The BNSF Railway Foundation has pledged $1 million to Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives Inc. (DFWII) to support the Heritage and Paddock parks project.
The two adjacent parks, located north of the Tarrant County Courthouse, are slated for a redesign and renovation. Plans include new water features, lighting, accessible walkways, seating, play areas, landscaping, educational displays, public art, performance spaces, and pedestrian improvements.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker stated, “These parks will bring people back to where Fort Worth began. From the top of the bluff to the river, these public spaces will be reclaimed for everyone to enjoy.”
The project was inspired by the late Ruth Carter Stevenson and is being led by DFWII in partnership with the City of Fort Worth. The design aims to incorporate original recommendations for Heritage Plaza by Lawrence Halprin, a nationally recognized historic urban landscape. This includes enhancing pedestrian access on Weatherford and Belknap streets, improving Paddock Park, and creating a connection between downtown and the river.
The total fundraising goal for the project is $55 million. The BNSF Foundation’s $1 million contribution brings the current funding to approximately $44 million. The anticipated start of construction in 2026-27 is dependent on continued fundraising, design completion, and regulatory approvals.
Project fundraising co-chair Louise Appleman described the parks as “city and county open space gems in the rough,” adding, “This project will transform the north end of downtown by converting unused park land into beautiful, active spaces for residents, visitors and guests to enjoy. These gems, once polished, will be new Fort Worth attractions that share our story, showcase our topography and create joyful memories for everyone.”
