Fort Worth's concrete jungle is set to get a little greener this year, with the Botanic Garden forging ahead with ambitious improvements. Executive Vice President Bob Byers said, "Most of our projects this year are behind-the-scenes work that guests won't necessarily see but that will help us on our way toward bigger goals", according to the City of Fort Worth.
Green-thumbed citizens can expect to see some sprouting developments at Fort Worth Botanic Garden. At the top of the to-do list is a spanking, new greenhouse sprawling about 20,000 square feet. Tucked away on city-leased land near Tarrant County College South Campus, the construction which began last August is probably going to be completed before the year is out. Once operational, it'll allow the Garden to knock down two old greenhouses, freeing up precious space for visitor-friendly activities. Bob Byers said in an interview, "The thought process is to open up space that we could use for guests by moving the greenhouse offsite", as per the City of Fort Worth.
That's just a slice of the pie, though. The South Vista area of the Garden is getting decked out with new irrigation and drainage systems. This isn't just any patch of dirt—it's the proud host of the annual Concerts in the Garden. Fans of the historic University Drive are also in for a treat. The City of Fort Worth is cooking up a storm with planned enhancements that promise to make getting to the Garden a walk in the park.
Planning documents obtained from the City of Fort Worth show sidewalks are set to spring up on University Drive's west side, between Trail Drive and Rock Springs Road. The phone-wielding, sneaker-wearing public will finally have a safe path to tread from the Will Rogers Memorial Center straight to the Botanic Garden entrance. If that wasn't enough, there's also talk of a new traffic light and pedestrian crossings, fitting neatly alongside bus stops to shepherd visitors seamlessly to and from nature's bounty.
