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    Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan

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    Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010

    Future of the Garden Commiee

    Elaine Petrus (Chair)

    Fort Worth Garden Club

    GretchenBarre

    Marty Craddock

    Pat DeWoody

    Murray James

    Brooke Lively

    Mary Alice Smith

    Diann Stadler

    Renee Walter

    Fort Worth Botanic Garden StaHenry Painter

    Steve HuddlestonLeslie Pool

    Rob Bauereisen

    Kathleen Cook

    Gail Manning

    Fort Worth Botanical Society HenrieaBailey

    Bill Bean

    Drake Benthall

    Cherie Hathcock

    Sheila Hill

    Jim McCarty

    Fran Mizell

    John Tinsley

    BeyeReeder

    Garden Club Council of Fort Worth Becky Meadows

    CarolynSco

    Leeann Wilhelmi

    Texas Garden Clubs, Inc. Barbara Baker

    Parks and Community Services Advisory Board

    Steve Relyea

    Jennifer Harnish

    Debra Nyul

    Botanical Research Instute of Texas (BRIT) Dr. Sy Sohmer

    Pat Harrison

    Cleve Lancaster

    Tim McKinney

    Texas AgriLife Extension Texas A&M

    DoyWoodson

    City of Fort Worth

    Mayor Mike Moncrief

    Dale Fisseler

    Richard Zavala

    Randle Harwood

    Sandra Youngblood

    Community Leaders Kenneth L. Barr

    Doug Harman

    Susan Kline

    John Stevenson

    Gideon Toal, Inc.James Toal, Principal & Co-Chairman

    Cassie King, Landscape & Urban Designer

    Andropogon Associates, Ltd.Colin Franklin, ASLA, Principal

    Carol Franklin, FASLA, Principal

    Allison Schapker, Senior Landscape Designer

    Open Channels Group, LLCTonya Veasey, President

    Acknowledgements

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    Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010

    Acknowledgements & Credits

    Background & Context

    ForwardKey Goals of the Master Plan

    The Planning Process

    The Beginnings of a Park and Greenbelt System

    Rock Springs Park on the Trinity

    NaonalRegisterofHistoricPlaces

    ABeaufulGreenSpaceintheCentralCity&CulturalDistrict

    Key Strengths & Garden Districts

    Key Strengths

    Garden Districts

    The Master Plan

    IllustraveMasterPlan

    Planning Principles & Issues

    Garden Gateways & Entries

    The Campus Area Gateway

    The Montgomery Street Gateway

    TheLoopPathCirculaonSystem

    Rock Springs & Trinity Woodlands

    Water in the Garden

    TheChildrensGarden&TheTexasNaveForestBoardwalk

    The Great Meadow

    The Garden Core

    The Octagonal Garden & Pavilion

    Sign, Informaon&InterpreveSystems

    Art, Memorials & Monuments

    The Future of the Garden

    Table of Contents

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    Background & Context

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    11Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010

    Background & Context

    Forward

    The Future of the Garden Commieehas worked diligently to prepare aMaster

    Plan for the Botanic Garden. The commiee includes representaves frommajor

    stakeholders and has interfaced with the City of Fort Worth, Fort Worth residents,

    variousneighborhoods,theBotanicGardensta,andotherCulturalDistrictenes.Thecommieemembersunderstandhowimportantitistohaveabeaufulgardenin

    thecentralcityforeveryonetoenjoy.Thesesupportersrecognizetheimportanceof

    protecngandenhancingthiswonderfulgreenspaceandlandmark.TheBotanicGarden

    Master Plan embraces the key ideas and themes that were expressed throughout the

    planning process.

    The mission statement of the Garden is Enriching peoples lives through environmental

    stewardship and educaon.

    The Garden is accomplishing this mission on a daily basis in every season of the year.

    Thissuccesshasbeenpossiblebecauseoftheverydedicatedsta,volunteers,themany

    donorsand supporters andongoingCitysupport.Mostof theseorganizaonshavebeeninstrumentalintheleadershipandnancingoftheGardenforseveraldecades.

