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Transcript of Bg Masterplan
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Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan
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Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010
Future of the Garden Commiee
Elaine Petrus (Chair)
Fort Worth Garden Club
GretchenBarre
Marty Craddock
Pat DeWoody
Murray James
Brooke Lively
Mary Alice Smith
Diann Stadler
Renee Walter
Fort Worth Botanic Garden StaHenry Painter
Steve HuddlestonLeslie Pool
Rob Bauereisen
Kathleen Cook
Gail Manning
Fort Worth Botanical Society HenrieaBailey
Bill Bean
Drake Benthall
Cherie Hathcock
Sheila Hill
Jim McCarty
Fran Mizell
John Tinsley
BeyeReeder
Garden Club Council of Fort Worth Becky Meadows
CarolynSco
Leeann Wilhelmi
Texas Garden Clubs, Inc. Barbara Baker
Parks and Community Services Advisory Board
Steve Relyea
Jennifer Harnish
Debra Nyul
Botanical Research Instute of Texas (BRIT) Dr. Sy Sohmer
Pat Harrison
Cleve Lancaster
Tim McKinney
Texas AgriLife Extension Texas A&M
DoyWoodson
City of Fort Worth
Mayor Mike Moncrief
Dale Fisseler
Richard Zavala
Randle Harwood
Sandra Youngblood
Community Leaders Kenneth L. Barr
Doug Harman
Susan Kline
John Stevenson
Gideon Toal, Inc.James Toal, Principal & Co-Chairman
Cassie King, Landscape & Urban Designer
Andropogon Associates, Ltd.Colin Franklin, ASLA, Principal
Carol Franklin, FASLA, Principal
Allison Schapker, Senior Landscape Designer
Open Channels Group, LLCTonya Veasey, President
Acknowledgements
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Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010
Acknowledgements & Credits
Background & Context
ForwardKey Goals of the Master Plan
The Planning Process
The Beginnings of a Park and Greenbelt System
Rock Springs Park on the Trinity
NaonalRegisterofHistoricPlaces
ABeaufulGreenSpaceintheCentralCity&CulturalDistrict
Key Strengths & Garden Districts
Key Strengths
Garden Districts
The Master Plan
IllustraveMasterPlan
Planning Principles & Issues
Garden Gateways & Entries
The Campus Area Gateway
The Montgomery Street Gateway
TheLoopPathCirculaonSystem
Rock Springs & Trinity Woodlands
Water in the Garden
TheChildrensGarden&TheTexasNaveForestBoardwalk
The Great Meadow
The Garden Core
The Octagonal Garden & Pavilion
Sign, Informaon&InterpreveSystems
Art, Memorials & Monuments
The Future of the Garden
Table of Contents
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23-27
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Background & Context
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11Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010
Background & Context
Forward
The Future of the Garden Commieehas worked diligently to prepare aMaster
Plan for the Botanic Garden. The commiee includes representaves frommajor
stakeholders and has interfaced with the City of Fort Worth, Fort Worth residents,
variousneighborhoods,theBotanicGardensta,andotherCulturalDistrictenes.Thecommieemembersunderstandhowimportantitistohaveabeaufulgardenin
thecentralcityforeveryonetoenjoy.Thesesupportersrecognizetheimportanceof
protecngandenhancingthiswonderfulgreenspaceandlandmark.TheBotanicGarden
Master Plan embraces the key ideas and themes that were expressed throughout the
planning process.
The mission statement of the Garden is Enriching peoples lives through environmental
stewardship and educaon.
The Garden is accomplishing this mission on a daily basis in every season of the year.
Thissuccesshasbeenpossiblebecauseoftheverydedicatedsta,volunteers,themany
donorsand supporters andongoingCitysupport.Mostof theseorganizaonshavebeeninstrumentalintheleadershipandnancingoftheGardenforseveraldecades.
Overtheyears,theleadershipoftheGardenhasposioneditwellforthefuture.They
have worked to create new sources of revenue, while developing new garden areas
and exhibits.
The 110-acre Garden is an oasis in the center of the city with natural woodlands,
beaufulformalornamentalgardens,varioustypesofwaterfeatures,aWorld-class
Japanese Garden, and the recently-completed boardwalk. The Garden Center is
popularformanyeducaonalprograms,civicendeavors,andlectures.Poronsofthe
GardenarenowontheNaonalRegisterofHistoricPlaces,whichisaverypresgiousrecognion.
Conservaon and Environmental Stewardship
The enre Master Plan supports the mission of conservaon and environmental
stewardship in the Garden. Green spaces are added rather than being consumed.
Woodlands, wetlands, and streams will be restored and made accessible for learning
andenjoyment.Conictsbetweencarsandpedestrianswillbesubstanallyreduced.
Green space hasnot been sacricedfor parkingneeds butwill beprovided inthe
proposed Montgomery Street Entry. Environmental sustainability is a key goal for all
future improvementprojects.TheMasterPlanhas acomfortablebalance between
thosespacesdevotedprimarilytoconservaonandthosespacesdesignedtoprovide
displayandornamentalgardenswheremankindhasaninuenceincreangbeautyfrom plants and terrain.
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12Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010
Accessibility
ImprovingaccessibilitytoandwithintheGardenisamajorgoal,anditscentrallocaoninFortWorthmakes
this goal possible. Many elements of the Master Plan enhance accessibility for Fort Worth residents and visitors.
Theproposedaddionof theMontgomery Street Entry is crucial to assure accessibility fromcars, buses,
bicycles, and pedestrians. The entry also complements the wonderful improvements now taking place along
theMontgomeryStreetcorridor.InconcertwithcompleonofthenewBRITfacility,theGardenCenterCampus
willbecomemoresignicantinsize,educaonalopportuniesandaccessibility.Thecampusalsocomplements
the improvements proposed for the Cultural District and Will Rogers area.
Connecvity within the Garden
Many elements of the plan, such as the proposed loop path and the coordinated sign system, will greatly improve
pedestrianconnecvitytotheenreGardenwhilerespecngtheintegrityofthevariousdiverseelementsof
theGarden.Visitorswillbeabletomoveeasilyfromspacetospacewithgoodsigninformaonandmaps.
EliminaonoftraversingmotorizedvehiculartracwillremovethecurrentbarriersintheGarden.
Learning
Almosteveryproposalin theMasterPlanis intendedtoincreasethe learningopportuniesintheGarden.
Theproposed entry areaswilloerimprovedinterpreve informaon forpreparingvisitorsto exploretheGarden.Schoolandothergroupswillhavesucientorientaon,restrooms,andstagingareastobeginthe
wholeexperience.TheGardeneducaonalprogramscoordinatedwith thoseofBRITwillprovideincreased
programsforpeopleofallages.Improvedsignandinterprevesystemswillmakepossibleself-guidedlearning
andsupervisedlearningaboutconservaonandenvironmentalqualityinthecentralcity.
The proposed Childrens Garden will be a special place designed for children to have direct, hands-on
opportuniesfordevelopingtheirmotorskillswhilehavingfun,andtoexperiencethebeautyofnatureand
gardening at a young age.
Respect the Garden as a Special Place
TheGardenisaspecialgreenspaceintheCity.Ithasbothconservaonzonesandbeaufuldisplaygardens,many
ofwhichareWorld-class.TheMasterPlanfacilitatesagreaterawarenessandappreciaonofthiswonderfulresource.ProvidingthisinformaonintheentryareasandthroughouttheGardenwillhelpassurethatvisitors
understandthepurposeoftheGarden.ItisaspecialGardenareaandnotjustanothercommunityrecreaonal
area.
Uniquely Fort Worth and North Texas
TheFortWorthBotanicGardenisuniquelyFortWorth.Thenaturalandimprovedareasobligateustorespect
andrestorethisbeaufulandhistoricallyimportantenvironment.Thestreams,wetlands,andwoodlandsare
proposedfor restoraon.Displayandornamentalgardenswillbe preservedandenhanced toprovideFort
Worth residents an opportunity to experience all types of garden areas not otherwise publicly available in the
FortWortharea.TheMasterPlanrespectsthesengandcontextoftheGarden,therebyassuringthatthe
GardenisuniquetoFortWorthandrepresentsthespiritofFortWorthresidents.
Background & Context
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13Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010
The master planning process and the
resulng Master Plan are designed
toaainseveralkeygoalsinthenext
ten years, and will set a framework formany future decades. A Master Plan
is imperaveat this me because of
themanygreatopportuniesthatwill
arise for the Garden in the next few
years.Alongwiththeseopportunies
will come some challenges to assure
the Garden can connue its mission
of environmental stewardship and
remain a green sanctuary in the middle
ofone of thefastest-growing cies in
the United States.
The Garden is part of a renowned
Cultural District in the center of the
city. This Cultural District is unique
in that it includes great western
heritage events side by side with
internaonally disncve museums
and science centers. In recent years,
great improvements have been
completed in the Cultural District.
Several other improvements are now
underconstruconorproposedforthe
near future.
Many of these proposed improvements
will take place on parcels adjacent
to the Garden, especially just west
oftheGarden. Thiscanbe aposive
cooperave eort, i f al l of these
enesconnuetoworktogether.The
reconstruconofmajorulies,streets
andstormwater qualitymanagement
systems should respect the Garden
environment.
