Fort Worth is set to witness the growth of a new family-centered garden within its lauded Botanic Garden. The upcoming Baker Martin Family Garden will break ground this weekend, marking the first significant expansion under the Garden's 20-year Master Plan. With a vision rooted in producing a space for active learning and exploration, the garden is slated to open in fall 2026 and is being developed by the experienced Terra Design Studios, according to the City of Fort Worth.
What's driving this development is a focus on both children and families, creating an environment that bridges nature with familial bonds. The two-acre garden will host a series of interactive galleries, a total of 11, specifically tailored for kids and their accompanying grown-ups. Central to the experience will be a 150-foot-long shallow creek, inviting kids to play in the safety of its waters, surrounded by the natural beauty of Texas limestone and native flora.
The inclusion of a dedicated Texas pond is poised to be more than just a tranquil feature; it's an opportunity for hands-on ecological learning for children who will come to understand the life cycles and habitats of amphibians, fish, and dragonflies. Additionally, the space is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles with open play areas broad enough for a myriad of games and physical activity.
Facilities within the new expansion include an air-conditioned, LEED-certified Discovery Center, which will host educational programs and events. It's the kind of place where convenience meets care, evidenced by the no additional entry fees and added comforts such as inclusive features like family restrooms, a parent's room, and shaded areas equipped with overhead fans. Furthermore, bird and pollinator gardens are built to draw in native species, offering chances for education and observation to all who visit.
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