New agreement transforms school campuses into community park spaces for residents across Fort Worth

Fort Worth, Texas – In a major move to increase neighborhood access to green space, the City of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) have entered into an interlocal agreement that will open designated schoolyards to the public during non-school hours. This collaborative effort aims to transform school campuses into welcoming community parks after hours, giving thousands of residents easier access to safe, outdoor recreational space.

Improving Fort Worth’s ParkScore and Expanding Access

The initiative is part of Fort Worth’s ongoing strategy to improve its position in the Trust for Public Land (TPL) ParkScore Index, a national ranking that measures equitable access to parks. As of the most recent ParkScore data, Fort Worth ranks 72nd among the 100 largest U.S. cities, with 69% of residents now living within a 10-minute walk of a park or open space — a significant improvement from 61% in 2022, when the city ranked 87th.

“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.”

The new agreement directly supports the city’s Good Natured initiative, which focuses on preserving natural spaces and enhancing the city’s park system to meet growing demand. It also aligns with GreenPrint Fort Worth, the city’s comprehensive long-term parks and open space plan, which emphasizes community involvement and equitable park development.

Schools at the Heart of Neighborhoods

Under the agreement, FWISD will designate specific outdoor recreational areas at select school campuses to be open for community use outside of school hours. The list of participating campuses is available online, and the city and school district will jointly manage tasks such as maintenance, safety, and long-term improvements to the shared spaces.

“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,” said Superintendent Dr. Karen Molinar.

This effort is particularly meaningful in areas of the city that have been historically underserved in terms of public green space. By leveraging existing school infrastructure, the partnership allows the city to efficiently and affordably expand park access without waiting years for new construction.

From Vision to Action Through GreenPrint Fort Worth

The agreement also responds to priorities expressed by the public during the GreenPrint Fort Worth planning process. When asked what they wanted most, residents overwhelmingly said they needed “more access to safe, nearby parks and open spaces,” according to Dave Lewis, director of the Park & Recreation Department.

“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,” Lewis said.

As Fort Worth continues to grow rapidly, partnerships like this between public institutions will be crucial to maintaining livability, equity, and quality of life. By opening schoolyards as neighborhood parks, the city is not just reimagining public space — it is building a greener, more connected future for all residents.