    Overtheyears,theleadershipoftheGardenhasposioneditwellforthefuture.They

    have worked to create new sources of revenue, while developing new garden areas

    and exhibits.

    The 110-acre Garden is an oasis in the center of the city with natural woodlands,

    beaufulformalornamentalgardens,varioustypesofwaterfeatures,aWorld-class

    Japanese Garden, and the recently-completed boardwalk. The Garden Center is

    popularformanyeducaonalprograms,civicendeavors,andlectures.Poronsofthe

    GardenarenowontheNaonalRegisterofHistoricPlaces,whichisaverypresgiousrecognion.

    Conservaon and Environmental Stewardship

    The enre Master Plan supports the mission of conservaon and environmental

    stewardship in the Garden. Green spaces are added rather than being consumed.

    Woodlands, wetlands, and streams will be restored and made accessible for learning

    andenjoyment.Conictsbetweencarsandpedestrianswillbesubstanallyreduced.

    Green space hasnot been sacricedfor parkingneeds butwill beprovided inthe

    proposed Montgomery Street Entry. Environmental sustainability is a key goal for all

    future improvementprojects.TheMasterPlanhas acomfortablebalance between

    thosespacesdevotedprimarilytoconservaonandthosespacesdesignedtoprovide

    displayandornamentalgardenswheremankindhasaninuenceincreangbeautyfrom plants and terrain.

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    12Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010

    Accessibility

    ImprovingaccessibilitytoandwithintheGardenisamajorgoal,anditscentrallocaoninFortWorthmakes

    this goal possible. Many elements of the Master Plan enhance accessibility for Fort Worth residents and visitors.

    Theproposedaddionof theMontgomery Street Entry is crucial to assure accessibility fromcars, buses,

    bicycles, and pedestrians. The entry also complements the wonderful improvements now taking place along

    theMontgomeryStreetcorridor.InconcertwithcompleonofthenewBRITfacility,theGardenCenterCampus

    willbecomemoresignicantinsize,educaonalopportuniesandaccessibility.Thecampusalsocomplements

    the improvements proposed for the Cultural District and Will Rogers area.

    Connecvity within the Garden

    Many elements of the plan, such as the proposed loop path and the coordinated sign system, will greatly improve

    pedestrianconnecvitytotheenreGardenwhilerespecngtheintegrityofthevariousdiverseelementsof

    theGarden.Visitorswillbeabletomoveeasilyfromspacetospacewithgoodsigninformaonandmaps.

    EliminaonoftraversingmotorizedvehiculartracwillremovethecurrentbarriersintheGarden.

    Learning

    Almosteveryproposalin theMasterPlanis intendedtoincreasethe learningopportuniesintheGarden.

    Theproposed entry areaswilloerimprovedinterpreve informaon forpreparingvisitorsto exploretheGarden.Schoolandothergroupswillhavesucientorientaon,restrooms,andstagingareastobeginthe

    wholeexperience.TheGardeneducaonalprogramscoordinatedwith thoseofBRITwillprovideincreased

    programsforpeopleofallages.Improvedsignandinterprevesystemswillmakepossibleself-guidedlearning

    andsupervisedlearningaboutconservaonandenvironmentalqualityinthecentralcity.

    The proposed Childrens Garden will be a special place designed for children to have direct, hands-on

    opportuniesfordevelopingtheirmotorskillswhilehavingfun,andtoexperiencethebeautyofnatureand

    gardening at a young age.

    Respect the Garden as a Special Place

    TheGardenisaspecialgreenspaceintheCity.Ithasbothconservaonzonesandbeaufuldisplaygardens,many

    ofwhichareWorld-class.TheMasterPlanfacilitatesagreaterawarenessandappreciaonofthiswonderfulresource.ProvidingthisinformaonintheentryareasandthroughouttheGardenwillhelpassurethatvisitors

    understandthepurposeoftheGarden.ItisaspecialGardenareaandnotjustanothercommunityrecreaonal

    area.

