Upgrades headed to the Fort Worth Water Gardens

City Council recently approved a $367,000 contract with engineering firm Freese & Nichols to evaluate the 50-year-old downtown landmark.

Photo of water flowing down stepped fountain.

The Fort Worth Water Gardens’ iconic form serve as a backdrop for many photoshoots. | Photo by FTWtoday

The Fort Worth Water Gardens are getting a tune up. Recently, City Council approved a $366,877 contract with local engineering and consulting firm Freese & Nichols to take stock of the landmark’s infrastructure.

Opened in 1974, the 4.3-acre park was designed by famous New York architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee, and is composed of five water features, including the grand tiered waterfall and pool.

Freese & Nichols will evaluate pipes, pumps, concrete, lighting, and operating systems of the 50-year-old downtown attraction. After determining what needs to be fixed and replaced, the team will complete a final design for construction improvements.

The city has allocated $6.5 million for the project from the $560 million 2022 Bond Program, which set aside $124 million for citywide park improvements.

The Water Gardens renovations will coincide with the $95 million Phase 1 Convention Center expansion and renovation.

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