Key Goals of the Master Plan
Background & Context
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14Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010
Background & Context
Key Goals for the Master Planning Process include the following:
Develop a consensus vision about the future of the Garden. The vision includes
ideasandinputfromthemulplegroupsandresidentsofFortWorththathave
been stewards and builders of the Garden for so many years. The next step
is to recommend the Master Plan be adopted as part of the Comprehensive Plan forFortWorthandtheCulturalDistrict.Keyparcipantsincludethefollowing:
o CityofFortWorth(ParkBoard,Sta,andCityCouncilRepresentaves
from the area)
o Fort Worth Garden Club
o Fort Worth Botanical Society
o BotanicalResearchInstuteofTexas(newBRITcampussoontobeunder
construconandisincorporatedintotheMasterPlan)
o Residents of Fort Worth
o Otherstakeholders,suchasadjoininglandowners
Developanimplementaonplanandphasingplantohelpguidetheimplementaon
process.
Develop a Master Plan that complements and works within the broaderredevelopment of the Cultural District and central Trinity River Greenbelt area.
Ensurethistremendousassetwillconnuetobeimprovedforfuturegeneraonsof
FortWorthresidentstoenjoyandrespect.
ConnuetheverysuccessfulcollaboraonoftheFutureoftheGardenCommiee
stakeholdersintheformofanongoingorganizaonthatcanhelpassurethe
implementaonoftheBotanicGardenMasterPlanandthelong-termsuccessofthe
Garden.
DevelopaMasterPlanthatensurestheGardencanconnuetoaainitsmissionof
environmentalstewardshipandeducaon.
Rose Garden
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1Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010
Planning Process
TheFutureoftheGardenCommieewasformedtorepresentallofthepast,currentandfuture
Gardenstakeholders.Thisgroupincludestheorganizaonsreferencedearlier,otheracknowledged
communityleaders,adjoiningneighborhoods,andtheCulturalDistrict.TheCommieehadhearings
in all key phases of the Garden Master Plan process.
Therstphasesincludedpreparaonof inialsite analyzes,documentaonof conceptual ideas
andobservaons,alternaveconceptstudies,addionalresearchandstudyofcomparablegardens
around the country, and how these gardens had successfully solved and implemented similar
improvements.PlanningchareesandworkshopswereheldwiththeCityandBotanicGardensta,
theCommiee,andotherstakeholders.
TheCommieethenreviewedarangeofalternaveconceptplansandapprovedapreferredconcept
plan.
Theconsultantteamthenbeganaseriesofrenements,factchecking,feasibilitytesng,coordinaon
withvariousengineeringstudies,detailedsitestudies,andotheressenalsthatresultedinarenedpreferredconceptplanforreviewandapproval.Inthisphaseofwork,community-widemeengs
wereheldtoreceiveresidentandneighborhoodreviewandinput.Meengswereheldwithocials
toassurecompabilitywithrelatedareaimprovementsincludingdrainage,ulity,environmental,
and access studies.
Also,theconceptofnominangahistoricporonoftheGardenfortheNaonalRegisterofHistoric
PlaceswassuggestedbymembersoftheCommiee.Asnotedbelow,thisprocesswassuccessful
andnowthoseporonsoftheGardenareontheNaonalRegister.
ThentheconceptplanwasrenedtothecurrentBotanicGardenMasterPlanaspresentedinthis
document.Thedocumentincludesgeneralandspecicrecommendaonsaboutimplementaon.
Of special note in this process is the broad extent of stakeholder and community involvement. The
excellentinputoftheBotanicGardenstainallphasesoftheprocesswasveryvaluable.
Meeng with Garden Sta
Public Meeng
Henry Painter and Councilman Carter Burdee addressing theaudience at a Public Meeng
Background & Context
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16Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010
Background & Context
The Beginning of a Park and a Greenbelt System
Rock Springs Park on the Trinity
1912 - A community with a vision saved a unique green space for Fort Worth residents
Now A Part of the Naonal Register of Historic Places
In1912theCityofFortWorthacquiredasmallparknamedRockSpringsPark.Thedecisionwasmadeto
locatetheFortWortharboretuminthenewly-acquiredpark.Theparkwasnamedforaseriesofsmallsprings
thatowedthroughtheareasurroundedbyavastamountofnavevegetaon.Thetractofparklandwas
located west of the Clear Fork of the Trinity River and was comprised of approximately 37.5 acres.
TherstworkinRockSpringsParkbeganin1929andwascompletedin1931.In1930,HareandHareproduced
acomprehensiveplanfortheenredevelopmentofRockSpringsParkthatincludedaformalrosegardenand
alongvistathroughanaturalgroveoftrees,connecngitwithTrinityParktotheeast.Thenaldesignofthe
RoseGardenwascompletedbyJuneof1933.TheTarrantCountyRoseSocietywasveryacveintheinial
conceponandconstruconphasesoftheRoseGarden.
BythemetheRoseGardenwascompleted,approximately750menhadworkedonthegarden.Inaddion
totherosegardenandthevista,otherworkincludedcungamileofnaturetrailsthroughthetreesoneither
sideofthevista.Full-scaleplanngoftheRoseGardenbeganinApril1934.
InDecemberof1934,theBoardofParkCommissionersvotedtochangethenameRockSpringstotheFort
WorthBotanicGarden.TheBotanicGardenconnuedtogrowwithnewfeaturesandlaterexpandedwith
theaddionofmoreacreage.Someoftheearlyprojectswerealsocompletedthroughtheuseoffederalrelief
funds.ThroughtheCivilWorksAdministraon(CWA),thepredecessoroftheWorksProgressAdministraon
(WPA),$5,000wasprovidedforthepurchaseofmaterialsandtheconstruconofaHorcultureBuilding.
TheHorcultureBuildingbecameavitalpartof theBotanicGardensmissiontoeducatethepublicabout
plants and their environment. The same day the Park Board voted to adopt the name Fort Worth Botanic
Garden,italsovotedtoallowtheFortWorthGardenClubtomaintainaGardenCenterwithintheHorculture
Buildingforthepublicsbenet,therstofitskindinTexas.TheGardenCenterociallyopenedinJuneof
1935.SeveraladdionshavebeenmadetotheGardensincethenincludingthefollowing:theCactusGarden,
Greenhouses and Fragrance Garden, Japanese Garden, Fuller Garden, Perennial Garden, Trial Garden, Four
SeasonsGarden,TexasNaveForestBoardwalk,theConservatory,WaterConservaonGarden,andtheWater
Wise Entrance.
In2007theFutureoftheGardenCommieecomposedofmembersfromtheFortWorthGardenClub,Fort
WorthBotanicalSociety,theBotanicResearchInstuteofTexasandvariousotherinterestedgroups,came
togethertonominatetheGardenfortheNaonalRegisterofHistoricPlaces.Historic Rock Springs
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1Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010
Background & Context
Historic Aerial Photograph Garden Under Construcon, 1930s
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18Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010
Background & Context
Naonal Register of Historic Places
Paraphrased from Fort Worth Botanic Garden: Statement of Signicance
In2008,theFutureoftheGardenstakeholderssupportedtheprocessofnominangthe
FortWorthBotanicGardenfortheNaonalRegisterofHistoricPlaces.TheFortWorth
BotanicGardenwaslistedontheNaonalRegisterofHistoricPlacesonJanuary29,2009,bytheNaonalParkService.
ThenominatedporonoftheFortWorthBotanicGardenencompassesthehistoriccore
ofamuchlargergarden.ItislocatedinwestFortWorth,Texas,justnorthofInterstate30
and west of University Drive. The nominated resources are limited to those in the original
Rock Springs Park area of the Garden primarily developed between 1929 and 1935, as
wellasaporonofanadjacentareadevelopedintheearly1950s.Alsoincludedisthe
small stone shelter that originally served as the terminus of the East Vista but was severed
from the Garden by the realignment of University Drive in the 1950s, thereby making the
nominateddistrictdisconnuous.
The nominated district encompasses approximately 33 acres containing the MunicipalRoseGardenand adjacentvistas, aswell asthe trails andwatergardensofthe Rock
Springs area, the former Cactus Garden, the Garden Center Area and the Horseshoe. All of
theseareasweredesignedand/ordevelopedunderthedireconofthenotedlandscape
architecturermofHareandHareofKansasCity,Missouri.Amajorcomponentofthe
Fort Worth Botanic Garden is the formal Municipal Rose Garden. Designed in the Italian
Renaissance style and constructed in 1933, it is composed of a stone shelter and overlook
above the rose ramp with terraces and a water cascade, parterres and a large pond. On a
north axis perpendicular to the parterres is a Colonnade and Oval Rose Garden. Beyond
thepondisavistaconstructedthroughanavestandoftrees.SouthoftheMunicipal
Rose Garden is the informal water gardens and trails to the Rock Springs area.
SpecialthankstoSusanKlineforherhelpthroughoutthenominaonprocess.
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19Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010
Historic Botanic Garden Photographs
Background & Context
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20Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010
Background & Context
A Beauful Green Space in the Central City and Cultural District
The110-acreGardenenjoysaconvenientsengaccessible
toall residents andtourists ofthe city. Exisngand future
publictransportaonsystemswillservetheGardenwell.The
addionof theproposedMontgomeryStreetentrancewill
helpavoid vehicular andparking congesonon University
Drive. Residents of Fort Worth think of the Garden as being
everybodys Garden because of its easy accessibility from
alldirecons.TheearlyleadersofFortWorthhadtheinsight
torealizetheimportanceofpreservingthisbeaufulgreen
space. Through the years new leaders have been successful
in expanding the Garden in strategic ways.
The adjacency to the Cultural District museums, the Will
Rogers Complex, numerous theaters, and the Fort Worth
CommunityArtsCenterdisnguishestheFortWorthBotanic
Garden from any other garden in the country.