    Uniquely Fort Worth and North Texas

    TheFortWorthBotanicGardenisuniquelyFortWorth.Thenaturalandimprovedareasobligateustorespect

    andrestorethisbeaufulandhistoricallyimportantenvironment.Thestreams,wetlands,andwoodlandsare

    proposedfor restoraon.Displayandornamentalgardenswillbe preservedandenhanced toprovideFort

    Worth residents an opportunity to experience all types of garden areas not otherwise publicly available in the

    FortWortharea.TheMasterPlanrespectsthesengandcontextoftheGarden,therebyassuringthatthe

    GardenisuniquetoFortWorthandrepresentsthespiritofFortWorthresidents.

    Background & Context

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    13Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010

    The master planning process and the

    resulng Master Plan are designed

    toaainseveralkeygoalsinthenext

    ten years, and will set a framework formany future decades. A Master Plan

    is imperaveat this me because of

    themanygreatopportuniesthatwill

    arise for the Garden in the next few

    years.Alongwiththeseopportunies

    will come some challenges to assure

    the Garden can connue its mission

    of environmental stewardship and

    remain a green sanctuary in the middle

    ofone of thefastest-growing cies in

    the United States.

    The Garden is part of a renowned

    Cultural District in the center of the

    city. This Cultural District is unique

    in that it includes great western

    heritage events side by side with

    internaonally disncve museums

    and science centers. In recent years,

    great improvements have been

    completed in the Cultural District.

    Several other improvements are now

    underconstruconorproposedforthe

    near future.

    Many of these proposed improvements

    will take place on parcels adjacent

    to the Garden, especially just west

    oftheGarden. Thiscanbe aposive

    cooperave eort, i f al l of these

    enesconnuetoworktogether.The

    reconstruconofmajorulies,streets

    andstormwater qualitymanagement

    systems should respect the Garden

    environment.

    Key Goals of the Master Plan

    Background & Context

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    14Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010

    Background & Context

    Key Goals for the Master Planning Process include the following:

    Develop a consensus vision about the future of the Garden. The vision includes

    ideasandinputfromthemulplegroupsandresidentsofFortWorththathave

    been stewards and builders of the Garden for so many years. The next step

    is to recommend the Master Plan be adopted as part of the Comprehensive Plan forFortWorthandtheCulturalDistrict.Keyparcipantsincludethefollowing:

    o CityofFortWorth(ParkBoard,Sta,andCityCouncilRepresentaves

    from the area)

    o Fort Worth Garden Club

    o Fort Worth Botanical Society

    o BotanicalResearchInstuteofTexas(newBRITcampussoontobeunder

    construconandisincorporatedintotheMasterPlan)

    o Residents of Fort Worth

    o Otherstakeholders,suchasadjoininglandowners

    Developanimplementaonplanandphasingplantohelpguidetheimplementaon

    process.

    Develop a Master Plan that complements and works within the broaderredevelopment of the Cultural District and central Trinity River Greenbelt area.

    Ensurethistremendousassetwillconnuetobeimprovedforfuturegeneraonsof

    FortWorthresidentstoenjoyandrespect.

    ConnuetheverysuccessfulcollaboraonoftheFutureoftheGardenCommiee

    stakeholdersintheformofanongoingorganizaonthatcanhelpassurethe

    implementaonoftheBotanicGardenMasterPlanandthelong-termsuccessofthe

    Garden.

    DevelopaMasterPlanthatensurestheGardencanconnuetoaainitsmissionof

    environmentalstewardshipandeducaon.

    Rose Garden

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    1Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010

    Planning Process

    TheFutureoftheGardenCommieewasformedtorepresentallofthepast,currentandfuture

    Gardenstakeholders.Thisgroupincludestheorganizaonsreferencedearlier,otheracknowledged

    communityleaders,adjoiningneighborhoods,andtheCulturalDistrict.TheCommieehadhearings

    in all key phases of the Garden Master Plan process.

    Therstphasesincludedpreparaonof inialsite analyzes,documentaonof conceptual ideas

    andobservaons,alternaveconceptstudies,addionalresearchandstudyofcomparablegardens

    around the country, and how these gardens had successfully solved and implemented similar

    improvements.PlanningchareesandworkshopswereheldwiththeCityandBotanicGardensta,

    theCommiee,andotherstakeholders.

    TheCommieethenreviewedarangeofalternaveconceptplansandapprovedapreferredconcept

    plan.

    Theconsultantteamthenbeganaseriesofrenements,factchecking,feasibilitytesng,coordinaon

    withvariousengineeringstudies,detailedsitestudies,andotheressenalsthatresultedinarenedpreferredconceptplanforreviewandapproval.Inthisphaseofwork,community-widemeengs

    wereheldtoreceiveresidentandneighborhoodreviewandinput.Meengswereheldwithocials

    toassurecompabilitywithrelatedareaimprovementsincludingdrainage,ulity,environmental,

    and access studies.

    Also,theconceptofnominangahistoricporonoftheGardenfortheNaonalRegisterofHistoric

    PlaceswassuggestedbymembersoftheCommiee.Asnotedbelow,thisprocesswassuccessful

    andnowthoseporonsoftheGardenareontheNaonalRegister.

    ThentheconceptplanwasrenedtothecurrentBotanicGardenMasterPlanaspresentedinthis

    document.Thedocumentincludesgeneralandspecicrecommendaonsaboutimplementaon.

    Of special note in this process is the broad extent of stakeholder and community involvement. The

    excellentinputoftheBotanicGardenstainallphasesoftheprocesswasveryvaluable.

    Meeng with Garden Sta

    Public Meeng

    Henry Painter and Councilman Carter Burdee addressing theaudience at a Public Meeng

    Background & Context

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    16Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010

    Background & Context

    The Beginning of a Park and a Greenbelt System

    Rock Springs Park on the Trinity

    1912 - A community with a vision saved a unique green space for Fort Worth residents

    Now A Part of the Naonal Register of Historic Places

    In1912theCityofFortWorthacquiredasmallparknamedRockSpringsPark.Thedecisionwasmadeto

    locatetheFortWortharboretuminthenewly-acquiredpark.Theparkwasnamedforaseriesofsmallsprings

    thatowedthroughtheareasurroundedbyavastamountofnavevegetaon.Thetractofparklandwas

    located west of the Clear Fork of the Trinity River and was comprised of approximately 37.5 acres.

    TherstworkinRockSpringsParkbeganin1929andwascompletedin1931.In1930,HareandHareproduced

    acomprehensiveplanfortheenredevelopmentofRockSpringsParkthatincludedaformalrosegardenand

    alongvistathroughanaturalgroveoftrees,connecngitwithTrinityParktotheeast.Thenaldesignofthe

    RoseGardenwascompletedbyJuneof1933.TheTarrantCountyRoseSocietywasveryacveintheinial

    conceponandconstruconphasesoftheRoseGarden.

    BythemetheRoseGardenwascompleted,approximately750menhadworkedonthegarden.Inaddion

    totherosegardenandthevista,otherworkincludedcungamileofnaturetrailsthroughthetreesoneither

    sideofthevista.Full-scaleplanngoftheRoseGardenbeganinApril1934.

    InDecemberof1934,theBoardofParkCommissionersvotedtochangethenameRockSpringstotheFort

    WorthBotanicGarden.TheBotanicGardenconnuedtogrowwithnewfeaturesandlaterexpandedwith

    theaddionofmoreacreage.Someoftheearlyprojectswerealsocompletedthroughtheuseoffederalrelief

    funds.ThroughtheCivilWorksAdministraon(CWA),thepredecessoroftheWorksProgressAdministraon

    (WPA),$5,000wasprovidedforthepurchaseofmaterialsandtheconstruconofaHorcultureBuilding.

