Fort Worth Water Gardens
What could be more refreshing than an oasis of flowing water in the heart of a large, densely populated city? The residents will surely tell you everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the heat. There is a hidden gem in the city of Fort Worth, Texas. A refreshing oasis of water that not only flows, but sprays, showers, sprinkles, and maybe even throw in a little dancing if you use your imagination.
The Fort Worth Water Gardens were built in 1974 as a gift from the Amon G. Carter Foundation. Frequently called a cooling oasis in a concrete jungle, this park boasts some unique and creative water features. The park was designed by renowned New York City architects John Burgee and Phillip Johnson to revitalize an older neighborhood of Fort Worth. Their goal was to bring natural elements into an urban environment with ingenuity, creativity and flair. Not only does the park boast several water features, but it also brings much-needed shade and green spaces to the concrete jungle surrounding it. 
The spectacular Active Pool is the centerpiece of this engaging modern marvel. Thousands of gallons of water pour down, through and around a series of steps and platforms 38 feet to the bottom. Navigating the angles and blazing your own trails down is wholesome fun for both families and solitary wanderers. The Active Pool is visually stunning from all angles so it also offers many opportunities for creative photography. It was even featured in the iconic 1976 film Logan’s Run, which makes it another addition to Texas’ rich film history.
For quiet musing, visit the Meditation Pool. This soothing pool is a calming blue color and surrounded by shady cypress trees. Water spills over the walls around the Meditation Pool to enhance the feeling of separation from urban hustle and bustle. Spending a few minutes, or even hours, in this refreshing enclave, might even make you forget the big city around you. Sounds of flowing water and rustling leave combined with the sight of the pretty blue pond stimulate your senses and leave you feeling refreshed. Dangle your fingers in the cool blue water and let it refresh you.
If you like a little razzle-dazzle in your water garden experience, make sure to spend some quality time at the Aerated Pool. There are 40 separate nozzles spraying 871 gallons of water every minute. Take a break from the Texas heat just by lingering near the mists. Sit on the shady steps with an iced tea and watch the water droplets refract into rainbows as gentle breezes waft cool sprays of water on your skin. Sounds pretty nice, doesn’t it? But it is even nicer at night when the lights come on. The Aerated Pond becomes a pool of saturated purples, pinks and greens making the sprays dance in vivid colors. It is a perfect spot for a romantic evening date.
The four-acre Fort Worth Water Gardens were designed to make visitors forget they are in the heart of a crowded metropolis. The thoughtfully terraced knoll is a gateway to a world of water. Lose the sounds of nearby traffic and commerce in the roars and murmurs of flowing water. Let surrounding buildings disappear as you follow the steps down and around the Active Pool. Bathe your skin in the cooling mists in the deep shade of trees near the Aeration Pond. Find your serenity and well-being by the welcoming blue Meditation Pond. There is a special spot here waiting for you to find it.
Located at 1502 Commerce Street, the Fort Worth Water Gardens are on the south end of downtown Fort Worth. It is easy to find next to the Fort Worth Convention Center between Houston and Commerce streets. There is no admission price so you and your whole family can enjoy it for free. If you are planning a trip to Fort Worth, you will not want to miss out on this gem of a park. Not many cities can boast such a lovely amenity for both their residents and visitors. Make sure to take advantage of this urban oasis, and beat that Texas heat, at the Fort Worth Water Gardens.