The approximate 180-acre Trinity Park is located to the
immediate east along with the Trinity River Greenbelt. This
will help assure the Garden will always have a beauful
seng.DrivingalongUniversityDriveisagreenescapealong
an otherwise mostly urban arterial of the city. Just one mile to
the south is Forest Park and the Fort Worth Zoo, also located
ontheTrinityRivercorridorandservingtheenrecity.
In thelast fewyears,manymixed-use projectshavebeen
developed along the 7th Street, Lancaster Street, and
University Drive corridors. These projects will provide
sustainable mixed-use developments with numerous
restaurants, retail locaons, mulple hotel rooms and
residenal homes. These developments will add a large
amountofnewtaxbasetothecityandhelparactanurban
lifestyletoFortWorthwithahighqualityoflife.The300+
acresofgardenandparksintheareaaremajorreasonsfor
aracngthelargeprivatereinvestments.Itistheintentof
this process to help assure that some of the new tax base will
be used to support the future of the Garden Master Plan. In
mostcasesthedevelopmentshavereplacedanquatedand
decliningindustrialareasthatwerenotcompablewiththe
greenbelt and Garden system.
Garden Accessibility and Proximity
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21Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010
Background & Context
Area Context Map
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Key Strengths & Garden Districts
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24Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010
Key Strengths & Garden Districts
Aer PhaseOne itwas clearto the Future of the Garden Commieeand the consultant team that the Garden
hadnumerousstrengthsandafewchallengesthatwouldallneedtobeaddressedinthenalMasterPlan.These
opportuniesareonlypossiblebecauseofthegreatleadershipprovidedbyGardenstakeholdersthroughtheyears.
Major Strengths
The Garden has many strengths upon which the Master
Planproposestoexpand,asfollows:
Central Locaon Everybodys Garden
As explained above, the Garden is located in an
internaonally-renowned Cultural District, and it is
centrally located in the city. It is well served by public
transportaon, which is proposed to be enhanced
over the next several years. It is also located on an
extensive, 90-mile Greenbelt System in Fort Worth and
Tarrant County. This is an advantage for all residents and
disnguishestheGardenfromanyothermajorbotanic
garden in the country. This close proximity of so many
cultural opportunies is also unprecedented in the
United States.
Size, Diversity and History of the Garden
The 110-acre Garden has a wonderful diversity of woodlands, formal gardens,
streams,lagoons,wetlands,openmeadows,vistas,andinteresngtopography.
TheConservatoryandgreenhousesopento thepublicoeropportunies
toseetropicalplantsfromaroundtheworld andplantpropagaonareas,
respecvely,nototherwiseavailabletomostFortWorthresidents.
The plant species are numerous with some trees being over 200 years old.
Thereisacomfortableandextensivemixtureofnaveplantsandadapve
plantsthroughouttheGarden.TherecentlisngontheNaonalRegisterof
HistoricPlaces(forthehistoricporonoftheGarden)recognizestheearly
work of community leaders to establish a diverse garden for the community.
Please see page 18 for more details.
The highly-respected Japanese Garden was placed within what was once a rock
quarryandnowisanenormousarrayofplants.Theseplantsareprotected
by being within the bowl of the Garden, which helps with their survival in
extremetemperaturesoenexperiencedinnorthcentralTexas.
The Streams, Lagoon Areas, and Wetland
Areas
The Garden was originally founded on the Rock Springs.
Now the Garden provides a series of streams and water
features. Some good examples of where water features
have been greatly enhanced include the Japanese Garden,
withitsseriesofbeaufulpondsandtheFullerGarden.
Key Strengths
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2Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010
Meengs, Educaon & Special Event
Spaces
The Moncrief Garden Center, the Leonhardt
LectureHall,andtheRockSpringsCenteroer
opportunies for educaon, community-
wide meengs, and many other types of
meengsand acvies.Thesefaciliesare
widely used by groups from all over the
region. Weddings and many other types of
celebraonsareheldthroughouttheGarden
invariousbeaufullocaons.Forexample,
theannualConcertsintheGardenaracts
tens of thousands of visitors during June
and early July. Other popular special events
include plant sales, the Japanese Garden
fesval,etc.
Botanical Research Instute of Texas (BRIT)
TheBotanicalResearchInstuteofTexas(BRIT)willbecomea
major newaraconin theGarden.Tobe locatednortheast
of the current Garden Center, it will complement the Garden
CenterbyaddingaddionalparkingandextendingtheGarden
north to Harley Avenue. BRIT has partnered with the Garden
formanyyearsineducaonalandlectureseries.BRITwillbringimportant science, research, and educaonal programs that
complementthealreadygoodprogramsoeredbytheGarden.
BRIT has worked closely with the Garden throughout the Garden
master planning process.
TheaddionofBRITputstheGardenonparwithotherGardens
inthe countrythatoerthesetypesofcollecons,research,
andeducaon.BRITwillalsobringinvisitorsandprofessionals
from around the world that may not have otherwise visited the
Garden.
Very Qualied and Dedicated Botanic Garden Sta
Theconsulngteamwasextremelyimpressedandthankfulforthededicaonand
knowledgeoftheGardensta.Thestahasbeenintegrallyinvolvedinallphases
of the planning process. Their knowledge and ideas have been instrumental in the
MasterPlanrecommendaons.Theyworkrelesslyinallseasonsoftheyearandfor
365 days a year.
Future of the Garden Commiee
Thecommiee,whichincludesallofthestakeholdersmenonedabove,hasworked
closely together and developed a strong consensus in support of the Master Plan and
insupportofndingimplementaonstrategiesinthenearfuture.Someformofthis
commieemuststaytogetherandguidetheimplementaon.
Fort Worth City Leadership in Support of the Garden
RepresentavesoftheCityCouncil,ParksandCommunityServicesAdvisoryBoard,
andotherCitystahavebeenverysupporveof theplanningprocessandseem
stronglycommiedtowardsndingwaystoimplementtheplan.
Key Strengths & Garden Districts
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26Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010
Key Strengths & Garden Districts
Garden Districts
The Future of the Garden
Commiee idened several
garden districts. Each district
hasadisncvecharacterand
purpose in the recommended
Master Plan.
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2Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010
Key Strengths & Garden Districts
The Garden Core Area
The central core is the heart of the Garden in terms
ofvisitoraracons. Itis comprised ofa loosely
connected series of gardens and spaces. The
Japanese Garden and the Historic Rose Garden are
two outstanding displays and the most frequent
visitordesnaons.TheJapaneseGardenisoneof
the best in the country, and the Horseshoe Garden
and the Rose Garden were recently put on the
NaonalRegisterofHistoricPlaces.Thecentralcore
presently suers from inappropriate uses such as
the current Maintenance Center (which occupies a
cricalconnecngspacebetweentheFullerGardenand the Japanese Garden). Current anchors of the
GardenCoreincludethefollowing:
Japanese Garden
Historic Rose Garden
Great Meadow
Horseshoe Area
Perennial Garden
East Vista
The Trinity River Woodland Area
ToaainthefullpotenaloftheGarden,theMasterPlan
shouldnowaddressthisremnantfeature,reinvenngthis
large natural area as an important garden exhibit. The
Trinity River Woodlands are a band of oodplain forest
lands that parallels University Drive and curves up along
I-30. These woodlands are pleasant, but are nonetheless
highly disturbed. They will require extensive ecological
restoraon to heighten and dramaze themas natural
gardens. Currently under ulized features that could
provideopportuniesfor newdisplays andinterpretaon
andnewdesnaonsforGardenvisitorsareasfollows:
Rock Springs and its associated stream and ponds
The Trinity oodplain forest with several streams
and lagoons
The Garden Campus Area
With the Moncrief Garden Center, the Garden developed the northern end
of the Garden as a campus dedicated to learning. This learning campus
supportstheGardensmissionbothinFortWorthandacrossinternaonal
borders.TheaddionofBRITwillstrengthenthislearningcampusandwill
reinforcethedierentprogramsandcharacterofthiszoneoftheGarden.
TheGardenCampusincludesthefollowing:
Moncrief Garden Center
Fuller Garden
Texas Garden Club Headquarters
Proposed Botanical Research Instute of Texas
Botanical Conservatory
Proposed Garden Zones with Proposed Improvements
TheproposedneworganizaonoftheBotanicGardenMasterPlanincludes
two new zones. The zones are more fully explained in the Master Plan
seconstarngonpage32.
Montgomery Street Entrance Area
Operaons and Maintenance Area
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The Master Plan
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31Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010
The Master Plan
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32Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010
The Master Plan
Develop Pedestrian Entryways Where to Start and Learn about
the Garden Experience
Currently there are no clear gateways or entrances for pedestrian visitors to
begin the Garden visit. There are vehicular entries, but no clear gateways for
pedestrian visitors to park and then begin a pedestrian-scale experience of theGarden.Thereisnotanobviousplacetoobtainorientaonandeducaonabout
theenreGarden.TheGardenCenterfrontdesktriestoperformthisfuncon,
butitisnotdesignedtofulllthatroleunlesspeoplejusthappentowalkinand
inquire.
The current pedestrian system leading to the various features is fragmented and
disruptedbyvehicularroadways.Consequently,manyvisitorsjustdriveintoand
through the Garden. While this experience is convenient to visitors with a single
desnaonorpurpose,itisnotconducivetovisitorswishingtovisitallormost
oftheGardenwithoutworryingabouttrac,noise,andsafety.
Organize the Experience of the Garden
The Garden has many wonderful garden spaces and special features. However, it is not always clear how to traverse
fromonefeaturetotheother.Walkwaysystemsareoendisconnuousandthesignandinformaonsystemlacks
coordinaon.TheGardenCenterprovidesaninformaondesk,butitissomewhatremotefromcertainGarden
features to the south such as Rock Springs, the Japanese Garden, and the historic Rose Garden areas.
