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Water Gardens Reopens with Memorial Dedication

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As part of the dedication ceremony, Mayor Mike Moncrief and Councilmember Wendy Davis unveil permanent plaques memorializing the four people who drowned in 2004 and two Internal Revenue Service employees who died in 1991 when they were struck by a falling light pole. The plaques are located on the west wall of the Water Gardens’ Active Pool.

The Fort Worth Water Gardens, 1300 Commerce St., reopened March 4 with a memorial dedication for six people who lost their lives in the park. The gardens closed in 2004 after four tourists drowned.

Since that time, the city has spent $3.2 million to renovate the downtown landmark, including modifications to improve overall public safety and accessibility.The city contracted with engineering firm Freese and Nichols in 2004 to conduct an operational assessment of the Water Gardens and to make recommendations for safety improvements.

Based on those recommendations, the City of Fort Worth has:

  • Raised the floor elevation of the Active Pool to reduce water depth and installed an automatic water-level control
  • Installed a seat-wall at the Active Pool and Aerated Pool
  • Replaced all mechanical and electrical equipment
  • Built an addition to Pump Room No. 2 to house new chemical feed equipment and improve accessibility and safety for operations staff
  • Added new area lighting throughout the park and upgraded accent lighting in the water features
  • Added signs throughout the gardens that detail park rules and safety information
  • Added five Parks and Community Services Department employees — for a total of seven — to handle operation and basic maintenance of all pumping and electrical systems as well as care for the grounds.

The Water Gardens is open from 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. seven days a week. Water features will operate until 10 p.m. Experienced technicians will staff the park when water features are in use. The gate to the Active Pool will be locked from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Water Gardens Timeline

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1974: The Amon G. Carter Foundation donates the $6 million park, designed by New York architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee, to the City of Fort Worth.

1976: The park is showcased in the Hollywood sci-fi Logan’s Run!

1991: Two Internal Revenue Service agents are killed March 21 by a falling light pole while sitting in the gardens.

1996: The park is upgraded to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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2003: New entrances from the Fort Worth Convention Center Events Plaza, at the northeast and northwest corners of the Water Gardens, are created by closing 13th Street.

2004: Four Chicago visitors drown June 16 after going to the downtown landmark to cool off. The City of Fort Worth contracts with Freese and Nichols Inc., a local engineering firm, to conduct an operational assessment of the gardens.

2005: Freese and Nichols makes recommendations to Fort Worth City Council. Council approves funding for renovations, and work begins.

2007: Water Gardens officially reopens March 4 with a memorial dedication for six people who lost their lives in the park.
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