    TheHorcultureBuildingbecameavitalpartof theBotanicGardensmissiontoeducatethepublicabout

    plants and their environment. The same day the Park Board voted to adopt the name Fort Worth Botanic

    Garden,italsovotedtoallowtheFortWorthGardenClubtomaintainaGardenCenterwithintheHorculture

    Buildingforthepublicsbenet,therstofitskindinTexas.TheGardenCenterociallyopenedinJuneof

    1935.SeveraladdionshavebeenmadetotheGardensincethenincludingthefollowing:theCactusGarden,

    Greenhouses and Fragrance Garden, Japanese Garden, Fuller Garden, Perennial Garden, Trial Garden, Four

    SeasonsGarden,TexasNaveForestBoardwalk,theConservatory,WaterConservaonGarden,andtheWater

    Wise Entrance.

    In2007theFutureoftheGardenCommieecomposedofmembersfromtheFortWorthGardenClub,Fort

    WorthBotanicalSociety,theBotanicResearchInstuteofTexasandvariousotherinterestedgroups,came

    togethertonominatetheGardenfortheNaonalRegisterofHistoricPlaces.Historic Rock Springs

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    1Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010

    Background & Context

    Historic Aerial Photograph Garden Under Construcon, 1930s

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    18Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010

    Background & Context

    Naonal Register of Historic Places

    Paraphrased from Fort Worth Botanic Garden: Statement of Signicance

    In2008,theFutureoftheGardenstakeholderssupportedtheprocessofnominangthe

    FortWorthBotanicGardenfortheNaonalRegisterofHistoricPlaces.TheFortWorth

    BotanicGardenwaslistedontheNaonalRegisterofHistoricPlacesonJanuary29,2009,bytheNaonalParkService.

    ThenominatedporonoftheFortWorthBotanicGardenencompassesthehistoriccore

    ofamuchlargergarden.ItislocatedinwestFortWorth,Texas,justnorthofInterstate30

    and west of University Drive. The nominated resources are limited to those in the original

    Rock Springs Park area of the Garden primarily developed between 1929 and 1935, as

    wellasaporonofanadjacentareadevelopedintheearly1950s.Alsoincludedisthe

    small stone shelter that originally served as the terminus of the East Vista but was severed

    from the Garden by the realignment of University Drive in the 1950s, thereby making the

    nominateddistrictdisconnuous.

    The nominated district encompasses approximately 33 acres containing the MunicipalRoseGardenand adjacentvistas, aswell asthe trails andwatergardensofthe Rock

    Springs area, the former Cactus Garden, the Garden Center Area and the Horseshoe. All of

    theseareasweredesignedand/ordevelopedunderthedireconofthenotedlandscape

    architecturermofHareandHareofKansasCity,Missouri.Amajorcomponentofthe

    Fort Worth Botanic Garden is the formal Municipal Rose Garden. Designed in the Italian

    Renaissance style and constructed in 1933, it is composed of a stone shelter and overlook

    above the rose ramp with terraces and a water cascade, parterres and a large pond. On a

    north axis perpendicular to the parterres is a Colonnade and Oval Rose Garden. Beyond

    thepondisavistaconstructedthroughanavestandoftrees.SouthoftheMunicipal

    Rose Garden is the informal water gardens and trails to the Rock Springs area.

    SpecialthankstoSusanKlineforherhelpthroughoutthenominaonprocess.

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    19Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010

    Historic Botanic Garden Photographs

    Background & Context

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    20Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010

    Background & Context

    A Beauful Green Space in the Central City and Cultural District

    The110-acreGardenenjoysaconvenientsengaccessible

    toall residents andtourists ofthe city. Exisngand future

    publictransportaonsystemswillservetheGardenwell.The

    addionof theproposedMontgomeryStreetentrancewill

    helpavoid vehicular andparking congesonon University

    Drive. Residents of Fort Worth think of the Garden as being

    everybodys Garden because of its easy accessibility from

    alldirecons.TheearlyleadersofFortWorthhadtheinsight

    torealizetheimportanceofpreservingthisbeaufulgreen

    space. Through the years new leaders have been successful

    in expanding the Garden in strategic ways.

    The adjacency to the Cultural District museums, the Will

    Rogers Complex, numerous theaters, and the Fort Worth

    CommunityArtsCenterdisnguishestheFortWorthBotanic

    Garden from any other garden in the country.