The Garden is traversed by public roadways (Rock Springs Road and Old Garden Road). These roadways date back
tomeswhentheGardenwascompletelysouthoftheOldGardenRoadentrance.Nowtheseroadsbisectthe
Garden and create barriers and safety issues for pedestrian movement, especially now with the development of
theTexasNaveBoardwalkandFullerGarden.
AlmostallnotablebotanicgardensinAmericaandelsewheredonotallowpublictractoowthroughtheir
gardens. This design aspect is in place because cars tend to disrupt the solitude, beauty, and safe movement of
pedestrians and wildlife. Notable examples of gardens that have recognized this need to restrict cars include the
New York Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the Arboretum in Dallas, Missouri Botanic Garden, Denver
Botanic Garden, Atlanta Botanic Garden, Chicago Botanic Garden, and the Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia.
There are many other examples.
Planning Principles & Issues A BASIS FOR A PLANNING PROGRAM
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33Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010
Improve and Coordinate the Sign
and Informaon Systems
The sign and informaon systems in the
Gardenneedconsistencyandcoordinaon
with Garden maps and pedestrian sidewalks.
The enre experience of the Garden
beginning with vehicular and pedestrian
gateways needs to be improved.
TheaddionoftheLoopPathsystemand
the improved visitor entry areas will greatlyhelp with guiding visitors to and through
the Garden.
It is also noted that some people may
needor desirespecialassistanceto enjoy
the Garden. Provisions in the form of a
people mover should be considered to
accommodatethis.Thisfeatureisamajor
component of many other successful
gardens in America and Europe.
Remove Public Streets and Minimize
Trac from the Middle of the Garden
Rock Springs Road and Old Garden Road
connueto traversethe Gardenwith various
formsofpublictrac.Thestreetsdatebackto
meswhentheGardenwasmuchsmaller(the
original Rock Springs area) and the roads only
providedaccessbytheGardenatthatmeand
did not traverse the middle of the Garden. Now
the Garden includes many signicant areas
outside of this originally limited boundary.These public roads are no longer appropriate
withtheexpandedGarden.Also,nosignicant
urbanbotanicgardeninAmericaconnuesto
allowthistypeofcondion.
It is recognized that service and special event
access corridors will need to remain for varying
sizes of vehicles, but only for approved Botanic
Garden service or events.
Respect the Garden as a Special and Unique Place
The Botanic Garden is a specialized place where plants and environments of all seasons and
horculturaldisplaysdeservecarefulrespectfromvisitors.Respeculindividual,group,andfamily
acvies,suchaspicnicsintheshade,weddings,educaonalprograms,photography,naturestudy,
birdwatching,andotheracviesarestronglyencouragedintheGarden--justnotacviesthat
trampleordisrespecttheGarden.It isnotaplacetoplayacvesports,drivecars,oranyother
acviesnotorientedto admiring,studying,contemplang,andlearningaboutthebeautyand
importance of the environment.
The Garden is not a neighborhood or community park. Fortunately, Fort Worth does have great
community parks in the immediate area Forest Park, Trinity Park, and the Trinity River Greenbelt
system.
The Master Plan
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34Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010
Focus on the WaterSprings, Streams, Lagoons, and
Wetlands
The Gardens original beginnings were with the Rock Springs. Since that
me,theGardenhasbeenexpandedtoincludeotherstreams,restoraon
ofponds inthe JapaneseGarden,the streamsthatow from thewest,
Fuller Garden streams, and the lagoons and wetland areas in the Trinity
River Woodlands area. The consultant team strongly believes these water
features should be accentuated and restored as a focal point of the Garden.
There are both natural and cultural water features that can connect and
helpbringmoreconnuitytotheGarden.
Itisawellknownfactthatpeoplearearactedtowaterandvariouswater
features. The Garden oers an excellent opportunity for providing the
aesthec,educaonal,andenvironmentalrestoraonofthewaterfeatures.
MaintainingthewaterqualitythatowsintotheGardenandwithinthe
Garden is a crical imperave ofthis plan.These water owsoccur
primarily from the west areas.
Recognize and Cooperate Within
the Context of the Garden
The wonderful context of the Garden
has been well summarized above. The
Master Plan must respect and respond to
thisframework.Entryways,water quality
issues, buering, parking, trac ows to
theGarden,andconneconstotheseother
notable facilies are safeguarded in the
Master Plan.
Celebrate and Connect the Diversity of Landscapes in
the Garden and the New Opportunies
Aspreviouslymenoned,theFortWorthBotanicGardenisfortunate
tohaveamixtureofformalgardens,restoraonofthequarry(now
the renowned Japanese Garden), natural streams and waterways, the
woodlands (including the boardwalk), and the meadows.
Nowwith BRITs relocaon theGardenoersevenmore science,
research,andeducaonalopportunies.
ThecombinaonofthesefeaturesmeanstheGardencanenjoyamuchimprovedfutureintermsofaainingthemissionof
Enriching peoples lives through environmental stewardship and
educaon.
The Master Plan
Planning Principles & Issues A BASIS FOR A PLANNING PROGRAM
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3Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010
The Master Plan
Garden Gateways & EntriesTwomajorgatewaysorentriesarerecommendedintheMasterPlanTheCampusAreaGateway
located to the northeast, and the Montgomery Street Gateway located to the southwest. Both of
thesegatewaysarelocatedonmajorarterialstreetswithonandorampsfromInterstate30.
The Campus Area Gateway
The Campus Area Gateway will be at the Garden Center. This area already serves as an arrival point
for many visitors and certainly for those coming to events in the Garden Center, Conservatory, and
Fuller Garden area. The gateway has a drive access from Harley Street and University Drive. The
addionof theBotanicalResearchInstuteofTexas(BRIT)willaddawholenewdimensionto
thisgatewayandwillaractincreasedvisitaonfromanevenmorediversesetofthescienc
community and the growing cultural / ecosystem interests.
BRITandtheGardencurrentlydomanycooperaveeducaonalandlectureprograms.TheGateway
Campuswilladdtremendouslytothisopportunityforcooperaveprograms.BRITcanulizethe
Gardenlocaontosupportvariouseld-orientededucaonalprograms.Thewoodlands,wetlands,
Texas Nave Boardwalk and Rock Springs area can especially complement BRIT educaonal
programs.GardenstaandBRITcanworktogethertocarryoutconnuedrestoraonoftheseareas to represent natural sustainable environments for plants and wildlife. The BRIT facility will
eecvelyextendtheGardenboundarytoHarleyStreet.Combined,the Garden Center and BRIT
areawillhavealmost400parkingspaces.Thisparkingwillbesharedandthejointulizaon
willbeverybenecialbecauseoenthepeakvisitaonintheGardenisdierentthanthe peak
meulizaonofBRIT.TheGardenexperienceshighvisitaonduringweekendsandholidaysand
BRITexpectsmorevisitaonsduringtheweekdayandsomemeseveningevents.Itisproposed
thateventuallytheenreparkingareawillbedesignedtobeenvironmentallysoundwithstrongemphasisonlandscapingandwaterrun-omanagement.
TheGardenCenteralreadyoperatesarecepondeskandsmallinformaoncenteratthemain
entry. This facility currently is focused on helping to direct people to the Garden Center. This
featurecouldbeimprovedandslightlyexpandedtoincludeimprovedinformaonandexhibits
relatedtotheenreGarden.
InaddiontotheGardenCenterandBRIT,theCampusAreaGatewaywilloerexcellentaccess
totheConservatory,FullerGarden,theForestBoardwalk,thenorthernporonsoftheTrinity
Woodlands, the Texas Garden Club, the proposed Childrens Garden, and the proposed Garden
LoopPath.BRITwillalsohaveaninformaondeskthatcanhelpdirectvisitorstotheGarden
circulaonsystem.
BoththeGardenCenterandtheproposedBRITcampuswillincluderestroomfacilies,drinking
fountainsandrelatedameniesforvisitors.
Approach to the Garden Center from University Drive Proposed BRIT Campus - The BRIT campus site and building are designed to incorporate the
highest level of environmental sustainability.
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3Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010
The Master Plan
When the new gi shop is completed, the current gi
shop in the Japanese Garden can be easily converted to an
event space that will increase revenue to the Garden. This
building has a beauful seng with fantasc views of the
Japanese Garden to the north.
The new Montgomery Street entry will include several
addional spaces for special events and a larger gi shop
for the whole Garden.
North Carolina Arboretum Gi Shop Example of group staging area proposed near the
Montgomery Street Entry
Main Pedestrian Entrance to the Dallas Arboretum
surfacesthrough aracvewater features.The cornergatewaylandscape
mustbecomeaGardenwelcomemattothecityofFortWorth,acngas
both a symbol of the Gardens green mission and a site for increased public
events.
The proposed parking design is divided into smaller rooms of vehicles that
areshadedby navecanopytrees,witheachroomcapableofmanaging
its own storm water with vegetated swales and small rain gardens. The
parkingshouldbewelllightedwitharacve,fullcut-oxturesthatcanaccommodatedayandnightmeuseduringspecialeventsandWillRogers
Complexevents.TheparkinglotlighngmayalsotakeadvantageofFort
Worthssunnyweatherbyincorporangsolar-poweredsystems.
Thisgatewayisproposedtoincludeanentry/visitorscenter,gishop,and
arestaurantfacility.Thisentryareawouldalsoincludesupportfacilies,such
asrestrooms,drinkingfountains,andconcessionsforvisitors.Adrop-oarea
is proposed for school groups, other visitor groups, and ramps for disabled
visitors.
