Fort Worth celebrates grand opening of Betsy Price Community Center with festivities and interactive events
Fort Worth, Texas – Fort Worth residents are invited to join in the grand opening celebration of the city’s newest community space, the Betsy Price Community Center, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 14. Located at 8375 Blue Mound Road, the center was formerly known as the Northwest Community Center and has now been named in honor of Betsy Price, Fort Worth’s longest-serving mayor who held the role for 10 years.
The ribbon cutting ceremony will include remarks from several city leaders, including Price herself, current Mayor Mattie Parker, Councilmembers Macy Hill and Alan Blaylock, and Park & Recreation Director Dave Lewis. The event marks a major milestone in Fort Worth’s continued investment in vibrant, accessible community spaces.
Family-Friendly Celebration and Tours
Following the official ribbon cutting, attendees will be treated to an open house featuring a wide variety of activities and demonstrations. Visitors can explore the center’s amenities, enjoy class demos, and experience interactive exhibits such as Tarrant County College’s STEM truck. Entertainment will include a live DJ, performances from the Saginaw High Alumni Drumline, and kid-friendly attractions like bounce houses and face painting. Food trucks will also be on-site to keep guests refreshed throughout the day.
The Betsy Price Community Center is designed to serve as a lively and inclusive hub for all age groups. The facility features multiple meeting rooms, a culinary kitchen, a fitness area, a basketball gym, and a group fitness space. Programming at the center will include tai chi, soccer skills, floorball, ballet and tumbling, gardening, art classes, Cricut workshops, and regular bingo games. An after-school program will also be available to local families.
A Touch of Nature Indoors with Public Art
One of the standout features of the center is its whimsical and imaginative public art piece titled Open Plains by artist Matthew Mazzotta. This installation greets guests in the reception area, offering a surprising and nature-inspired experience. Built using materials such as basswood, foam core, motors, brass tubing, and aircraft cable, the work is both visual and interactive.
“Open Plains” features a grassy, cushioned berm upholstered in artificial turf, inviting guests to sit or climb while enjoying the calming motion of bird forms overhead. The bird sculptures flap gently thanks to a motorized mechanism powered by a small fan, giving life to the scene. The installation was funded by the 2018 Bond Program and was created to foster a connection between visitors and the surrounding natural beauty of Northwest Community Park, where the center is located.
The Betsy Price Community Center promises to be a cornerstone for community engagement, recreation, and creativity. With its welcoming design, diverse programs, and commitment to public art, it offers something for everyone in Fort Worth.
