Fort Worth Water Gardens

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Fort Worth Water Gardens
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Fort Worth Water Gardens
Fort Worth Water Gardens
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Fort Worth Water Gardens

Fort Worth Water Gardens, built in 1974, is located on the south end of downtown Fort Worth between Houston and Commerce Streets next to the Fort Worth Convention Center. The 4.3 acre (1.7 hectare) Water Gardens were designed by noted New York architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee and was dedicated to the City of Fort Worth by the Amon G. Carter Foundation. The park is frequently billed as a "cooling oasis in the concrete jungle" of downtown. Its focal points are three pools of water; the quiet meditation pool, the aerating pool which feature multiple fountains and the active pool which has water cascading 38 feet (11 meters) down terraces and steps into a small pool at the bottom. It also has over 500 species of plants and trees throughout the park.

The active pool was originally built for people to be able to walk down the terraced steps and experience the water tumbling around them. It was closed to the public after four people died there on June 16, 2004. Three children and one adult drowned after one of the children accidentally fell into the pool. The water was unusually deep due to a recirculating pump malfunction and heavy rains. The city is currently commissioning a study to make the Gardens safer.

The park is scheduled to re-open in February 2007.

Part of the film Logan's Run was filmed in the active pool at the Water Gardens in 1976.

[edit] External Links

Water Gardens Improvements - More information on the renovations including artist renditions

Water Gardens Page - Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau