Fort Worth’s Downtown Oasis
Nestled in the heart of downtown, the Fort Worth Water Gardens stand as a testament to human creativity and ingenuity. Located in what used to be the historic “Hell’s Half Acre,” the gardens provide a quick escape to nature in the middle of a bustling downtown.
The story of the Water Gardens begins in the early 1970s, when the City of Fort Worth sought to revitalize its downtown area. The city wanted some sort of park to complement the Tarrant County Convention Center that had recently been built.
However, it was unable to secure federal grants to begin the project so it instead became a gift from the Amon G. Carter Foundation. Architect Phillip Johnson and the design firm of John Burgee Architects were chosen for the project. Drawing inspiration from both contemporary and classical influences, Johnson and his team conceived a bold vision for the gardens that would blend elements of modern design and nature. Construction began in 1973 and was completed and open to the public in May of 1974. The Fort Worth Water Gardens captured the attention of locals and tourists alike, quickly earning it a spot as a Fort Worth landmark.
The design of the Water Gardens is centered around three primary features: The Aerating Pool, the Quiet Pool, and the Active Pool. Each element stirs different emotional 
reactions and meditative experiences. The water features are beautiful and seem to invite closer inspection, but please note that swimming and wading are not allowed at the Water Gardens.
Whether you just have half an hour to kill on your lunch break, or you’re visiting from out of town, make sure you stop by the Fort Worth Water Gardens. No trip to Fort Worth is complete without paying homage to this historic landmark.
Written by Annie, a local expert guide for Fort Worth Crawling. After living in NYC for three years, this Fort Worth native is excited to return to her roots in Panther City. She enjoys traveling and the great outdoors and is passionate about the arts, community, tacos, and (of course) Texas beer. Join Annie for history and beer on Fort Worth Crawling’s Cowboy Pub Crawl!