FORT WORTH, TX – Nov. 19, 2024 — The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is thrilled to announce the groundbreaking for the Baker Martin Family Garden, which took place on Saturday, November 16. The launch of the family garden marks a significant milestone in the Garden's ambitious 20-year Master Plan.
Mayor Mattie Parker, along with the Family Garden Campaign Co-Chairs Laura and Greg Bird, philanthropist Louella Martin, FWBG Board Chair Billy Brentlinger, and FWBG President and CEO Patrick Newman, spoke before more than 100 guests who came to witness this historic moment at the Garden.
Designed with children and families in mind, the Baker Martin Family Garden aims to forge intergenerational bonds and deepen connections with nature. By offering unique experiences through its interactive galleries and thematic zones, the garden promises endless exploration for visitors of all ages.
Key Features and Vision
-
Interactive Galleries: Eleven distinct nature spaces are designed to stimulate curiosity, inviting children and their accompanying adults to explore celestial themes and urban agriculture.
-
Thematic Zones: From sun, moon, and stars to earth art, each zone offers a story to discover.
-
Central Water Feature: A 150-foot-long creek creates opportunities for safe, interactive play among Texas limestone bluffs and native plants.
-
Texas Pond: A living classroom for ecological learning, home to amphibians, fish, and dragonflies.
-
Bird and Pollinator Gardens: Ecologically designed to attract native species, providing rich educational experiences.
-
Open Play Areas: Expansive lawns encourage physical activity and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Facilities and Amenities
-
Discovery Center: A LEED-certified space for educational programs, complete with rotating children's books.
-
Accessibility and Comfort: No additional entry fees, family restrooms, dedicated parents' room, flexible seating, and shaded areas ensure inclusivity for all visitors.
A Garden of 'Yes'
This garden represents a shift from prohibitive experiences to one that inspires interaction and connection with the natural world. By fostering curiosity and a love for nature, the Baker Martin Family Garden hopes to prepare children for future scientific and environmental endeavors.
With design excellence led by Terra Design Studios, known for their successful family gardens across the nation, this development seamlessly integrates with the Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s mission to create sustainable and engaging natural spaces.
Community and Inclusion
The family garden will be a welcoming haven for all families, offering vibrant play areas and serene quiet spaces that cater to diverse needs, ensuring a community-centered environment.
We hope you will follow along with us as we bring this visionary project to life. The Baker Martin Family Garden is scheduled to open in the fall of 2026.
