Spring Creek Park
Nestled in the northern part of Garland, Spring Creek Park is not to be missed, as it is one of the most idyllic green spots in the city. The park actually consists of several distinct sections, and depending on what you want to do there is something for everyone here. Part of the park is the Spring Creek Greenbelt which has playgrounds, picnic spots, and even a pond and fishing pier and is great for families with young children. If you are feeling more active, then the Spring Creek Park Preserve has a 0.8 mile walking trail that is perfect for taking in the local flora and fauna and has trees that are known to be over 300 years old.
Why not enjoy a soothing hike or bike ride through nature and soak up some fresh air outside? Visit one of Garland’s trails today – just remember to keep your distance and avoid parks that are crowded. Spring Creek Park is a large nature area running alongside Spring Creek in the northern sector of Garland, just south of N. President George Bush Highway from Shiloh Road to beyond Garland Avenue. It is split into three sections; all three sections are popular with families, hikers and naturalists.
In 1978, Bobby C. Scott, a self-taught botanist, recognized some plants in a section of woods in Garland, Texas as indicators of virgin forest. The existence of virgin forest within city limits is highly unusual, as the 19th Century settlers in the area typically cut down the forests for use in construction or to clear land for farming. For the next decade, Mr. Scott fought for the preservation of this area, known as the Spring Creek Forest, named for the primary creek running through it. He and Dallas naturalist Edward C. “Ned” Fritz worked together to present a case to the City of Garland and Dallas County for preservation. The pair brought in academic and government botanists, who confirmed the unique nature of the Forest, and identified several rare and unique plants. In 1988, Dallas County and the State of Texas purchased 69 acres (28 ha) of the land to set aside as the Spring Creek Forest Preserve. The land was given to Garland for maintenance. Since 1987, the City of Garland and the Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest are responsible for maintaining the nature trails within the Preserve.
