Courtesy of Fort Worth Botanic Garden
The Rose Garden at Fort Worth Botanic Garden
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden on Monday announced its plans for community forums over the next few weeks to inform the public on its long-term master plan, which will include “a particular focus on Fort Worth’s rich and growing diversity.”
The effort is in conjunction with Studio Outside, Bennett Partners, and DEI Consultants.
A news release termed the effort a “robust, citywide public engagement process.”
In addition to providing online comment capabilities through a website www.brit.org/masterplan, five 90-minute community forums are planned as follows:
Jan. 26 6:30 p.m., Rockwood Park Golf Course Clubhouse
Jan. 27 6:30 p.m., Como Community Center
Jan. 29 10 a.m., MLK, Jr., Community Center
Feb. 2 6:30 p.m., Chisholm Trail Community Center
Feb. 3 6:30 p.m., Heritage Church
“Listening, building relationships and informing the master plan are the three major goals for soliciting this public feedback,” says Estrus Tucker, CEO of DEI Consultants, in a statement. “We especially want to hear from new and diverse community voices while building relationships across the city with organizations and individuals.”
Forum agenda formats will consist of brief opening remarks with a welcome from City Council members, an overview of Fort Worth Botanic Garden | Botanical Research Institute of Texas, a summary of the master planning process, a brief statement about “why” these meetings are being conducted, and a series of interactive conversations, listening sessions, and engaging planning activities.
With health and safety of all participants a top priority, CDC guidelines will be followed.
“We consider public feedback immensely important in the master planning process since the Garden is a local treasure belonging to all Fort Worth residents,” says Bob Byers, FWBG|BRIT executive vice president and co-chair of the Master Planning Committee. “Creating a long-term, inspiring guest experience is at the heart of this process.”
The master planning committee led by former District 7 City Councilman Dennis Shingleton comprises members from throughout the community, representative of Fort Worth civil servants, local garden associations, Fort Worth ISD, FWBG|BRIT Board and staff, and other community advocates and developers.
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is the oldest public botanic garden in Texas with beautiful theme gardens, including the Fuller Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and the Victor and Cleyone Tinsley Garden, which features plants native to north central Texas.
Winter Hours: Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 65+, $6 for children 6-15, and free for those under 5. Free admission with annual membership. Parking is free throughout the campus during regular business hours.