Deborah Hall
Witness the contemporary, revitalizing, and metropolitan haven of the Fort Worth Water Gardens. The scenery is unlike anything you’ll find in an ordinary park. It’s a spectacle of genius engineering and architecture designed by Philip Johnson and John Burgee. The garden is comprised of waterways, fountains, and vortex-styled pools. The area was historically four acres of saloons and brothels in downtown Fort Worth. In 1974, the city decided to restore the area into the water gardens.
Visitors can enjoy the gardens all year long, the waters are refreshing in any season. The many water sorts that travel throughout the park are shaded by cypress trees, giving tourists the feel of a modern plaza. Within the park is the aerating pool, which is a classic charm with fountains that light up and are covered by beautiful oak trees. The meditation pool is also appreciated by tourists who want a relaxing mid-day getaway in the summer heat. The active and quiet pools, however, are the main attractions due to the feature that guests can walk and climb through them. These pools flow down 38 feet of steps and terraces which allows the sound of rushing water to surround visitors with an otherworldly experience.
Photo: @yacxiris.lopez via Twenty20
Although the park has many futuristic elements, the one that puts it in a league of its own is its terraced knoll. This hides the park from the hustle and bustle of the city, giving visitors a peaceful and serene experience. These attributes of modern ingenuity did not go unnoticed by the city or by Hollywood. The water gardens were used in a scene from the sci-fi movie “Logan’s Run,” in 1976.
Photo: @kelstagram via Twenty20
The Gardens are located on Commerce Street on the southside of downtown Fort Worth. There is plenty of public parking near the water gardens for residents or tourists who just want to come for the day. For those who want to stay a little longer and explore the many attractions in south Fort Worth, there are hotels within walking distance of the gardens. However, after more than 40 years of being open year-round, the gardens are closed at this time due to COVID-19 restrictions.