Thisdrop-oareacanfunconforvaletparkingandshouldincludeseang,
shade,andrainprotectedareasforpeoplewaingontransportaon.The
drop-oareashouldaccommodatethreetovebuses,whilenotdisrupngothertracmovement.Busesshouldnotparkinthis area,but parkin a
designated remote area in the parking lot.
The gateway could include provisions for a more permanent area for a plant
salemarketareaassociatedwiththegishop.TheadjoiningGardenGrove
wouldconnuetoaccommodatethespecial,largerplantsalesduringthe
year. These plant sales have proven to be extremely popular, and they help
provideplantandhomelandscapeeducaon.Therestaurant,gishop,and
plantsaleareaswilloeraddionalsourcesofrevenuethatcanbeopenall
year and at night, when the Garden might otherwise be closed.
Withthenewexpanded gishop,the JapaneseGardengi shopcanbe
convertedto arentalfacilityforweddings,meengs,and otherevents.Itisbeaufully suited tothat purposewith very lile renovaon required,
and would create a new source of revenue. All of these venues are in close
proximity to Montgomery Street and can create more sales, including sales
fromthethousandsofvisitorstotheWillRogers/CulturalDistrictfacilies.
LocangtherestaurantwithintheMontgomeryStreetGatewayexperience
allows the restaurant to draw upon an audience beyond the Garden visitor
whilemaintainingtheuniquegardenseng.Newdiningoponsprovidean
importantfunconwithintheGardenbyallowingvisitorstorelax,refresh
and refuel themselves before extending their visit and by providing the
Gardenwithanaddionalmeanstodeliveritsmissionandmessage.This
experiencewillencouragegueststovisittheenreGardeneitherthesame
day or in repeat visits.
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38Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010
The Garden Grove area should also
include a group picnic area, which is
oen an importantaspect forvising
schools and other groups who bring or
buy their lunch. The restaurant facility
could oer picnic baskets or quick
snacks. The picnic area would also be
designed to support the plant sale and
other special events in this area. The
connuity of the water should ow
through this area along the natural
drainage swale.This would essenally
be a beginning of the Garden waterway
system,whichthenowsthroughmany
other Garden features. The system can
becreated with a series ofretenon
pondsandwouldprovideameniesfor
therestaurantandentryareafacilies.
Theretenonpondswouldalsoprovide
anenvironmentalqualityfuncon.
For rough planning purposes, the
restaurant is shown to be about 5,000
squarefeetofindoorspace.Inaddion,
there would be ample outdoor pao
seangfordailyandspecialeventuses
that would overlook the water feature
and the Garden Grove. The visitors
entrance,exhibit,restrooms,gishop,
andrelatedamenieswouldbeabout
4,000 to6,000squarefeet,subjectto
future programming. Variables would
bewhethertoprovideforsmallmeeng
areas or garden orientaon theaters,and the size of gallery / exhibit spaces.
Thefacilies canalso bephased over
me. The concept plan shows them
being treated as about three or four
podsofbuildings,allowingforecient
andnon-disrupvephasing.
The Master Plan
Callaway Gardens, Georgia
Parking drainage swale - The parking areas for
the Montgomery Street area should incorporate
landscaping combined with runo management
designs that naturally lter the storm waters. It is
important for the Botanic Garden to set the example
for sustainable landscapes.
The Montgomery Street entry area is proposed to have a restaurant that can overlook the
Garden Grove and proposed pond system. This restaurant can be open day, night and year
round because it will be convenient to Montgomery Street and the Cultural District area. It can
be outside of the Garden perimeter that must be closed and secure at night.
Morris Arboretum - Example of using a pervious surface
to manage runo in a parking lot.
Allofthecomparablegardensstudiedinthisplanningprocessincludedkeyidenableentryandvisitorcenterareassimilartothesuggesons
listed above. The Chicago Botanic Garden, New York Botanic Garden, Dallas Arboretum, and Denver Botanic Garden have recently expanded,
built new, or proposed to build such gateways as described above.
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39Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010
The Master Plan
Educaon in the Garden
TheproposedMasterPlanandfutureimprovementsaresubstanallyconceivedtocarryout
the mission of the Garden --Enriching peoples lives through environmental stewardship and
educaon.ThewonderfuladvantageoftheGardenisthatpeopleofallageslearnabout
environmentalstewardshipwhilehavingan enjoyable experienceduringall seasons.The
educaonalcomponenttakesplaceinavarietyofwaysandforums.
Key Recommendaons of the Master Plan Related to Educaon in the Garden are as follows:
The Loop Path connects from the Montgomery Street Gateway and the Garden CampusareatoallofthemajorGardenfeatures.ThePathprovidesaccessibility forall populaons,youngandold,andthosethatmighthavespecialneeds
for access.
TheSignandInformaonSystemstresseson-siteinterpretaonandself-interpretaonof many of the Gardens features. In this manner, people experience le arning, fun, andrelated family or group experiences in the same visit.
Theproposedentryexhibitsprovidevitalinformaonabouthowtoenjoyandlearn fromthemanyfacetsoftheGarden,focusingoneducangvisitorsastheyenterthe Garden.Eachseasonoersnewlearningandfunexperiences.Itisimportanttoinform visitorsaboutthesereturnvisitopportunies.
Learning about the importance of environmental stewardship is obviously crucialin todays environmental circumstances. The Garden should stress a family or
othermembershipoponsthatprovideinformaonandfreeaccesstocertainexhibits foranaordableannualmembership.Suchmembershipsalsoprovidemely informaonaboutcurrentandupcomingexhibits.
TheproposedChildrensGarden,alongwiththeTexasNaveForestBoardwalkand relatedprograms,willoerasignicantopportunityforyoungpeopletoexperience
the Garden, have fun and use all of their senses to learn about the importance of openspace, nature, and the e nvironment.
The purpose of the Garden Waterway System is to preserve and restore important springs,streams,andwetlandareasinordertofosterwaterqualityandtherelated
plant and animal habitats. This will create an extremely valuable watereducaon,habitatandwaterqualityknowledgeforallresidentsinthecenterof
the city.
TheproposalforeliminaonoftracthroughtheGardenwillmaketheGardenmuchmore conducive and safe for children, families and other groups to traverse the Gardenfor a total learning experience.
TheaddionofBRITaddsaneweducaonaldimension.BRITandtheGardenalready haveasuccessfulhistoryofcooperaon.WhenBRITbecomesintegraltotheGarden,it willgreatlyenhanceeducaoninanincreasedarrayofareas.
School,family,andgroupdrop-oandstagingareasareamajorpartoftheMaster Plan.Provisionofarrival interpretaonandeducaonalmaterialscantake placeatbothofthemajorGardenEntryareas.Basicnecessiessuchasgroup
picnic and staging areas, concessions, bus parking, and rest rooms are addressed in theMaster Plan.
TheworkinggreenhousesaccessibleattheMontgomeryStreetentrancewilloer changingexhibitsandgivevisitorsachancetoseetheimportantpropagaon
and nurturing of plants during the changing seasons. It will also give the very capable Gardenstaopportuniestointerfacewiththevisingpublic.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Fort Worth Botanic Garden Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Fort Worth Botanic Garden - Pruning ClassesChicago Botanic Garden Library
Callaway Gardens
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40Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010
The Master Plan
Example of people-mover suitablefor loop path
The Loop Path
Circulaon System
A major element for organizing the Garden
experience is to phase in a clear loop pedestrian
pathandcirculaonsystem.Thispathisplanned
toconnectfromthe twomajorentrywaystoclose proximity to all areas of the Garden. The
enreloopwould beabout1.15miles(6,000
linearfeet). Itis plannedto besensive and
noninvasivetoanyoftheexisngorproposed
Garden areas including the Trinity Woodlands
and Rock Springs areas. It will serve to organize
substanally the experience of the Garden.
About half of the loop path route follows the
alignment of what are now public roadways.
This path will provide low impact access to some
areas not currently accessible or even known by
most visitors to the Garden such as Rock Springsand the Trinity Woodland zone. It also provides
convenient and safe access to exisng and
proposed secondary walkway systems. It is not
necessary for visitors to traverse the whole loop
in any one visit, but it will provide convenient
access to the features they wish to see in that
visit. This path will be coordinated with the
Gardenmapandallotherinternalinformaon
signs and systems including interpretave
signs.
The loop path will also provide access for the
mobility disabled and other special needs groupsthatnowhavenopraccalmeanstoexperience
certain areas of the Garden such as the Trinity
Woodlands. The loop path could accommodate
a low-impact people-mover that would help
visitors gain access around the Garden areas
instead of using automobiles, buses, and other
vehiclestraversingtheGarden.Thistechnique
for providing access to successful gardens
around the world is a well accepted process
for notable gardens to provide the respite from
the daily urban condions. It eliminates or
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41Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010
The Master Plan
greatlyreducesnoise,trac,polluon,andsafetyissues.With
todaystechnology,people-movervehiclesarequiet,usuallyrechargeableelectric,andnon-pollung.
Thetwomajorentryareas,coupledwiththelooppath,will
elevate the Garden eventually to a greener, more sustainable,
enjoyableenvironment,whichisinkeepingwiththeGardens
mission. It will also encourage more people to use public
transportaontoaccesstheGarden.
The loop path would be designed primarily for pedestrian
circulaon,butlightpeople-moversystemsarealsopossible
andencouragedat least some ofthe me. Asmallporon
of the loop path crosses the east vista, and this should be as
visuallyunobtrusive as possible. Porons of the loop pathwould bedesignedto accommodateocialBotanicGarden
vehicles, service vehicles, special event access, and emergency
vehicles.AccessforvarioussizesofBotanicGardenoperaons
vehicles would be accessible to the system in safe and slow
speed condions.Mostof themaintenance andoperaons
work occurs during non-peak visitor hours of the Garden.
