Kristina L Northam Bailey of Lewisville made this wonderful post about our booth babes aka gate gals on a Lewisville Facebook group and we just had to share:
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If you’ve spent any time at LLELA, you already know that the gate gals are the soul of the park. I’ve loved this place for nearly a decade, and these two women are a huge part of why LLELA remains one of the most protected, peaceful, and deeply loved natural spaces in North Texas.
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What many people don’t realize is how much quiet, behind-the-scenes care these two pour into their work. They keep track of who enters the park so that if someone doesn’t return according to their plans, help can be sent quickly. It is about safety and stewardship, not surveillance. These women are part of why no one is left without support and why wildlife isn’t left vulnerable to dangerous behavior.
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She is an avid bird watcher and a gentle appreciator of deer, always pointing out who was seen at dawn and who wandered through at dusk. She truly lives in rhythm with the land and continues to watch over it whether the gates are open or closed. Her commitment has always been about keeping every visitor and every wild tenant safe. If you ever have a moment, talk with her and ask for a story. She has a lifetime of tales tucked into her memory and each one reminds you why this park still feels like sacred ground.
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Joan (right) is a retired teacher with the warmest presence. She is an animal lover, a community enthusiast, and the kind of person who greets you in a way that immediately puts you at ease. She brings a kindness and steadiness that anchors every interaction at the gate and she cares deeply about ensuring that people and wildlife can share the space safely.
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What many people don’t realize is how much quiet, behind the scenes care these two pour into their work. They keep track of who enters the park so that if someone doesn’t return according to their plans, help can be sent quickly. It is about safety and stewardship, not surveillance. These women are part of why no one is left without support and why wildlife isn’t left vulnerable to dangerous behavior.
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Their presence, their knowledge and their decades of devotion have shaped LLELA into the beloved refuge it is today. They are protectors, storytellers and caretakers of every creature and every person who passes through the gate. If you have the privilege of meeting them, take a moment to say hello. You’ll leave with a piece of the park’s heart
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