally, we had to investigate.
We shared photos of the site with our friends at DallasPaleo.org and heard back from Tom Dill, a consulting geologist with a keen eye for ancient clues. Tom confirmed that there does seem to be a left-right pattern of depressions spanning about 45 feet — something that resembles the trackway of a mammal or reptile.
However, he also pointed out that the bedrock in Turtle Creek is Austin Chalk, formed under several hundred feet of seawater during the Cretaceous period. This chalk forms thick beds that have been smoothed over time by the creek’s constant flow. According to Tom, it’s entirely possible that spiral water currents — created by natural obstructions — eroded the chalk in an alternating left-right pattern, mimicking the look of ancient footprints.
Still, until a full onsite inspection can be done, we like imagining the footprints are the long-lost stroll of a Texas dinosaur… or perhaps a prehistoric creek-dweller out for a leisurely wander along the water’s edge.
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Unfortunately, recent weather and high-water levels have kept Mr. Dill from visiting the site in person. But don’t worry — the mystery isn’t going extinct just yet! We’ll keep you posted with updates once he’s able to inspect the site and give us a definitive answer.
In the meantime, we’re keeping our boots dry and our imaginations running wild. Stay tuned… the truth may be lurking just beneath the surface!
| | A Safer, Cleaner Creek: New Vertical Fencing being Installed | | |
Another Step Toward a More Enjoyable Trail Experience
One of the more hidden yet persistent challenges along the Turtle Creek Leisure Trail has been the area beneath the upstream side of the Lemmon Avenue Bridges — a spot that has long attracted encampments and raised safety concerns for trail users.
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In response, and in partnership with Dallas Parks and Recreation, a vertical security fence is being installed beneath the bridge (as pictured) to deter future encampments and improve the overall experience for those who walk or jog the trail. This fencing is part of a broader, proactive strategy to keep the corridor clean, safe, and accessible to the public. While our mission is rooted in beautification and preservation, ensuring safety and peace of mind for residents and visitors is just as important.
As part of The Bridges of Turtle Creek initiative, this area will also soon be repainted — making the space even more attractive and welcoming to all who enjoy the trail.
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Bamboo Beatdown: The Sequel
As previously reported, after a fierce jungle battle, the Rock Creek street sign emerged… bent but unbowed. Now, with the bamboo vanquished and a little chiropractic help, we're happy to report, it’s standing tall and back on duty!
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Out with the Spring, In with
the Summer!
If you’ve been wondering when Turtle Creek’s flower beds would trade their spring wardrobe for something a bit more summery, you’re not alone — and you can thank Mother Nature for keeping us on our toes.
With what seems like endless rain, it’s been a challenge just to keep up with mowing and trimming, let alone switching out the spring annuals for a splash of summer color. But now that the sun has decided to make an appearance, we’re wasting no time!
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You may have noticed a flurry of activity along the corridor lately. That’s not your imagination — it’s three separate vendor's hardworking crews out in full force, bringing fresh color and crisp edges back to Turtle Creek. They’re mowing, trimming, planting, and beautifying faster than you can say petunia.
So, the next time you’re out for a stroll or drive, take a moment to enjoy the vibrant summer blooms making their grand entrance. Rain or shine, TCA is committed to keeping our green spaces looking their best — even if it means dodging a few raindrops along the way.
| | A Trimmed Creek is a Happy Creek | | Check out the freshly trimmed banks at Dean Park and the area between the Lemmon Avenue bridges — looking neat, clean, and downright proud of themselves! Thanks to our hardworking crews, Turtle Creek is putting its best (and tidiest) foot forward just in time for summer strolls. | | |
A Gateway Transformation: Median Upgrade on
Cedar Springs in the Works
As previously reported, one of the largest and most visible medians in the Turtle Creek Corridor is slotted for a major upgrade — and we couldn’t be more excited to share where things stand.
Located on Cedar Springs Road between the Katy Trail Overpass and Gillespie, this prominent stretch is considered a gateway into the Turtle Creek Corridor. Because of its size and visibility, we believe this median should make a statement — one that reflects the beauty, sophistication, and natural appeal of Turtle Creek itself.
Over the past several months, the TCA team has been working closely with a landscape architect to design something that’s both impactful and in harmony with the surrounding area. We’re proud to say we’ve landed on a vision that hits the mark.
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As you can see in the above 3D rendering, the design incorporates a vibrant palette of shrubs and greenery, echoing the textures and patterns used throughout the corridor. The result will be a lush, colorful, and cohesive landscape — a true welcome into one of Dallas’ most treasured neighborhoods.
We are actively seeking funding and are hopeful to bring this design to life before the end of the year. This project is not only a beautification effort — it's a statement of pride, care, and investment in the community we serve.
Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to help support this exciting transformation. With your help, this gateway will become a stunning new symbol of Turtle Creek’s ongoing renewal.
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Closing Comments: Pride, Progress, and the Power of Community
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At TCA, it’s not just about maintaining medians or trimming brush — it’s about the joy we get from doing the work that helps Turtle Creek thrive. We take real pride in seeing the visible turnaround in our corridor: a cleaner creek, trimmed banks, clearer creek views, a higher tree canopy, and yes — the return of wildlife that’s beginning to feel at home again.
Every inch of progress you read about in our newsletters — from the bridge restoration initiative to invasive plant removal and seasonal beautification — reflects the dedication of a small team who genuinely love this place and the neighborhood it serves.
But here’s the truth: it takes funding to keep this momentum going.
If you value the progress being made — if you’ve noticed a more scenic drive, enjoyed a peaceful walk along the creek, or simply want to be part of something positive in Dallas — we invite you to donate, become a member, or renew your membership today.
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And you can do so with full confidence.
As confirmed by our CPA, Steve Maxwell, this year’s Form 990 will once again show that 90% of every dollar donated to TCA goes directly back into our programs. That means 90 cents of every dollar you give goes right back into the corridor — to beautify, enhance, and protect this urban treasure.
We love what we do, and we hope that love shows in every flower planted, every piece of trash removed, and every scenic corner of the creek that now shines a little brighter.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s keep it going — together.
Warmly,
The TCA Team
| | Looks like our bridges aren’t the only thing getting attention — TCA’s making news! | | | | |
