A giant armadillo sculpture and a proposed expansion of Fort Worth\u2019s public swimming facilities were the major items before the city\u2019s Park & Recreation Advisory Board Sept. 23.<\/p>\n
The board received a preview of a proposed 11-foot-tall bronze armadillo sitting atop a seesaw that\u2019s planned for the east side of Gateway Park, near the entrance to the disc golf course. The Fort Worth Art Commission approved the artwork by Tucson artist Trevor O\u2019Tool the previous evening. The project has a $534,500 budget from the city\u2019s 2018 bond program.<\/p>\n
Adam Neese, a member of the public art management team at Arts Fort Worth<\/a> of Fort Worth Public Art, said the sculpture was designed to be playful and interactive. Although the city will not encourage visitors to climb on the artwork, he said the expectation that people would interact was considered in the design.\u00a0<\/p>\n The armadillo will sit about 3 feet off the ground at its lowest point and be engineered to withstand a load of up to 4,500 pounds. Neese pointed out that a structural and a geotechnical engineer were involved in the planning given the site\u2019s location in a floodplain.<\/p>\n The board chose the sculpture\u2019s location for its visibility to motorists and pedestrians and its proximity to the park\u2019s disc golf entrance. The project is scheduled to be on the board\u2019s agenda next month for approval and advancement to the Fort Worth City Council for final approval.<\/p>\n 2026 Aquatics Master Plan<\/p>\n The board unanimously endorsed the city\u2019s 2026 Aquatics Master Plan<\/a>, which proposes expanding the city’s network to 10 outdoor pools, 46 lap lanes, six spray grounds, and four indoor pools. The city now owns and operates Forest Park Pool, Marine Park Pool & Aquatic Center, and the Sycamore Spray Ground. It has partnerships with Eastside YMCA and the William M. McDonald YMCA.<\/p>\n Adelaide Leavens, a member of the master plan\u2019s steering committee, urged the board to approve it, pointing to the Forest Park Pool as an example of what can happen when residents push for improved aquatic facilities. She said expanded access is important not only for recreation but also for helping children become comfortable and safe around water and potentially reducing drownings.<\/p>\n Leavens was concerned that the plan didn\u2019t establish a timeline or specific goals for the improvements. Board chair Jason Baldwin echoed that concern, saying the plan needs follow-up advocacy for funding so that it doesn\u2019t simply remain on a shelf.\u00a0<\/p>\n Members also unanimously endorsed master plans for Anderson Park<\/a> and Sendera Ranch Park<\/a>, which were previously presented to the board.<\/p>\n Park & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting<\/p>\n Documenter: Lou Chapman<\/p>\n Date: Sept. 23, 2026<\/p>\n Learn more about this meeting by clicking here<\/a>. For the agenda, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Lou Chapman is a member of the Fort Worth Report Documenters<\/a> crew. If you believe anything in this account is inaccurate, please email us at news@fortworthreport.org with \u201cCorrection Request\u201d in the subject line.<\/p>\n