Fort Worth expands Open Space with new land acquisition

Fort Worth expands Open Space with new land acquisition

Published on November 16, 2024

City Council this week approved acquiring 38.2 acres from Jefferson Primrose Land Holdings LLC for open space preservation.

Conservation of this property supports the Open Space Conservation Program goals, and Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker's Good Natured Greenspace Initiative goal of preserving 10,000 acres of greenspace across Fort Worth in the next five years while growing and enhancing the City's park system.

Why it matters: This acquisition showcases how the City can partner with the development community to protect important greenspace. JPI sold the land to the Open Space Conservation Program for $155,903 ($4,081.25 per acre), which is well below market value, to help cover some of the costs for adjacent development, including a neighborhood park. This is funded by the 2022 Bond Program.

In the future, the Open Space property and a neighborhood park could connect to the Active Transportation Plan trail network and existing greenspace to the south in Llano Springs, which was recently donated to the Park & Recreation Department. This will provide more recreational opportunities and connected trails for residents in a rapidly growing and developing area.

What's next: The site, while not designated as parkland, will be maintained in its natural state by the Park & Recreation Department. Future plans may involve nearby parks and developments, creating a seamless network of green spaces for Fort Worth residents to enjoy.

About the land: This new greenspace will help preserve wildlife habitats for migratory birds and birds of prey, along with wetlands and endangered Fort Worth Prairie. Wetlands are priority habitats for preservation since there are few conserved in Fort Worth. It also includes parts of Summer Creek and smaller connected stream channels that drain into Benbrook Lake, which is a drinking water reservoir.

The acquisition supports the Open Space Conservation Program and Mayor Mattie Parker's Good Natured Greenspace Initiative goal of preserving 10,000 acres of greenspace across Fort Worth in the next five years while also growing and enhancing the City's park system.

Photo at top: This new greenspace will help preserve wildlife habitats for migratory birds and birds of prey, along with wetlands and endangered Fort Worth Prairie.

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Tagged as:

• Environment
• District 6