New chapter of City Code designed to protect Open Space lands

New chapter of City Code designed to protect Open Space lands

Published on October 08, 2024

The City Council will be asked to add a new chapter to the Code of the City of Fort Worth to establish rules and regulations for the City's Open Space properties.

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Chapter 36, which will be largely based on Chapter 24, which deals with Park and Recreation. But because Open Space properties are not parkland, staff recommends a new chapter to better suit the goals of the City's Open Space Conservation Program, the Mayor's Good Natured Greenspace Initiative and the goal to add 10,000 acres of open greenspace to Fort Worth in the next five years.

What's the difference? Open Space is not parkland and is not owned, held or claimed as a public square or park, nor is Open Space acquired or designated as a park, recreation area, scientific area, wildlife refuge or historic site.

Chapter 36 would also establish rules and regulations for the use of Open Space properties, including:

• Hours of operation from sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise posted (parks are generally open from 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.).
• Prohibiting littering, camping, fires, fireworks, fishing, swimming and alcoholic beverages.
• Limiting vehicles to designated areas.
• Prohibiting harm to vegetation and wildlife.

Open Space properties are managed and maintained in their natural state by the Park & Recreation Department. Any mowing will be infrequent and in accordance with maintaining a healthy ecosystem and limiting the risk of fire.

Amenities provided at Open Space properties are anticipated to be minimal because the main purpose of the Open Space Program is to preserve natural spaces. Unlike parks, Open Space properties are not expected to include trash receptacles or restrooms, and they will be pack-in, pack-out. To protect any natural surface trails and nearby vegetation, bicycles will only be permitted on paved areas.

Staff anticipates requesting City Council's approval of the new chapter this fall.

Learn more about the Open Space Conservation Program and the Mayor's Good Natured Greenspace Initiative.

Photo:In 2020, Fort Worth purchased 50 acres of prairieland in east Fort Worth known as Broadcast Hill to be preserved as open space.

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Tagged as:

• Environment