Turtle Creek (Dallas County, Texas) facts for kids
Turtle Creek is a small stream in Dallas, Texas. It flows into the Trinity River. This creek is an important part of the Dallas area. It runs through many well-known neighborhoods.
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What is Turtle Creek?
Turtle Creek is a small waterway. It starts in northern Dallas, Texas. A "tributary" is a smaller stream that flows into a larger river. So, Turtle Creek is a tributary of the Trinity River. The place where a river or stream begins is called its "headwaters."
Where Does Turtle Creek Flow?
Turtle Creek travels southwest through North Dallas. It goes through a city called Highland Park. Highland Park is like a small town completely surrounded by Dallas. It's called an "enclave." After Highland Park, the creek flows back into Dallas. It passes through the Oak Lawn community. It also runs alongside Turtle Creek Boulevard. The creek then goes through Reverchon Park. Finally, it reaches the West Dallas Design District. Here, it flows into the Trinity River.
The Trinity River's Original Path
The area where Turtle Creek meets the Trinity River is interesting. The Trinity River used to flow differently here. This old path was called the "Meanders." In the early 1900s, the river's path was changed. This was done to help control floods.
How Flood Control Changed the River
The original "Meanders" section of the Trinity River was moved. It now flows through underground pipes called "culverts." A "culvert" is like a tunnel for water. The main part of the Trinity River was also moved. A new channel was dug to the west. This new channel has special walls called "levees." Levees are built to stop water from overflowing. Pumps were also added. These changes helped protect the area from floods. They also allowed new buildings and businesses to be built.
