Call: 214-526-2800

Email:Info@turtlecreekassociation.org

Web: turtlecreekassociation.org

Greetings!

This July, our nation celebrates a remarkable milestone—America's 250th anniversary.

For two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have worked to build stronger communities, protect our shared resources, and create opportunities for those who would follow. While our history is marked by extraordinary achievements, perhaps our greatest strength has always been our willingness to come together in service of something larger than ourselves.

That spirit is alive and well along Turtle Creek.

Every day, residents, volunteers, donors, and community leaders invest their time, talents, and resources to preserve one of Dallas' most beautiful and historic places. They understand that stewardship is not simply about maintaining a creek or a park. It is about preserving a sense of place, protecting natural beauty, and ensuring future generations can enjoy the same experiences we cherish today.

When I think about Turtle Creek, I think about families walking the trails, neighbors gathering for community events, children discovering nature, and visitors experiencing the beauty of Dallas for the very first time. These moments may seem small, but collectively they represent something important—a shared commitment to community and quality of life.

The story of Turtle Creek is, in many ways, an American story. It is a story of citizens working together, public-private partnerships, volunteerism, philanthropy, and a belief that we all have a responsibility to leave things better than we found them.

Over the past year, we have witnessed that spirit firsthand. From the completion of the Bridges of Turtle Creek restoration initiative to ongoing investments in public art, landscaping, beautification, and environmental stewardship, our community continues to demonstrate what can be accomplished when people unite around a common vision.

As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, let us also celebrate the places that connect us, inspire us, and remind us why community matters.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of Turtle Creek Association, thank you for your continued support and for helping preserve, protect, and enhance this extraordinary corridor.

Happy Independence Day, and God Bless America.

President | CEO

Turtle Creek Association

There are some announcements that are difficult to write, and this is certainly one of them.

After years of dedicated service to Turtle Creek Association, Sharon Ballew has announced her retirement.

Trust me when I say I have done everything in my power to convince her otherwise.

I've negotiated. I've pleaded. I've reasoned. I've attempted strategic guilt. I've even pointed out that retirement is vastly overrated. I briefly considered whether retirement paperwork could somehow be misplaced. None of it worked.

As many of you know, Sharon has become much more than TCA's Vice President of Development. She has been a trusted friend, advisor, ambassador, fundraiser, event planner, and one of the most recognizable faces of our organization. Along the way, she cultivated countless friendships throughout the corridor, strengthened relationships with our donors and members, and helped transform Turtle Creek Association into one of Dallas' most respected nonprofit organizations.

Simply put, Turtle Creek Association would not be what it is today without Sharon.

On a personal level, I cannot imagine a better professional partner. Sharon is the yin to my yang.

Where I tend to be high energy, passionate, occasionally impulsive, and admittedly long-winded, Sharon has always been the calm to my storms. She has served as a sounding board, trusted advisor, voice of reason, and—perhaps most importantly—my unofficial editor.

Many of you have witnessed it firsthand. As I launched into what I believed was a compelling and insightful update, Sharon had an extraordinary ability to communicate entire messages without saying a word.

Sometimes it was a glance at her watch.

Sometimes it was a subtle look from across the room.

Sometimes it was simply raised eyebrows that translated to: "J.D., you've made your point. Three times."

And when all else failed, there was the look.

The look that said: "Wrap it up."

Looking back, those subtle interventions may have been among Sharon's greatest contributions to Turtle Creek Association. Had it not been for her, some of our board meetings might still be going on today.

The truth is that our partnership worked because our strengths complemented one another so well. Sharon brought patience, perspective, practicality, and just enough restraint to keep me from chasing every shiny object that crossed my path. Turtle Creek Association is better because of it.

While we are sad to see Sharon retire, there is good news.



Sharon has graciously agreed to stay involved and help lead this year's Gala and Tour of Homes. In other words, retirement appears to be more of a suggestion than a firm commitment.

Knowing Sharon, there is no chance she will quietly slip into retirement. If this year's Gala and Tour are truly her farewell performance, I fully expect them to be a swan song for the ages—elegant, memorable, and perhaps just a little over the top.

You won't want to miss it.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, members, donors, volunteers, and the countless friends she has made along Turtle Creek, thank you, Sharon, for your leadership, your friendship, your unwavering dedication, and the extraordinary legacy you leave behind.

The corridor is better because of you.

I can already hear Sharon reading this and saying, "J.D., shorten it up."

