Heritage and Paddock Parks project receives $1M gift from Amon G. Carter Foundation
June 11,2024
See full press release posted on the Fort Worth Report here.
Today, Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. (DFWII) marks a significant milestone in its just-launched public fundraising campaign. DFWII is thrilled to announce a generous $1 million gift from the Amon G. Carter Foundation for the Heritage and Paddock Parks project. This substantial funding, combined with the $36 million in donations, pledges, and voter park bond approvals already secured, propels the total fundraising initiative towards the $50 million goal.
“Both residents and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful open spaces and spectacular views adjacent to the northern gateway into downtown. We commend the thoughtful and exhaustive planning that has gone into this design effort and are encouraged by the demonstrated support for the project by the City, County, TIF, and the Regional Transportation Council,” said John Robinson, Executive Vice President of the Amon G. Carter Foundation.
The two parks, just north of the historic Tarrant County Courthouse, have been studied for over ten years. Park improvements include the renovation and reopening of Heritage Park Plaza, improved street crossings at the Courthouse, an ADA-accessible canopy walk down the bluff connecting downtown to the Trinity River, and other enhancements to Heritage Park. Designs are currently under review by various agencies at the 30% stage.
“After years of concept work, public meetings, and intergovernmental cooperation, these parks will connect downtown to the river and Panther Island,” said DFWII Chairman Michael Bennett. “They will also create educational opportunities where we can tell the stories of Fort Worth in the places the events occurred.”
Heritage Park is the location of the original Fort Worth army outpost, and Paddock Park was once a line of blufftop mercantile buildings. Park exhibits will reach deeper into history, telling the stories of undersea prehistoric sea creatures, dinosaurs, the rise of mammals, and the appearance of humans in what is now North America. The exhibits will continue into the present day.
“These parks will create one-of-a-kind public spaces for all of our residents and visitors in the heart of the city,” said Mayor Mattie Parker. “I launched the Good Natured greenspace initiative because it is vital that we take every opportunity to protect and enhance our parks and green spaces, and with the historic County Courthouse as a backdrop, the bluff top views of the Trinity River Valley, and the topography of the bluff itself this is a truly special place worth investing in for the entire community to enjoy.”
“We are thrilled to embark on this crucial stage of our campaign,” said fundraising Co-Chair Louise Appleman. “With a sense of urgency, we will be actively reaching out and hope to conclude our fundraising efforts within the next 12 months.”
“This is the last push,” added Randy Gideon, fundraising Co-Chair. “The Amon G. Carter Foundation’s $1M gift is a huge shot in the arm as we begin the last phase of the campaign.”
Location Mentioned: HERITAGE AND PADDOCK PARKS PROJECT