Bridges of Turtle Creek Ribbon Cutting

(Featured photo:  Ribbon Cutting: Ann Stuart, Kyle Crews, Angelica Rodriguez, J. D. Trueblood, Paul Ridley, Dr. Ghassan “Guss” Khankarli, David and Elyce Walthall, Pat Kozak, Tiffany Divis.)

Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Completion of “The Bridges of Turtle Creek” Restoration Project

Eight Historic Bridges Restored Through Unique Public-Private Partnership—No Public Funds Used

 Gathering around the park by the Bowen Street Bridge in the Turtle Creek corridor, three organizations came together to celebrate the restoration of eight Bridges of Turtle Creek with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Turtle Creek Association (TCA), joined with two other community organizations, the Turtle Creek Conservancy (TCC) and the City of Dallas, who all worked together with one common goal and today, celebrated the culmination of this ambitious vision becoming a reality.
        
Restoring the Bridges of Turtle Creek included a focus on reversing infrastructure decay, eliminating graffiti, improving safety conditions, modernizing lighting and rebuilding  architectural features.
        
Taking part in the ribbon cutting were J.D. Trueblood, President and CEO, Turtle Creek Association; Tiffany Divis, President and CEO, Turtle Creek Conservancy; Paul Ridley, Dallas City Councilman District 14, Deborah Stanford, Ann Stuart, PhD, Angelica Rodriguez, Dr. Ghassan “Gus” Khankarli, Elyce and David Walthall, Kyle Crews, Pat Kozak, Wayne Smith, and more.
        

“This project is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when organizations come together around a shared vision,” said JD Trueblood, President and CEO of the Turtle Creek Association. “These bridges are iconic to Dallas, and restoring them not only preserves our history, but enhances the safety, beauty, and experience of the entire corridor.”
        

It should be noted that not a single public dollar was used to restore these bridges.  Although no city funding was used for this renovation project, the City of Dallas did provide oversight and guidance to ensure that each bridge was historically correct, structurally sound, and that there was no negative impact to the environment. 
        
This project stands as a testament to what private philanthropy can accomplish when a community decides something worth preserving is worth investing in. Supporters included those listed above, as well as Lyda Hill Philanthropies, The Beasley Foundation, Perot Companies, among others.
        

“The success of this initiative demonstrates the strength of collaboration and the impact of private investment in public spaces,” remarked Tiffany Divis, President and CEO of the Turtle Creek Conservancy. “Together, we’ve elevated one of Dallas’ most treasured corridors. The Bridges of Turtle Creek are proof that historic preservation, civic pride, and private philanthropy can come together to create something lasting.”
        
J. D. said, “These bridges connected Dallas physically for generations; now they connect us to our history as well. When people drive, walk, or cycle across these bridges, they may simply see a beautiful structure. What they don’t see are the countless hours, generous donors, dedicated volunteers, and extraordinary partnerships that made this restoration possible. The Bridges of Turtle Creek are not the finish line. They’re another step forward in our ongoing effort to preserve, protect, and enhance one of Dallas’ most treasured corridors.”

About Turtle Creek Association:

Turtle Creek Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  TCA’s core mission is to serve as the foremost guardian, advocate, and leader dedicated to preserving, protecting and enhancing the Turtle Creek corridor.

Furthermore, the Turtle Creek Association takes on a range of vital responsibilities.  This includes orchestrating seasonal color transformations along the creek, managing irrigation and watering systems, overseeing litter and trash removal from the creek, and upkeeping 25 beautifully landscaped medians. We play a crucial role in sustaining 2,600 trees that offer a haven for wildlife, and we’re instrumental in providing essential amenities such as drinking fountains, trash receptacles, and benches throughout the parks. Remarkably, all of these efforts are achieved through the generosity of our donors.

For more information and to join our cause, please visit our website at www.turtlecreekassociation.org. Your support fuels our commitment to preserving the urban sanctuary that is Turtle Creek. 

About Turtle Creek Conservancy:

Turtle Creek Conservancy is a non-profit organization committed to the conservation, preservation, and exceptional care of Turtle Creek Park and Arlington Hall, while creating a public space for physical and mental wellness, community connection, senior, adult, and children’s educational programs, and entertainment.
https://turtlecreekconservancy.org/

*Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio

(Sharon Adams, Adams Communications Public Relations, is honored to represent the Turtle Creek Association and its Gala, Tour of Homes, Azalea Luncheon and Fashion Show and special announcements and post this Philanthropy Lifestyles Scene.)