So, I'll end where I should have ended three paragraphs ago.

Thank you for everything, Sharon. Enjoy retirement. You've earned it.

FROM 25 MEDIANS TO A CORRIDOR-WIDE MISSION

What began as the maintenance of 25 medians has evolved into the stewardship of parks, trails, bridges, creek shorelines, public art, and much of the Turtle Creek corridor.

Five years ago, Turtle Creek Association took a hard look at its mission: to preserve, protect, and enhance Turtle Creek and the Turtle Creek Corridor.

What we discovered was both simple and uncomfortable.



For decades, TCA had beautified and maintained the 25 medians along Turtle Creek Boulevard. Seasonal color, irrigation repairs, tree care, and landscape improvements had become hallmarks of our work.

But when we asked ourselves what we were doing to preserve and protect Turtle Creek itself, the answer was less clear.

Then came COVID.

As residents flocked to the parks and trails, they discovered a creek struggling with trash, debris, invasive vegetation, graffiti, and growing safety concerns. The phone calls began almost immediately.

At first, our response was simple: "We only maintain the medians." It didn't take long to realize that answer wasn't good enough.

Same bridge. Same creek. Different story. What was once clogged with trash and debris is now a cleaner, healthier, and more inviting part of the Turtle Creek Corridor.

As illustrated in the map above, what began with the maintenance of 25 medians has evolved into the stewardship of parks, trails, bridges, creek shorelines, public art, and much of the Turtle Creek Corridor.

Today, TCA removes an estimated 10 tons of trash and debris from the creek each year, restores historic bridges, removes invasive species, improves lighting, plants trees, addresses encampments, and works to create a safer, healthier corridor for all.

The results are visible. Wildlife has returned. Parks are healthier. Trails are safer. More residents are enjoying and reconnecting with one of Dallas' most treasured urban green spaces.

But there is something that worries me.

The cleaner the creek becomes, the easier it is to forget what it once looked like.

The safer the trails become, the easier it is to assume they have always been that way.

The restored bridges, healthier parks, improved lighting, and thriving wildlife can create the impression that these improvements are permanent.

They are not. Nature never stops.

One of the lessons we've learned over the past five years is that Turtle Creek is never finished. It is a living, breathing ecosystem that is constantly changing and evolving. Storms reshape the landscape, trees fall, new growth emerges, and wildlife adapts. Our role is not to control nature, but to be thoughtful stewards of this remarkable urban waterway.

Floods happen. Invasive species return. Graffiti reappears. Trash continues to flow downstream after every storm. The work of preserving and protecting Turtle Creek is never truly finished.

That is why I wanted to share this story.

Not simply to celebrate what has been accomplished, but to remind us that the progress we see today exists because people like you chose to invest in it.

Turtle Creek Association receives no operating support from the City of Dallas for this work. Every tree planted, every bridge restored, every invasive species removed, every piece of graffiti eliminated, and every ton of trash removed from the creek has been made possible by our members, donors, sponsors, and volunteers.

The beautiful parks, cleaner waterways, safer trails, and healthier ecosystem we enjoy today did not happen by accident. They exist because people like you cared enough to make them happen.

Together, we didn't change our mission. We finally started fully living it.

And with your continued support, we'll continue living it for generations to come.

Why Keeping Debris Out of

Turtle Creek Matters

One of the most significant cleanup challenges following the recent flooding occurred at the historic Stonebridge Drive Bridge.

During the storm, a large tree was uprooted and swept downstream where it became lodged beneath the bridge. From above, the obstruction did not appear particularly large. However, once crews from Turtle Creek Association and Dallas Parks and Recreation were able to dislodge the tree and pull it from the creek, the true size of the trunk became apparent. The tree measured several feet in diameter and required heavy equipment, chainsaws, and coordinated effort to remove safely.

From the bridge, it looked like just another fallen tree. Once crews pulled it from the creek, the true scale of the obstruction became clear. Large debris like this can significantly restrict water flow during flood events, increasing the risk of damage to bridges, trails, and surrounding properties.

The tree lodged beneath Stonebridge Drive Bridge was the result of a natural event. During major flood events, trees, limbs, and other organic debris are often carried downstream by the tremendous force of moving water. While these natural obstructions can temporarily restrict water flow and contribute to localized flooding, they are an unavoidable consequence of severe weather.

What is avoidable, however, is human-generated debris.

