Fort Worth Water Gardens
Sculptured gardens with sightseeing and photo options galore
Back to Fort Worth Water Gardens
The idiot architect Philip Johnson knew this design was dangerous, but apparently didn't care. According to Johnson's biographer, Franz Schulze, Johnson had mentioned the element of danger inherent in this design many times. What was he thinking? The management of the city of Fort Worth is just moronic to keep this open to the public. Although they claim certain "safety measures" have been put into place since the terrible tragedy in 2004, the design is still treacherous, and visitors are still at risk of serious injury or death. A better location for this park would be right next door to a hospital emergency room. It is a drab gray incongruous patchwork of oversized, unsafe and clumsily placed exposed aggregate concrete steps, ridges, and hazardous precipices. If you take the kids, keep a close watch on them. If you visit, please take a moment to reflect on the three children and one adult who died horrible drowning deaths in this architectural monstrosity. (The city got off easy with a settlement of only 750,000 dollars). I'm sorry to make this review so depressing, but I can't stand seeing this pompous incompetent Philip Johnson lauded as a great architect, or this nightmarish waste of concrete and resources praised as a "masterpiece". Dangerous places are a fact of life, and occur naturally everywhere, but it is absolutely irresponsible to design a city park intended for family outings with such perils built in just to suit one's own ego. If he was still alive, I would hold this architect strongly accountable for the death of those four people, and I can't believe the continued stupidity of Fort Worth city management in allowing this park to remain open without a major redesign to eliminate or at least greatly reduce the hazards. It's dangerous, costly to taxpayers due to injuries and lawsuits, costly due to continuous maintenance and a waste of countless gallons of water.
Reviewed by: A Yahoo! Contributor from on Jul 22 2009
It looks awsome and when I go up there I plan on that being the first thing I do!! All kind of animal lovers and planet lover would enjoy this and I advise you to visit this before its to late!!!!!!
Reviewed by: A Yahoo! Contributor from on Apr 24 2008
Whereas this place is architectually spectacular I found it to be very scary. A death trap, actually. I couldn't bring myself to do more than just peer at it from the sidewalk while the brave ones ventured down into the concrete and water canyon.
Reviewed by: A Yahoo! Contributor from on Mar 19 2008
After being closed for a couple of years, the Water Garden is back open. Some modifications to make it safer for the little ones. This is a free area to come and just enjoy the sounds of the water, the sites and sound around the water garden. Plus, it is only a short walk to Sundance Square and the Bass Hall.
Reviewed by: . from on Jun 07 2007
The Fort Worth Water Garden is a famous sight both positive and negative. It was featured in the early 70's Sci-Fi Movie Logans Run with Michael York.
Reviewed by: Jeff from on Oct 06 2006
WOW! It is a spectacular view, and is just plain amazing. A wonderful place to relax and cool down.
Reviewed by: A Yahoo! Contributor from on Oct 31 2004
Sculptured gardens with sightseeing and photo options galore
Back to Fort Worth Water Gardens
The idiot architect Philip Johnson knew this design was dangerous, but apparently didn't care. According to Johnson's biographer, Franz Schulze, Johnson had mentioned the element of danger inherent in this design many times. What was he thinking? The management of the city of Fort Worth is just moronic to keep this open to the public. Although they claim certain "safety measures" have been put into place since the terrible tragedy in 2004, the design is still treacherous, and visitors are still at risk of serious injury or death. A better location for this park would be right next door to a hospital emergency room. It is a drab gray incongruous patchwork of oversized, unsafe and clumsily placed exposed aggregate concrete steps, ridges, and hazardous precipices. If you take the kids, keep a close watch on them. If you visit, please take a moment to reflect on the three children and one adult who died horrible drowning deaths in this architectural monstrosity. (The city got off easy with a settlement of only 750,000 dollars). I'm sorry to make this review so depressing, but I can't stand seeing this pompous incompetent Philip Johnson lauded as a great architect, or this nightmarish waste of concrete and resources praised as a "masterpiece". Dangerous places are a fact of life, and occur naturally everywhere, but it is absolutely irresponsible to design a city park intended for family outings with such perils built in just to suit one's own ego. If he was still alive, I would hold this architect strongly accountable for the death of those four people, and I can't believe the continued stupidity of Fort Worth city management in allowing this park to remain open without a major redesign to eliminate or at least greatly reduce the hazards. It's dangerous, costly to taxpayers due to injuries and lawsuits, costly due to continuous maintenance and a waste of countless gallons of water.
Reviewed by: A Yahoo! Contributor from on Jul 22 2009
It looks awsome and when I go up there I plan on that being the first thing I do!! All kind of animal lovers and planet lover would enjoy this and I advise you to visit this before its to late!!!!!!
Reviewed by: A Yahoo! Contributor from on Apr 24 2008
Whereas this place is architectually spectacular I found it to be very scary. A death trap, actually. I couldn't bring myself to do more than just peer at it from the sidewalk while the brave ones ventured down into the concrete and water canyon.
Reviewed by: A Yahoo! Contributor from on Mar 19 2008
After being closed for a couple of years, the Water Garden is back open. Some modifications to make it safer for the little ones. This is a free area to come and just enjoy the sounds of the water, the sites and sound around the water garden. Plus, it is only a short walk to Sundance Square and the Bass Hall.
Reviewed by: . from on Jun 07 2007
The Fort Worth Water Garden is a famous sight both positive and negative. It was featured in the early 70's Sci-Fi Movie Logans Run with Michael York.
Reviewed by: Jeff from on Oct 06 2006
WOW! It is a spectacular view, and is just plain amazing. A wonderful place to relax and cool down.
Reviewed by: A Yahoo! Contributor from on Oct 31 2004
Hotel Deals
Travel Deals
Map
City Committee