Inareas requiringdelivery andservicevehicles, emergency
vehicles, etc., the path may need to be about 18 feet wide with
strengthenedpavement.Thepathwouldsllbedesignedin
a manner to have pedestrian scale and texture. Service and
emergency vehicles would be advised to t raverse at very slow
and safe speeds.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden - Example of Terary and Nature
Study Paths
Intricacy and variety must be created by planting. Walks must beled in various directions, and concealed from each other by thickets,and masses of shrubbery and trees, and occasionally rich masse sof foliage; not forgetting to heighten all, however, by an occasionalcontrast of broad, unbroken surface of lawn.
- Andrew Jackson Downing
Morris Arboretum, Philadelphia - Example of 18 Path - also
designed for approved service and delivery vehicles
Callaway Gardens - Example of Loop PathFort Worth Botanic Garden - Example of a Secondary
In the Trinity Woodlands and around the Rock Springs area, the
path should be about 12 feet wide. It would be designed for verylow impact on exisng trees, water features, and understory
plants. It is proposed to provide environmentally sound access to
these areas.
Gardenrepresentavesshould connueto cooperate withthe
CulturalDistrictrepresentaves,theCity,ParksandCommunity
Services, and the Trinity River Vision planning work to help assure
thatpedestrianconneconsareimprovedamongtheseadjoining
areas. Thiscreatesexcingsynergy amongthe variousvenues
and disnguishes the FortWorthCultural District from others
in the country. This should include extending and improving a
coordinated sign and informaon system intothese adjoining
areas.
Theproposedimprovementstoalltrail,roadandparkingfacilies
willbephasedinamannertoreduceinconveniencetooperaons,
visitors, and volunteers. The road and path systems will be
managedbyGardenstatoassuresafeandimprovedaccess.
Bicycle access to the Garden would be encouraged to arrive at the
two main entries and would be provided ample and convenient
bike parking areas.
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42Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010
The Master Plan
Rock Springs & Trinity Woodlands
Rock SpringsTheRockSpringsareawithitscascadingwaterfeaturesrepresentsasignicant
reason why early city leaders designated the area as a park and then later
a Botanic Garden. In the early 1930sthese springs owed reliably down
theslopetotheClearForkoftheTrinityRiver.Thenaturalspringowsare
notcurrentlyconstantastheywerein theearly 1930s, buttheyslloenhaveowsseepingfromthelimestonegeographyoftheareastothewest.
Fortunately, with the close proximity of the Trinity River, untreated water is
available to the Garden for keeping the Garden water features replenished. In
addiontobeingbeaufulandeducaonal,thewaterfeatureshelpcreatea
signicantdegreeofwatercleansingandnaturalrecycling.
Rock Springs represents a wonderful example of the spring-fed streams that
traversedtotheTrinityRiver,andusuallymeandereddowntheadjoiningblus
andhillsborderingtheriver.RockSpringsissllmostlyintact,perhapsbeer
than many others from that historic era. It is strongly recommended that
RockSpringsbebroughtbackasamajoraraconwherevisitorscanlearn
about the importance of springs, streams, watercourses, ponds, and lagoon
areas in the history and future of the area and planet. It is also recommended
thatthehistoricfeaturesberestoredandretained.Theareaisalsocricalto
manytypesofwildlife,includingbirds,smallmammals,andaquacspecies.
This area, along with the Trinity Woodland area, is a wonderful opportunity to
display and help visitors learn about the great importance of ecosystems in the
future of all life on earth.
Rock Springs
I-30
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43Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010
The Master PlanKey recommendaons for the Rock Springs area include the following:
Restore Rock Springs to an accessible example of cascading streams and ponds
that make a way to the lower Rose Garden pond and then to the Trinity River
Woodlandlowlandsandthewetlandwatersystem.Theseowscanbecleansed
and recycled into the Trinity River, as in decades before.
Tothepraccalextentpossible,restoretheseriesofpondsandwatercourses
to the character they had in the early 1900s. It is recognized that certain
improvements to the character and environmental sustainability of these
pondsandstreamswillhelpvisitorsenjoyandunderstandtheirsignicance.
Destrucve,invasiveplantsshouldberemoved.Theseinvasiveplantsareplants
that overtake or crowd out what should be a natural riparian stream area with
navenorthTexasplants.It isrecognizedthattherearecertaintreesandshrubs
thatareadapvetotheareawithoutbeinginvasivetotheintegrityofthenavespecies,
such as magnolias and others. These species would have eventually made their way up
tothenorthTexasregionasnaveadapvespecies.Invasivespeciesthatovertake
andeventuallycrowdoutabalancedecosystemshouldberemovedinasystemacway
in order to restore the integrity of the Rock Springs area.
Some of the original walkways can simply be restored and then maintained.
However,withincreasedvisitaon,someofthemainwalkwaysshouldprobably
be widened slightly. For example, some of t he smaller walkways are only 2 feet
wideandshouldbeslightlywidenedtoatleast3to4feetatthemethatthey
are restored. Plant material along these walkways can be pruned back so
that visitors are not worried about thorns, poison ivy, etc. This issue
is important because of the family groups, school groups, and others
thatwewishtoencouragetovisittheRockSpringsarea.Thisrestoraonconceptis
similarinintenttothatoftheNaveTexasBoardwalkarea.
Mostoftheoriginaloverlookareasandspringoulowareaswillalsoneed
restoraonusingthesametypesofstonematerialsandsomestructural
reinforcement.Theycouldbeexpandedtoaccommodatetheexpectedvisitaon.
The4to5pondareasareexcellentopportuniesforenvironmentalrestoraon,
wildlifehabitat,andeducaonalopportuniesforvisitorsandgroups.
RockSpringsissuchauniquesengtoexperiencethisuniquewatershedand
pondseng.Inoneortwooftheponds,it isrecommendedthatashort
boardwalk or extended deck area be constructed for helping visitors and groups
understandtheuniqueecosystemofpondandlagoonareas.Theintentisforthe
visitortobeabletowalkacrossthepondareaandlookdownattheaquaclife.
Not all of the Rock Springs area can be made accessible to wheelchairs because of the
slope. By using the loop path system, which will be immediately to the south,
therestoraonshouldallowformobility-impairedvisitorstovisitseverallevels
of the Rock Springs area from the loop trail at two or three overlook areas.The Chicago Botanic Garden has incorporated water and wetlands throughout the Garden areas.
It also has a focus on environmental educaon. Rock Springs is unique because over 80 years ago,
Fort Worth leaders realized the potenal of water in the Garden.
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44Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010
The Master Plan
The Trinity Woodlands
Another extremely important goal of the Botanic Garden is to protect the Trinity
Woodlands area. Thiszone of approximately 40 acres is a wonderfulopportunity
topreserveandrestorenaveforestsandtherelatedwatercoursesforFortWorth
residentsandvisitorstoexplorewithinthecenterofthecity.Withsomerestoraon
work, this area can truly be an amazing retreat in the center of the city that is accessiblefor all residents and visitors without harming t he environment. It is important to have
accessibleopportuniesforallresidentstounderstandandrespecttheimportanceof
such environments.
Inaddiontotheboomlandforest,thisareahashistoricallyhadasystemofwater
courses,whichareproposedforrestoraontobecomeauniqueexperienceforvisitors.
It is similar to having a nature center in the middle of the city.
Woodlands near University Drive
Woodlands just downstream of Rock Springs
Wildlife in the Woodlands
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4Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010
The Master Plan
Key Recommendaons of the Trinity Woodlands area include the
following:
Totheextentreasonableandcompablewithanurban
seng,restorethisareatoitsnaveTexasboomlandcondions.
TheBotanicGardenstahasbeenworkingonthisareaastheir
resources allow, which have been limited to date. The goal is to haveanaveforestexperienceinnaturalcondionsaccessiblefor
all residents of Fort Worth and visitors.
Inanurbancondion,thesenaturalprocessesshouldbe
replicated by stewardship from the managers of the Garden.
Plantnavespeciestreesandunderstoryplantstoreclaimthis
areainalogicalandsystemacmanner.
Respect the need for visitors to experience this area without having
anyharmfulimpactontheexisngorrestoredenvironment.Note:
the Loop Path will provide this opportunity for all visitors and
residents.
The Loop Path will also link to nature trails that take visitors to
the remarkable areas including the wetlands and mature forest.
This area relates integrally to the Garden waterway system
describedonpage46.
The Loop Path and nature trails should be carefully designed and
constructedinordertoavoiddisruponoftheforestoorandroot
system.
Thisareawillalsofacilitateanimmenseopportunityforeducaon,
learning,andnatureappreciaonforresidentsfromallwalksoflife.
Woodlands near I-30 and below Rock Springs
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46Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010
The Master Plan
Water in the Garden
Many renowned gardens around the world
have developed around a focus on various
natural and human-made water features as a
majorcenterpiecefortheirdesignsandappeal.
Since thebeginning ofcivilizaon,waterhas
been essenal to survival, cies, and greatgardens. People are inherently aracted to
water whether it is oceans, ponds, rivers, or
streams. A major recommendaon in the
Master Plan is to expand and accentuate a
visually connected stream and pond waterway
system throughout the Garden. This planning
principle is consistent with the history of the
Garden which began along Rock Springs and
now has expanded to include the woodland
lagoons, ponds and streams in the Japanese
Garden and the Fuller Garden.