During the storm, bulk trash, construction materials, and other debris located within the floodplain were swept into the creek and carried downstream as water levels rapidly rose.

Floodwaters do not distinguish between a fallen tree and improperly stored bulk trash. Once in the waterway, large objects can become trapped against bridges, culverts, and other structures, creating artificial dams that significantly increase flood risk. During this event, bulk trash and other debris became lodged against the Stonebridge Drive Bridge, where it combined with fallen trees and natural flood debris to form a substantial blockage that exacerbated flooding and contributed to property damage.

Turtle Creek Association respectfully reminds all residents not to store bulk trash, appliances, furniture, mattresses, construction debris, or other materials near the creek or within areas vulnerable to flooding. Items that appear secure during normal conditions can quickly become dangerous projectiles when floodwaters rise.

As we continue cleanup efforts throughout the corridor, this event serves as an important reminder that protecting Turtle Creek is a shared responsibility. By keeping debris out of the floodplain and waterways, we can help reduce flooding impacts, protect public infrastructure, and preserve the beauty and health of the creek for everyone.

Together, we can help ensure that the next storm does not become a larger disaster.

What began as the installation of a striking bronze sculpture is rapidly evolving into something much larger—a new gateway to the Turtle Creek Corridor.

Over the past several weeks, significant progress has been made on the landscape and hardscape improvements surrounding Arie van Selm's Crow I sculpture at Maple Avenue and Turtle Creek Boulevard. Visitors driving by can now see the curved pedestrian pathway taking shape, large Lueder limestone blocks being installed, and the infrastructure for irrigation and lighting systems being put in place.

The vision for the site extends far beyond simply displaying a work of art. The completed site will invite visitors to slow down, explore, and experience the sculpture from every angle.

One of the most distinctive features will be custom signage bearing the words "Turtle Creek Corridor." And of course, Toby and family will make an appearance as well. The lettering will be illuminated from behind at night, creating a dramatic visual statement welcoming visitors into one of Dallas' most beautiful and historic green spaces. Additional lighting will highlight the sculpture itself while strategically placed downlighting in the surrounding trees will enhance both the beauty and safety of the site after dark.

The Crow sculpture may be the centerpiece, but the vision is much larger. From new landscaping and lighting to the restoration of flowerbeds and the clearing of the adjacent ravine, this project is creating a true gateway experience that announces your arrival into the Turtle Creek Corridor.

Unfortunately, custom craftsmanship takes time. The illuminated signage is currently being fabricated and is expected to require approximately eight more weeks for completion. While that timeline pushes final landscaping into late summer—a less-than-ideal season for planting in Dallas—it also provides an opportunity to complete additional site improvements before installation begins.

In the coming weeks, crews will continue preparing the site for sod and by clearing the ravine behind the sculpture, removing invasive vegetation, improving sightlines, and completely renovating the surrounding planting bed. The goal is to create a landscape worthy of the sculpture itself and reflective of the standards Turtle Creek Association strives to achieve throughout the corridor.

The project is already attracting attention beyond Turtle Creek. We recently learned that Crow I has been added to local public art tour guides and has also been featured in communications distributed to followers and admirers of artist Arie van Selm's work. These features are helping introduce new audiences to both the sculpture and the remarkable work taking place throughout the Turtle Creek Corridor.

When complete, we believe this project will become far more than a sculpture installation. It will serve as a memorable gateway, a place of reflection, and a powerful symbol of Turtle Creek Association's commitment to preserving, protecting, and enhancing the Turtle Creek Corridor.

Stay tuned—there is still much more to come.

A large turnout of residents recently gathered at The Park Towers for a special evening focused on learning more about Turtle Creek Association and the organization’s ongoing efforts to preserve, protect, and enhance the Turtle Creek Corridor.

Hosted by Curtis Medford, Harold Yates, Ann and Bill Miller, and Joe Alexander, the membership drive offered guests a unique opportunity to connect with others passionate about the future of Turtle Creek while enjoying an engaging and entertaining evening in one of the corridor’s most beautiful settings.

Guests were treated to some homemade favorites, adult beverages, and a special presentation highlighting the work currently underway throughout the corridor. Attendees also enjoyed video presentations showcasing recent initiatives, including the Bridges of Turtle Creek restoration project and other transformational improvements taking place across the creek and surrounding parklands.

Turtle Creek Association extends its sincere thanks to Curtis and Harold, Ann and Bill for hosting such a thoughtful event, and for helping create a truly unique evening for all who attended.