Fort Worth's landscape of civic spaces is taking on a new flavor, as a prominent community center picks up the namesake of the city's longest-serving mayor. The latest addition to the city's recreational arenas, the Northwest Community Center, is poised to don the name Betsy Price Community Center, following a city council vote that took place on a Tuesday evening.
The center, nestled within the ample greenery of Northwest Community Park at 8375 Blue Mound Road, is not just another brick-and-mortar undertaking. Its 25,000-square-foot space promises varied amenities, including a gym, an array of fitness equipment, and meeting rooms, much to the community's anticipation. Furthermore, the approval seems packed with sentimental value, as former Mayor Betsy Price expressed in a statement, as per the City of Fort Worth, “I am deeply humbled and honored to have the Northwest Community Center named in my honor,” adding, “I hope this new center becomes a vibrant hub for our community – fostering a sense of belonging, prioritizing health and wellness, and reflecting the values that make Fort Worth extraordinary.”
Price, who helmed the city from 2011 to 2021, was a staunch advocate for Fort Worth's park and trail system, underlining the significance of her name gracing a center aimed at fostering community well-being. The commitment to enhancing Fort Worth's outdoor spaces was a hallmark of her decade-long tenure with the Blue Zones project standing out as a pivotal initiative striving to bolster residents' health through lifestyle improvements. The Park & Recreation Advisory Board, before the aforementioned city council nod, also voted in favor on Nov. 20 to wear the ex-mayor's name with pride, according to reports.