The Fort Worth Park & Recreation Advisory Board met on Sept. 23 to consider two high‑visibility projects that will shape the city’s parks and recreation future. Board members gave a preview of an 11‑foot‑tall bronze armadillo sculpture that will sit atop a seesaw on the east side of Gateway Park, near the entrance to the disc‑golf course. The piece, created by Tucson artist Trevor O’Tool, was approved by the Fort Worth Art Commission the night before and carries a $534,500 budget funded by the city’s 2018 bond program.
Playful public art designed for interaction
Adam Neese, a public‑art manager with Arts Fort Worth, explained that the armadillo was intended to be playful and interactive. While the city will not encourage climbing on the sculpture, its design anticipates that families will engage with it. The armadillo will sit about three feet off the ground at its lowest point and is engineered to support up to 4,500 pounds. A structural engineer and a geotechnical engineer were consulted because the site lies in a floodplain, ensuring the artwork’s durability.
The board selected the location for its visibility to motorists and pedestrians and its proximity to the disc‑golf entrance, hoping the piece will become a recognizable landmark for park visitors. The board plans to place the sculpture on its agenda next month for final approval by the Fort Worth City Council.
Aquatics Master Plan expands water‑based recreation
In the same meeting, the board unanimously endorsed the city’s 2026 Aquatics Master Plan. The plan proposes a significant expansion of Fort Worth’s public swimming facilities, calling for ten new outdoor pools, 46 lap lanes, six spray grounds and four indoor pools. Currently, the city operates Forest Park Pool, Marine Park Pool & Aquatic Center, and the Sycamore Spray Ground, and partners with the Eastside YMCA and the William M. McDonald YMCA.
Adelaide Leavens, a steering‑committee member for the master plan, urged the board to approve the proposal, citing Forest Park Pool as a successful example of community‑driven improvement. She emphasized that expanded access not only provides recreation but also teaches children water safety, potentially reducing drownings.
Board chair Jason Baldwin echoed Leavens’ concerns, noting that the plan lacks a specific timeline and concrete funding goals. He called for continued advocacy to secure the necessary resources so the plan does not remain merely on a shelf.
Additional park master plans move forward
Board members also gave unanimous endorsement to master plans for Anderson Park and Sendera Ranch Park, which were previously presented. These plans outline future improvements and amenities for the respective neighborhoods, reinforcing the board’s commitment to enhancing Fort Worth’s park system.
Fort Worth residents can look forward to a more vibrant park experience, with both eye‑catching public art and expanded water facilities that support family recreation, health and safety. The board’s decisions reflect a proactive approach to community‑centered development, aligning with the city’s long‑term vision for accessible, family‑friendly public spaces.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
