Thanks-Giving Square, Dallas

Thanks-Giving Square was developed initially to help relieve downtown traffic. While it has helped to accomplish that task , the area is so much more than just a traffic relief spot. There are three levels to the Square, although most people only think about the ground level area. The inner most layer is the Bullington Truck Terminal. It lies 50 feet below the park above and handles a fair amount of truck traffic.

The Dallas Pedestrian Network lies above the truck terminal and below the ground level Square. It covers 36 city blocks and connects buildings, parks, hotels, office space and garages through a network of tunnels and sky bridges. Underground there are restaurants, spacious walkways, and areas where employees of the surrounding businesses can relax for a few minutes. This area is open to the public during normal business hours.

Thanks-Giving Square is spectacular. The park entrance starts with a praise wall followed by the bell tower. This tower has three large bells that are reminiscent of the Liberty Bell. These bells chime the hour and then carol at noon. Visitors are then encouraged to enter the courtyard through the Ring of Thanks. This is a large aluminum ring that is covered by 23 carat gold leaf and is just beautiful. The highlight of the square has to be the Chapel of Thanksgiving. The building spirals toward the sky and inside it is a breathtaking stained glass ceiling. Around the park are waterfalls, a meditation garden, mosaics, and just a general feeling of peace and thanksgiving.