Reverchon Park

Historic Origins

Reverchon Park is a historic 41.3-acre community park located in the Oak Lawn area of Dallas, Texas. Established in 1914, it was originally named Turtle Creek Park but was renamed in 1915 after Julien Reverchon, a notable French botanist who settled in the area.

The park lies along Turtle Creek, a tributary of the Trinity River, with its main entrance at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Turtle Creek Boulevard.

Natural Features and Layout

The heart of the park is organized around meandering paths, a large play area, and groves of oak and pecan trees. This central area is nestled between two wooded hills that feature extensive stonework created by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) between 1935 and 1937.

One of the park's notable features is the Hillside Terrace, a network of stone stairwells, bridges, pathways, lookouts, and seating spaces that cling to the park's bluff. The western hill is crowned by a ring of stone benches surrounding a large stone picnic table.

At the northern base you'll find the Iris Bowl, a small stepped stone amphitheater surrounded by beds of irises.

Recreational Facilities and History

The park has a rich history, including the presence of a baseball field since the 1920s. The current field and bleachers are believed to date back to 1924, and it became the first lighted field in the Dallas Park system in the late 1930s.

In 1946, the park was expanded to its current size with the addition of new land in the southeast corner.

Connectivity

Reverchon Park connects to the Katy Trail, a former rail line converted into a recreational trail. The park offers a variety of recreational activities and serves as a popular destination for families, fitness enthusiasts, and nature lovers in the heart of Dallas.