Valley Ranch, Irving, Texas facts for kids
Valley Ranch is a special community in Irving, Texas. It's a "master-planned development," which means it was carefully designed. The area used to be a working cattle ranch. It sits below a big ridge, making it look like a valley. That's how it got its name!
Quick facts for kids
The Valley Ranch Association
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| Nickname(s):
Valley Ranch
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| Counties | Dallas |
| City | Irving |
| Elevation | 479 ft (146 m) |
| Website | https://valleyranch.org/ |
Contents
History of Valley Ranch
Valley Ranch was once open ranch land, just like much of Irving. A major highway, I-635, was built around Dallas. This highway helped the area grow and develop. In the 1970s, local leaders planned how to use the land north of the new road.
When highways 121 and 635 connected in the 1980s, Valley Ranch really started to boom. New homes and businesses were built. This growth continued for many years, even into the 2010s.
Valley Ranch was once home to famous sports teams. The Dallas Cowboys football team practiced here starting in 1985. The Dallas Stars hockey team also had their practice facilities in Valley Ranch. Both teams later moved to Frisco, Texas.
Today, many people from India live in Valley Ranch and nearby Las Colinas. Because of this, you can find many Indian grocery stores in the area. There are also lots of restaurants that serve delicious Indian food.
Geography of Valley Ranch
Valley Ranch is located in the Trinity River floodplain. This means it's an area that could flood. However, a large levee system protects the land from the river. This makes the area safe for building homes and businesses.
To help control water and offer fun places, Valley Ranch has many winding canals. These canals have walkways along them for people to enjoy.
Valley Ranch is surrounded by other towns and areas. To the north is Coppell, Texas. To the south is Las Colinas, Irving, Texas. On the west side is Cypress Waters in Dallas. To the east is Farmers Branch, Texas.
The community is very close to the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. It's also about a 30-minute drive to downtown Dallas. The southern edge of Valley Ranch is formed by Interstate 635.
Fun and Recreation
Valley Ranch is a planned community with lots of fun things to do. It has over five miles of winding walkways along canals. These paths are nicely landscaped and lead to ponds and parks. There's also an aquatic center for swimming and water fun.
Cimarron Park is a main city park in Valley Ranch. This park has a gymnasium for indoor sports. It also offers tennis courts and two basketball courts. Outside, there's a swimming pool and a large field for soccer or other games. The park also has playground equipment for younger kids. You can find a covered picnic area with a barbecue pit, too. You can even get to Cimarron Park by walking on a trail.
Schools in Valley Ranch
Even though Valley Ranch is part of Irving, students here go to different school districts. Children attend schools in either the Coppell ISD or the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD.
Local Schools
- Bernice Chatman Freeman Elementary (Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD)
- Canyon Ranch Elementary (Coppell ISD)
- Tom Landry Elementary (Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD)
- Valley Ranch Elementary (Coppell ISD)
- Barbara Bush Middle School (Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD)
- Ranchview High School (Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD)
