Residents gain more access to parks as Fort Worth and FWISD team up to open school grounds
Fort Worth, Texas – The City of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) have entered into a new interlocal agreement to open select schoolyards to the public during non-school hours. The initiative transforms school playgrounds and recreational areas into neighborhood parks after the school day ends, providing much-needed access to safe, open areas for families and individuals to enjoy.
This effort directly supports the City’s goal to improve its ranking on the Trust for Public Land’s (TPL) national ParkScore Index, which measures how well cities provide equitable access to parks. Fort Worth’s ranking has already seen significant progress in recent years. In 2022, the city was ranked 87th out of the 100 most populous U.S. cities, with just 61% of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park. According to the latest data, that figure has increased to 69%, boosting the city to 72nd place.
“I believe wholeheartedly that every Fort Worth resident should have easy access to a park or open space,” said Mayor Mattie Parker. “This partnership with FWISD builds on our Good Natured initiative to continue to grow green space opportunities to better serve the community.”
A Community-Centered Vision
FWISD Superintendent Dr. Karen Molinar emphasized the importance of schools in neighborhood life and echoed the city’s desire to enhance community well-being. “Fort Worth ISD schools are at the heart of Fort Worth neighborhoods. We are thrilled to partner with the City of Fort Worth to open our schoolyards after hours, offering welcoming and safe spaces that support healthy communities,” she said.
Through the agreement, specific FWISD campuses will identify and designate outdoor recreation areas for public use when school is not in session. The City and FWISD will work together to address key aspects of this transformation, including maintenance, security, and long-term improvement plans to ensure the spaces remain clean, safe, and beneficial for all.
The plan is not just about converting land—it’s about implementing community-led change. Dave Lewis, the city’s Park & Recreation Director, said the initiative responds directly to resident feedback received during the GreenPrint Fort Worth planning process. “When we asked residents what they wanted most during the GreenPrint Fort Worth planning process, the No. 1 answer was more access to safe, nearby parks and open spaces,” Lewis explained. “This agreement is one of the first major steps in implementing GreenPrint. It shows we are not just talking about a vision on paper — we are putting it into action, creating real change and delivering what our community asked for.”
Part of a Bigger Green Vision
The shared use of schoolyards falls under two larger citywide efforts: the Good Natured greenspace initiative led by Mayor Parker and GreenPrint Fort Worth, the city’s master plan for parks, recreation, and open spaces. Both programs emphasize strategic collaboration between public entities, nonprofits, and private partners to preserve nature, promote health, and address the inequities in park access—especially in rapidly growing or underserved neighborhoods.
By expanding access to neighborhood parks through shared school facilities, Fort Worth not only brings parks closer to more families but also sets an example for other growing cities looking to improve quality of life through creative partnerships.
As more campuses join this effort, and more residents find welcoming outdoor spaces just a short walk from home, the initiative promises to bring lasting benefits—physically, mentally, and socially—for the people of Fort Worth.
