From Dam Fix to Greenbelt Vision, Bachman Lake Park Has Momentum

“They’ve done a beautiful job!” a runner yelled at me as he moved along the new trail past the newly renovated Bachman Lake dam and spillway. That wasn’t just a runner’s high. The joy was evident on his face. 

It’s not very often you see someone so happy over a rebuilt spillway, but when it comes to Bachman Lake Park, supporters have nothing but love for the lake and aren’t afraid to show their enthusiasm for a park they have always considered a second home.

What makes this project different is how closely the city worked with residents to shape it, while keeping the park open during construction.

“This didn’t just happen by itself,” said D6 Councilmember Laura Cadena. Bachman Lake Park is located in her district. “Previous Councilmember Omar Narvaez put a community task force together to gain their input.”

Originally constructed in 1901, the Bachman Lake dam was due for renovation. 

“These improvements strengthen the flood protection for our community,” Cadena said.

Along with flood protection, the city took advantage of the opportunity to make the park more accessible.

Dam Improvements Make Park More Accessible

Before the reconstruction, the trail over the dam was narrow, and the section of the trail that would take runners, walkers, and bicyclists toward Denton Drive was steep and uneven. 

“The trail adjustments have made Bachman Lake Park more accessible to the disabled,” Cadena said.

Briarwood resident Amy Martin, who rode her bicycle to the ribbon-cutting, is glad more people will be able to access the park.

“I’m going to miss going down the hill, but I’m happy the trail is more accessible so more people can enjoy Bachman Lake,” Martin said.

“They really and truly listened to the community,” said Susanna Brown, treasurer of the Friends of Bachman Lake (FoBL). Prior to the work commencing, community representatives and city officials walked the park to discuss how to keep the loop open and to address the heat cone issue, which exists in part because of the park’s proximity to Dallas Love Field.

“Looking to future generations that will be enjoying this park, we made sure there were a lot of shade trees planted,” Brown said. 

FoBL Earns Statewide Recognition for Greenbelt Restoration

FoBL’s influence is evident in both Bachman Lake Park and the Bachman Lake Greenbelt.

At the beginning of the month, the friends group was one of six groups statewide to be selected for the Texan by Nature Conservation Wrangler program. 

“Congratulations to our 2026 Conservation Wranglers,” Texan by Nature Founder and former First Lady, Laura Bush told members. “I am inspired by this year’s innovative conservation projects. These groups are setting a fine example for all Texans, showing us the importance of supporting  the people, prosperity, and natural resources we have in our beautiful state.”

The Texan by Nature Conservation Wrangler program is one of the most competitive and respected conservation accelerators in Texas.

“This recognition celebrates our work restoring the Bachman Greenbelt and reimagining it as a thriving space for both people and nature,” according to the friends group website.

You Can See the Trails Again: Bachman Greenbelt Is Transforming After Invasive Privet Removal

The FoBL was recognized for their vision for the future of the greenbelt. ”The vision is a bold but deeply practical effort to transform 58 acres of underutilized parkland in the heart of Dallas into a vibrant Texas Native Arboretum. This work will deliver measurable benefits, including improving air and water quality, supporting biodiversity, and creating a welcoming green space for our community to enjoy.”