Bridges of Turtle Creek Update
(Featured photos: JD Trueblood, President and CEO, Turtle Creek Association. Blue Heron -the wildlife has returned to Turtle Creek!)*
Note from Sharon Adams,
Editor/Principal, Philanthropy Lifestyles:
This is a copy of the newsletter from JD Trueblood, President and CEO, Turtle Creek Association on September 16, 2025, with updates about the Bridges of Turtle Creek. This ongoing effort involves six bridges, which are the charge of Turtle Creek Association and two bridges, which are the charge of the Turtle Creek Conservancy.
This crucial community effort needs your support. We all love driving, running, walking the Katy Trail and just enjoying the neighborhood through Turtle Creek during the fall foliage, spring azaleas, summer plantings. Read on for details, links to donation pages and photos.
From JD Trueblood, President and CEO, Turtle Creek Association:
I’m thrilled to share some big news—our first two bridge restorations, the east and westbound Lemmon Avenue bridges, are complete!
The feedback has been priceless. I’ve heard everything from “Wow, just Wow” to “Unbelievable transformation!” More than one person has said, “It looks like art.” And they’re right—the difference is striking. The beige walls are clean and crisp, and the fresh green retaining walls bring a calming effect that makes a stroll by the creek feel even more peaceful.
What we’ve achieved is more than just a facelift—it’s a cleaner, safer, and more beautiful experience for everyone. Already, these bridges are sending a strong message: we care about this place, and we’re committed to preserving it. And honestly, it’s just the beginning.
 History LessonIn my research of the bridges, I learned a little about Lemmon Ave. that I’d like to share with you. Lemmon Avenue gets its name from William H. Lemmon, a Confederate captain turned real estate developer who lived at Lemmon and Cole. Together with Oliver Bowser, he helped develop what we now know as Turtle Creek Park. |
 Back in the day, Lemmon was one of Dallas’ first paved streets. People considered it a scenic “long drive” out of the city—whether to Oak Lawn Park (today’s Turtle Creek Park), the Dallas Country Club at Walnut Hill and Lemmon, or later to watch polo matches across from Love Field in the 1930s.In fact, the Dallas Morning News headline from October 26, 1910, called Lemmon Avenue one of “DALLAS COUNTY’S GOOD ROADS.” Let’s just say no one would write that headline today. Honestly, we’ve got gravel roads out at the family farm that are smoother than Lemmon! |
 But while the road may be rough, the bridges are now something to celebrate. They’re a visible symbol of pride and care for our community.And yes, I know—restoration came with its share of headaches. Lane closures, scaffolding, traffic jams…thank you for hanging in there with us. In the end, I hope you agree, the inconvenience was worth it. The results speak for themselves. The bridges of Turtle Creek are on their way back to life. And each one completed tells the story a little louder: this place matters! |
| Warm regards, |
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| President | CEO, Turtle Creek Association |
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| Bridges of Turtle Creek: Let there be Light! New Lighting Brings Safety and Renewalto Fairmount Street Bridge |
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| The Fairmount Street Bridge is undergoing a remarkable transformation, bringing renewed safety and beauty to this key section of the corridor. As part of our ongoing efforts to improve the creek and its surroundings, we first installed 78 tons of large rip rap stones under the bridge to deter encampments and stabilize the area. Now, the entire underside of the bridge has been illuminated with new lighting, further enhancing safety for pedestrians and trail users while continuing to discourage unauthorized encampments. The next step in the bridge’s transformation will address the graffiti-covered areas (as seen in the pictures below), with a fresh coat of paint set to revitalize the space. Once complete, this project will mark a full renewal, making the Fairmount Street Bridge not only safer but a more welcoming part of the community. |
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| Help Us Finish Strong! If you like what you see, help us finish strong. The Bridges of Turtle Creek initiative is restoring all eight historic bridges—but this work is not funded by the City of Dallas. Instead, it’s a true community partnership: TCA is funding six bridges and TCC is funding two. To complete this once-in-a-generation project, we need your support. Every gift helps us honor history, improve safety, and beautify Turtle Creek for the entire Dallas community. |
Photos courtesy Turtle Creek Association.
*Blue Heron by Dr. Thomas McConnell
Photo of Sharon Adams by Rosangela Zurawell.
(Sharon Adams, Adams Communications Public Relations, is honored to represent Turtle Creek Association and their special events and announcements and post this Philanthropy Lifestyles eBuzz.)
