The Trinity and Water in Dallas

Many visitors to Dallas may not realize that Dallas does have a river running through it, The Trinity. But unlike some cities and towns with rivers, there is no attractive waterfront; there are no pretty river side walks, cafes, views etc. Even some Dallas residents may not be aware of the Trinity’s significance in the history of Dallas. For many of today’s Dallas-ites the Trinity is at worse an embarrassment and at best an irrelevance.

The Trinity has played an important role in the history of Dallas. Despite appearances the Trinity has also had a big impact on local politics and planning. Not only in respect of today’s “Trinity River Corridor Project” but historically also.

The historic art deco Fair Park (another often neglected gem in Dallas), home of the Dallas Museum of Nature and Science hosted a presentation with KERA, the local NPR (National Public Radio) station of the film, “Living with the Trinity” . This affectionate and beautifulfilm looks at the history of The Trinity in the Dallas Fort Worth area and more particularly focuses on the Trinity River Project of the 60’s and 70’s. We enjoyed the glimpse of Dallas’s history and in particular with respect to the Trinity, an often forgotten and forlorn river in the Dallas and Fort Worth area.

In association with the film presentation the Museum of Nature and Science have a special exhibition entitled, “Water". This informative and lovely exhibition is a traveling exhibit from the New York Museum of Nature and Science. I repeat the optimistic hope expressed in the introduction to the film that everyone in the Dallas and Fort Worth area has an opportunity to view the exhibit. Many people may not realize and appreciate the importance and scarcity of water in today’s world. This exhibition clearly highlights these important issues. “To go Green, first you have to go Blue”.

Picture Courtesy of: Trinity River Authority