The many dierent manifestaons of waterin the Fort Worth Botanic Garden can be
understood as three tributaries of the Clear
Fork Trinity River. The rst stream and pond
system would begin at the Montgomery Street
gateway area. It would extend the pond system
upstream southwesterly from the already
beaufulpoolsandcascadesofthe Japanese
Garden. The ponds and cascades in the
Japanese Garden are the central focal point of
the Japanese Garden, which is one of the most
popular areas in the Botanic Garden and north
Texas.
Extending this water linkage upstream to the
Montgomery Street gateway area is a logical
and natural way to bring increased interest to
the Montgomery Gateway and Garden Grove
areas. This accentuated pond and stream
systemwould complement the enre arrival
area to both the Botanic Garden and also the
Cultural District. It would follow the natural
swaleanddrainageareaalreadyexisng.The
proposedrestaurant, exhibit/ entry, andgi
shop areas would be along this water course.
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4Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010
The Master PlanThe pond system would also funcon to provide examples of
environmental stewardship through proper management of storm
water runo andserve as an excellent learningexperience forall
visitors to the Garden.
The Montgomery Street branch connects underground to a second
branch originangintheFullerGarden.ThisFullerGardenstreamis
alreadywellpresentedandisamajorfocusoftheFullerGardenarea.
ThisstreamowsdowntotheWoodlandsareapassingbetweenthe
GreatWoodlandsareaandtheTexasGardenClubHeadquarters.
A third branch begins at Rock Springs andowseastthroughaseriesof
potenallybeaufulsmallwoodlandpools.Thisstreamthenconnects
totheformalpondsalongtheRoseGardenAxisandconnuesina
system of proposed elaborated wetlands, pools and islands to cross
under University Drive and into the Trinity River in Trinity Park. The
streamowingoutoftheFullerGardenwouldintersectnearUniversity
Drive. This could give people along University Drive a glimpse of the
water system and diverse environment of the Garden.
The Master Plan aims to create a series of informal, but designed water
features along these streams and ponds, which will give Garden visitors
a new and expanded range of experiences, as well as exposure to a
wholearrayofplantspeciesadaptedtosuchwaterways.Educaonal,
learning, and nature awareness experiences will be greatly increased.
ForGardenvisitors,thisWoodlandtrailareaisajourneyintosome
completelyunexploredporonsofthesite.Therecommendedpaths
have been carefully planned. They follow the waterways and provide
luminous views of woodland pools to draw the visitor onward. One of
these paths takes the visitor on a walking passage across the largest
wetlands, on a new boardwalk (the complement to the woodland
board walk) and out onto a special island. Opening up the Trinity River
Woodlandandprovidingitwithmanyexcingvisualandeducaonal
features not only makes this area accessible, but will create newGardenconstuenciestoseethespecialexhibitsonnaveplant,bird,
and other wildlife habitats of Fort Worth. The path, trail system, and
pond system would be carefully designed to protect and enhance a
sustainable woodland forest area.
Thekeytobringingvisitorstothisareaisthedramaandqualityof
the new exhibits. The landscape is a stage set. Stream corridor, pools
and wetlands must be treated as curated natural habitats, well
documented,arullypresentedandplantedwithagreatdiversityof
plants.Theseexhibitsalsorequirecarefullong-termmanagementto
ensurethattheyareoneofthesignicantaraconsattheGarden.
The loop path will provide access for all types of visitors that have
previously not experienced this environment.
Creek area near the Texas Garden Club Building
Fuller Garden waterfall system Fuller Garden waterfall system
Restoraon of Silfen Pond - Greenwich, Conneccut
Creek owing out of the Fuller Garden and proposed Childrens
Garden areas
How often it is that a garden, beautiful though it be, will seem sad anddreary and lacking in one of its most gracious features, if it has no water.
- Pierre Husson
Perennial Garden
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48Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010
The Childrens Garden &
The Texas Nave Forest
Boardwalk
AnimportantandmuchneededaddiontotheGardenis the proposed new Childrens Garden. The Garden
sta andothershaveworkedto createa somewhat
temporary Childrens Garden area next to I-30. Looking
at the various Garden zones, it is clear there are only
twoareasthatcouldspaallyaccommodatethenew
Childrens Garden without encroaching on other
importanthistoricorenvironmentallysensiveareas.
Onelocaonis justsouth of theHorseshoe Garden
area (adjacent to I-30 - the current locaon), and
anotherisjustsouthoftheFullerGarden(acrossthe
stream),wheremostoftheoperaonsareaiscurrently
located.
There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.
- Elizabeth Lawrence
The Master Plan
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49Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010
The Master Plan recommends that the proposed Childrens
Garden be located south of the Fuller Garden and west of the
TexasNaveBoardwalk.This2.5acresiteisshadedandhas
an excellent juxtaposionwith the Texas NaveBoardwalk.
The area is close to the Garden Campus Gateway and thus
convenient for school and other group access. It is also
convenient to the Garden Center and proposed BRIT for easy
coordinaonwith theeducaonalprograms of theGardenand BRIT.
Environmental quality and conservaon are important
goalsoftheenreMasterPlan.TheBoardwalk,proposed
ChildrensGarden,Woodlandsrestoraon,RockSprings
restoraon and all other elements emphasize this
objecve.The area of theproposedChildrens Garden
would be assured to be safe and clean for childrens
acvies. The adjacent embankment (west of the
Garden) would need to be structurally stabilized prior to
construconofGardenimprovementsinthisarea.
Usually children spend more time in the garden than anybody else. It is where theylearn about the world, because they can be in it unsupervised, yet protected. Some
gardeners will remember from their own earliest recollections that no one sees the gardenas vividly, or cares about it as passionately, as the child who grows up in it.
- Carol Williams, Bringing a Garden to Life
Center of the Boardwalk Educaonal gazebo on the south end of the BoardwalkEducaon on the Boardwalk
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0Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010
The Master Plan
The Great Meadow
The Great Meadow is the main north-south axis of the Garden
and is approximately 5 acres, with a length of 1, 200 feet on this
axis. It respects the historic context of the Garden. The meadow
isan essenalpartof the Garden byvisually and physically
connecngtheGardenCampusarea(thenorthporonofthe
Garden) with the Rose Garden / Rock Springs area. This meadow
area should be preserved and accentuated in the future
improvements of the Garden.
The Meadow has become extremely popular for special events
such as the Concerts in the Garden, now produced by the
FortWorthSymphonyOrchestraandothers.Visitorsenjoythe
Meadow as a wonderful green space bordered by beauful
diverse landscapes every season of the year.
TheconsulngteamandtheFutureoftheGardenCommiee
considered alternaveplansfor providinganamphitheaterin
thisMeadowarea.Aerreviewingvariousalternaves,itwas
clear thatreinforcing,protecng,and providingaccesstothe
Meadow was the best plan rather than molding the landscape
for a dierent performance space. This recommendaon is
primarilybasedonpreservingtheconnuityofthenorth-south
axis because of its proven success.
TheMasterPlanstronglyrecommendsseveralobjecvesforthis
area:
Maintain the visual integrity of the north-south axis
Avoid any more visual intrusions into the current axis
areasuchasaddionaltreeplanng(other thanreplacementtrees),electricalequipment,
monuments, permanent art work, or similar
intrusions
Planngalongtheedgeoftheaxisaddsbeauful
accentuaonofthissunnyMeadowarea,andit
shouldbeconnued
The Master Plan recommends certain paths and
walkways that will provide improved access
totheareawithoutencroachingintothesanctyof
the Great Meadow area. This access is accomplished
by planning such walkways on the periphery of the
Meadow.
Meadow looking south Meadow with Concerts in the Garden
TRINITY WOODLANDS
LOOP PATH
h l
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1Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010
The Master Plan
The Garden Core
The original Garden Core area includes the historic Rose Garden,
the Horseshoe area, the Japanese Garden, the Perennial
Garden, and the Four Seasons Garden. Over recent decades,
theseareas havebeensomeof the most popular visitaon
areas of the Garden. The main gateway to the Japanese Gardenfacesthisarea.Exceptforconnuedmaintenance,restoraons,
andspecicsmallimprovements,thisareaisalmostcompletely
developed.
TheNaveTexasBoardwalk andproposedChildrens Garden
serveas agoodtransionbetweentheGardenCampusarea,
Trinity River Woodland, and Garden Core.
These centralGardenareas areallin relavecloseproximity
andareoenallvisitedinasingleoungbyindividuals,groups,
and families. The current road and parking system creates some
barriers and intrusion among these Garden features and the
pedestrianconneconsamongfeaturesaredisconnuous.
TheproposedLoopPathsystemand reduconofautomobile
intrusionswilleventuallysolvethisconnuityproblem,including
substanallyreducingmotorizedtracfromthecenterofthe
Garden.The proposedsign andinformaonsystemwill also
create an easy understanding for visitors on how to experience
and easily move among the various central Garden features.
Thiswouldincludeamuch improvedinterprevesignsystem
throughouttheGardenCore.Seepages54-57.
Rose Garden - View of East Axis Four Seasons Garden Japanese Garden in the fall
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2Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010
The key recommendaons for this central Core
Area are as follows:
Connuethemelymaintenanceand
restoraon(asneeded)of thehistoric
garden structures, including walkway systems.
Recentgoodexamplesincludereconstruconof the trellises in the Lower Rose Garden. The
Gardenstahasusedmaterialsthatare
compablewiththehistoriccharacterandthat
arelonglasng.
Carefully designed improvements such as the
recent improvements to the Perennial Garden
shouldconnueaslongastheintegrityof
the historic Rose Garden structures are
respected.
Add strategic secondary walkway segments
designed to link to the proposed Loop Path
system as described above.
