Friends of Bachman Lake Newsletter - July 2022
Updated: Jul 2, 2022
“It’s people power, not economic growth, per se, that protects local air and water quality.”
― Kate Raworth
There IS progress all around!
Life is busy, that's for sure. Yet things are happening even when you can't quite see it right away! From trails to crossings to road improvements, here is a summary of what's been going on around Bachman Lake while the rest of everything else in creation is seemingly going on around us!
Yes, paddle boarding does happen on Bachman Lake.
Just saying...
Tree Alert, your sprinkler system is not enough!
We are again in a drought in North Texas. Even mature native trees will need targeted watering to minimize the effects of the summer heat and dryness. Deep watering with a hose on a weekly basis is a minimum requirement for preventing total tree decline. Give your trees some LOVE aka WATER!
15 months after winter storm "Uri" in February 2021, trees are still suffering the effects. In the spring of 2022, we began to see trees, especially red oaks, leaf out as normal and then brown or die completely, a long-term symptom of freeze damage. Freeze-thaw cracks in tree bark have become entrances for borer beetles and disease. Soil amendments, proper fertilization and watering, and insect management are necessary to keep the surviving trees healthy.
As you know we have two wonderful libraries within walking distance of Bachman Lake and Grauwlyer. They not only have air conditioning, they have amazing books, CDs, and music that you can check out for free with your library card! Unfortunately, these amazing libraries do not have Friends groups to help support them. If books are your thing, then stop by and talk to the managers to start a friends group or just to volunteer! At Bachman, the manager is Davis Doyle and at Grauwlyer it is Karyn Choi.
If you want to tap into all the free services offered by the Dallas Public Library and need a library card, we have the details for you in our blog post.
In order to better monitor improper park use over the weekends, the park Department is sending out their Park Rangers and Marshals to Bachman Lake. The Park Ranger seeks compliance from park patrons in asking them not to smoke, not feed the birds, no vending, no dogs off leash, no parking on unapproved surfaces, no sleeping at the park, and no off-road vehicles. When things are more severe, the Ranger calls in the Marshal to write citations. Examples of these given in the last several months include alcohol consumption, parking violations and leaving excessive litter at the park.
Good Neighbor Program - Love Field's Outreach Program
For those of you new to the area, the Good Neighbor Program is a meeting coordinated by Love Field to create engagement with the surrounding community. They are held on a quarterly basis and the next one this year is on July 19th at 6PM. It will be held at the Bachman Lake Recreation Center. If you are interested in what has been previously reviewed, here is the presentation from the April session.
We just wanted to say, that it does make a difference to attend these meetings. It was through our presence that we lobbied for a trail along Lemmon Ave, a new park on their property north of Northwest Highway (by the Sams Club) and where we took a stand against an alternate airport entrance.
The new park is in design and construction of the foot trail should start at the end of the year!
Also ...
Love Field provided updates on other airport projects, including the long-awaited reopening of the newly reconstructed runway parallel to Denton Avenue. Maybe some noise relief for neighbors on the north side of the airport?
From Aviation Director, Mark Duebner:
"13R-31L Runway Reconstruction/Taxiway C – Phase 1
The reconstruction of 13R-31L (Denton) runway is progressing and on track to be completed by June 28th. Weather permitting, we expect all construction, inspections and approvals to be completed and allow for operations to be restarted within the same week. The recent progress on this project includes reopening of taxiways T & C in March 2022, which allow aircraft routing to the runway. During the month of June, we will be completing paving, electrical, markings & signage, sodding & seeding, and other work on the shoulders of the runway."
Note: The runway is currently operational and aircraft are taking off and landing as of June 28.
The remainder of the project (July – October) will consist of completing the vehicle service road, located on airport property.
Other Projects On or Around Dallas Love Field:
• The Entry Road Enhancement project is currently under construction and will be completed in August 2022. The art installation is complete and new light poles have started being installed. Landscaping work will begin in the next few weeks.
• Lemmon Avenue Streetscape Enhancements project is completing design. We anticipate the project to commence construction in early 2023.
• Public Works – Lemmon Ave Project expected to be completed by the end of July as coordination with Atmos continues.
EVENTS
Our monthly plogging event is every 2nd Saturday of the month! Picking up litter while jogging (or walking or cycling) is an easy way to stay healthy and keep the park looking great! Grab a bag, a friend and help make our recreational jewel shine! Check our events list for any changes.
The community has spoken and asked for the Meet and Greet be moved to 5PM. Hey, we're not ones to get in the way of a cold beer! See you for our ‘meeting of the minds’ at Bluffview Growler on the 4th Wednesday of the month. No RSVP needed.
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