Fort Worth residents gathered on Aug. 24 to give input on the future design of Chapel Hill Park, a 68‑acre parcel of largely undeveloped land located just south of Eagle Mountain High School in Council Member Macy Hill’s district. More than 20 community members attended a meeting hosted by the Fort Worth Park & Recreation Department and consulting firm Kimley‑Horn.
Community priorities
Attendees repeatedly stressed the importance of preserving the park’s existing natural character. They asked that any development retain as much open land, native prairie, and wildlife habitat as possible, especially as thousands of new homes are slated for the surrounding area.
Residents highlighted nature‑oriented features that could serve families and students, such as butterfly and pollinator gardens, walking trails, shaded areas, and opportunities for high‑school students to use the park for environmental education. Kay Carroll, a local resident, said, “Progress is happening. We can’t stop growth, but we can decide how to respond—by keeping open space and natural land.”
Recreational ideas
Community members also suggested a range of amenities. Cynthia Jimenez recommended pickleball courts, noting the sport’s popularity across age groups. Others asked about sidewalks to connect surrounding neighborhoods, parking, restrooms, and the possibility of a small community center. The department’s project manager, Blaise Grissom, said two ADA‑accessible restrooms with changing tables could be included, and that sidewalks along Bonds Ranch Road are part of the long‑term plan.
While a full community center is not currently in the park plan, Grissom noted the idea could be explored in broader city discussions and would likely require bond revenue or general‑fund money rather than developer park fees.
Safety and access
One resident expressed concern that the park could become a gathering place for inappropriate activity near the high school. Grissom clarified that public parks cannot be limited to specific users, but park hours and reporting mechanisms can help address any problems. Landscape consultant Jonathan Campbell added that designing amenities that attract regular use creates “built‑in security” by keeping more eyes on the space.
Funding and timeline
The city currently has funding for the master‑planning phase, but Chapel Hill Park is not part of the 2026 bond program and has no dedicated general‑fund allocation. Construction is expected to begin three to five years from now, with phases funded by developer park fees and potential state grants.
After the discussion, participants reviewed six large posters outlining possible feature categories and used green and red stickers to indicate preferences. The department will hold a second public meeting in the coming months to present a preliminary concept based on this feedback.
Fort Worth’s ongoing public‑input process underscores the city’s commitment to involving families and neighbors in shaping a park that balances natural preservation with safe, family‑friendly recreation.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