Design the Loop Path system to and aroundthis area, which will provide easy, pedestrian-
scale access from both Garden Gateway
areas. The Loop Path system will also be the
backbone of the improved sign and
informaonsystem.
The important new Montgomery Street
Gatewaywill linkdirectlytothewestporons
oftheCentralCorearea,specicallythe
Japanese Garden and Octagon area,
presently called the Trial Garden. Clearly the
new Gateway / Entry should be designed to
provideaseamlessconnecontotheCentral
Garden Core and the Loop Path system. The current Trial Garden area will then
become anextremelyprominent locaon
(seeOctagonalGardenrecommendaons
on page 53) and represents the west terminus
of the east-west axis of the Garden.
Rose Garden - View of Colonnade
Japanese Garden in the fall
Japanese Garden - Koi Pond
The Master Plan
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3Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010
The Octagonal Garden
& Pavilion
A new Octagonal Pavilion is proposed for the western terminus
of the Historical Rose Garden Axis. This pavilion would be
opposite the entrance to the Japanese Garden on the site of
the old Trial Garden. This pavilion and its surrounding garden
wouldnowbetherstmajorgardenencounteredwithinthe
Garden, aer passing through the new Western Gateway
area (Montgomery Street Entry, see above). The Octagonal
Garden would be designed as an integral element of the entry
experience.
Thereareseveralpossibiliesforenhancingthepurposeand
stature of the Octagonal Garden. Whatever theme is chosen, it
shouldreinforceitsposionasamajorentranceexhibit.
Givenitslocaon,thisnewpavilionanditssurroundingspace
couldbecomeachangingexhibitoncricalideasinhorculture
and conservaon. Itwould serveas anintroducon tothe
Garden and combine display panels with plants to convey an
idea or take home message.
A second possibility is that this garden could become an
expanded and reinvented Trial Garden featuring plants
parcularlyadaptedtotheFortWorthclimateandcondions.
The pavilion could become an idealized pong shed
demonstrangthelatestgardeningtoolsandtechniques,and
the surrounding octagonal space could display plants in a series
ofered planters.If a strong programcould beestablished
around such plants (a parallel to the program developed at
the Dallas Arboretum and Botanic Garden), the Trial Garden
could expand into the large space directly to the south. Parts
of the new greenhouses will be open to visitors to demonstrate
propagaonandgrowingtechniques,andpartsofthelarger
maintenanceareacouldulmatelybeusedtodemonstratea
varietyofthelatest/bestsustainablehorculturalpracces.
Use ofthisgardenspace,eitheras anintroducon tonew
Botanic Garden concerns or as a redesigned trial garden, would
strengthenthethemeofsustainablehorcultureinthissecon
of the Garden and would further reinforce the core mission of
the Garden.
The Master Plan
The Master Plan
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4Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010
The Master Plan
Printed and Website Informaon
Direcng Visitors to the Garden
InrecentyearstheFortWorthConvenonandVisitorsBureau
(CVB)hasmadeanimprovedeorttoemphasizeandconvey
thearaconswithintheCulturalDistrictincludingtheGarden
andmuseums.WiththeaddionofBRIT,thiscanbefurther
enhanced to a broader audience. Related outlets include
the City Page of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, various news
releases for special events, occasional inserts in the water bill,
andothermeansavailable.Eortstoencouragemorespecial
featurearcles invariousregional andnaonalnewspapers
and magazines is recommended.
External Sign Systems
Encourage the Texas Department of Transportaon to place
direconalsignsonI-30asmotoristsapproachtheaccesspoints
of University Drive and Montgomery Street. Encourage the City to
place signs on approach arterials which would include University
Drive, Montgomery Street, Camp Bowie Blvd., Lancaster Ave.,
and West 7th Street. Pole banners per the Citys standards can
be placed for special events, especially along University Drive,
Montgomery Street, and Harley Street, which all directly access
the Garden.
The Garden is within the Cultural District. This feature is a great
advantage; however, themajorityof visitors do not associate
botanic gardens with cultural or museum districts. The Botanic
Gardenshouldhaveitsownsetofdireconalsigns,especiallyto
serverst-mevisitorsandout-of-townvisitors.
The Internal Informaon System
Entry Monument Style Gateways
At the two proposed gateways, it is important to provide clear
entry gate areas with a strong v isual appeal and corresponding
landscaping. The gateway on Harley Street is an excellent
exampleofaqualityentryarea.HarleyStreetisproposedtobe
improved and rerouted west of the Garden per Cultural District
Concept Plans. The Garden Master Plan is consistent with the
CulturalDistrictConceptPlans andwould benet in several
ways from the proposed Harley Street improvements.
The gateway to the Garden campus area (the Clock entrance)
is grand in scale and appropriate. The actual Botanic Garden
leersareoenconcealedbehindlandscapingandsomewhat
distantfromtheactualentrancearea.Addionalstonewalls
closer to University should perhaps be added for the Botanic
Garden signleering. These would complement theexisng
wall and gate system, while providing a window into the clock
andGardenCenterarea.TheleeringfortheGardencouldthen
be relocated to these new stone walls. Coordinate with BRIT to
best provide an appropriate sign and entry for the new BRIT
facility.
Sign, Informaon & Interpretaon SystemsAmajorrecommendaonfortheGardenistoadoptacoordinatedsignandinformaonsystemusingconsistenttypesofsignsandmaterialsforthevariousersofsignsrecommendedbelow.Currently
there are some very good signs and some that are not good examples of signs in the Garden. Through the years various styles and materials have been used in the Garden. Many of these changes and
signaddionscanhappenearlyoninthemasterplanphasingprocess.
Entry Monument Signs
Proposed Arterial Street
Signs
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Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010
The Master Plan
Entry Exhibits
The Garden campus entry and the proposed Montgomery Street entry should
both have materials, maps, and exhibits to help guide and inform visitors about
various features of the Garden. The Garden Center already has a convenient
recepon desk that oers brochures and informaon if people are familiar
enough to ask. There is room in the current lobby area for a modest amount of
display. This area could at least have room for a large, easy to understand Garden
map with photos of key areas and some exhibits about current events, what is in
bloom,futureprograms,andsimilarinformaon.
TheproposedMontgomeryStreetentrycanbedesignedspecicallyforanideal
recepon,entry,andexhibitspace.Thisentryareacouldoeracombinaonof
permanentexhibitsthatwouldhavealargegardenmap,perhapswithinteracve
featuresforpeopletoseevariousfeaturespriortotheirvisit.Aexibleexhibit
andlobbyareawouldlenditselftochangingexhibitsaboutcurrentacvies,
features,andprogramsoftheGarden.Thisexibleexhibitspacecouldalsobe
usedforspecialexhibitsinagalleryseng,suchasgardenartshowsanda
variety of other Garden related displays. The displays would rotate perhaps every
month or at least every season. This space, including restrooms, would probably
requireabout1500to 2000squarefeet,andwouldincludestorageareasandperhapsasmallocearea.
Theproposedexhibitlobbyspacealongwiththeadjoiningoutdoorcourtyard
wouldalsofunconasastagingspaceforgrouptoursandeducaonalprograms
intheGarden.The spacewouldbeconvenientlylocatedtorestroomfacilies
withenoughxturesforgroupoungsincludingschoolgroups.
Both of these gateways are more fully described on pages 35-37.
In summary, the purpose of the entry exhibits is to orient visitors upon their
arrival.Thisfeaturewillmaketheirvisitmuchmoreenjoyableandinformed.It
willalsoserveasaformofadversementfortheGardenanditscurrentand
future programs. It will encourage visitors to return for many future trips withfriends,groups,orfamily.Itwillinformvisitorsaboutmembership,educaonal
opportunies,andrentalopportunies.Theentryinformaonwillalsopolitely
makeclearwhatacviesareencouragedandwhichacvies,suchasrunning
dogs,playingacvesports,removalofplants,etc.,arenotpermied-inother
words,the rules ofthe Garden. Thisaspectiscricalto aain thegoalof
RespecttheGardenasaspecialanduniqueplace.
Exisng entry area at the Garden Center - Provide
improved informaon about the enre Garden
West Entrance to the Garden Center from the Fuller Garden
Arrival area at the Garden Center
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6Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010
The Master Plan
Internal Signs & Interpreve Materials
Internal to the Garden would be a hierarchy of signs ranging from main feature
entriestoplantidencaon.Themainrecommendaonhereisthatthese
signs be more coordinated by using standard types of materials for consistency
and easy use. Today there are new types of sign materials, such as polymer
signs, that can display photographs, graphics, etc., and that are durable andeasy to mount on poles, pedestals or walls. These types of signs have been well
designedandusedontheBoardwalk.TheLoopPathwillaordaunifyingand
organizingpedestrianow.Thepathwillalsogivegoodopportuniesforthe
locaonofdireconalsignsindicangthevariousGardenfeatures.TheLoop
Path will connect both of the main gateways.
InternalGardensignsshouldgenerallyhaveconnuityofstyle;however,in
someinstances,auniquesigncharacterisappropriate,suchasintheChildrens
Garden.Signsshouldbeinscalewiththeparcularenvironment.Greatcare
isrecommendedtoassurethatsigncluerisnotcreated.Signsshouldnever
interfere with viewsor enjoyment ofa key vistaor Garden area. Larger
exhibits or kiosk-type structures should only be located within or near the two
majorentryareas.Occasionallyaspecialtemporaryexhibitcouldwarrantatemporary larger sign.
Direconal Sign - Morris Arboretum
Small Interpreve Sign - Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Short-term use of Educaonal Sign - Chicago Botanic Garden Chicago Botanic Garden
Fort Worth Botanic Garden