    The approximate 180-acre Trinity Park is located to the

    immediate east along with the Trinity River Greenbelt. This

    will help assure the Garden will always have a beauful

    seng.DrivingalongUniversityDriveisagreenescapealong

    an otherwise mostly urban arterial of the city. Just one mile to

    the south is Forest Park and the Fort Worth Zoo, also located

    ontheTrinityRivercorridorandservingtheenrecity.

    In thelast fewyears,manymixed-use projectshavebeen

    developed along the 7th Street, Lancaster Street, and

    University Drive corridors. These projects will provide

    sustainable mixed-use developments with numerous

    restaurants, retail locaons, mulple hotel rooms and

    residenal homes. These developments will add a large

    amountofnewtaxbasetothecityandhelparactanurban

    lifestyletoFortWorthwithahighqualityoflife.The300+

    acresofgardenandparksintheareaaremajorreasonsfor

    aracngthelargeprivatereinvestments.Itistheintentof

    this process to help assure that some of the new tax base will

    be used to support the future of the Garden Master Plan. In

    mostcasesthedevelopmentshavereplacedanquatedand

    decliningindustrialareasthatwerenotcompablewiththe

    greenbelt and Garden system.

    Garden Accessibility and Proximity

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    21Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010

    Background & Context

    Area Context Map

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    Key Strengths & Garden Districts

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    24Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010

    Key Strengths & Garden Districts

    Aer PhaseOne itwas clearto the Future of the Garden Commieeand the consultant team that the Garden

    hadnumerousstrengthsandafewchallengesthatwouldallneedtobeaddressedinthenalMasterPlan.These

    opportuniesareonlypossiblebecauseofthegreatleadershipprovidedbyGardenstakeholdersthroughtheyears.

    Major Strengths

    The Garden has many strengths upon which the Master

    Planproposestoexpand,asfollows:

    Central Locaon Everybodys Garden

    As explained above, the Garden is located in an

    internaonally-renowned Cultural District, and it is

    centrally located in the city. It is well served by public

    transportaon, which is proposed to be enhanced

    over the next several years. It is also located on an

    extensive, 90-mile Greenbelt System in Fort Worth and

    Tarrant County. This is an advantage for all residents and

    disnguishestheGardenfromanyothermajorbotanic

    garden in the country. This close proximity of so many

    cultural opportunies is also unprecedented in the

    United States.

    Size, Diversity and History of the Garden

    The 110-acre Garden has a wonderful diversity of woodlands, formal gardens,

    streams,lagoons,wetlands,openmeadows,vistas,andinteresngtopography.

    TheConservatoryandgreenhousesopento thepublicoeropportunies

    toseetropicalplantsfromaroundtheworld andplantpropagaonareas,

    respecvely,nototherwiseavailabletomostFortWorthresidents.

    The plant species are numerous with some trees being over 200 years old.

    Thereisacomfortableandextensivemixtureofnaveplantsandadapve

    plantsthroughouttheGarden.TherecentlisngontheNaonalRegisterof

    HistoricPlaces(forthehistoricporonoftheGarden)recognizestheearly

    work of community leaders to establish a diverse garden for the community.

    Please see page 18 for more details.

    The highly-respected Japanese Garden was placed within what was once a rock

    quarryandnowisanenormousarrayofplants.Theseplantsareprotected

    by being within the bowl of the Garden, which helps with their survival in

    extremetemperaturesoenexperiencedinnorthcentralTexas.

    The Streams, Lagoon Areas, and Wetland

    Areas

    The Garden was originally founded on the Rock Springs.

    Now the Garden provides a series of streams and water

    features. Some good examples of where water features

    have been greatly enhanced include the Japanese Garden,

    withitsseriesofbeaufulpondsandtheFullerGarden.

    Key Strengths

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    2Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010

    Meengs, Educaon & Special Event

    Spaces

    The Moncrief Garden Center, the Leonhardt

    LectureHall,andtheRockSpringsCenteroer

    opportunies for educaon, community-

    wide meengs, and many other types of

    meengsand acvies.Thesefaciliesare

    widely used by groups from all over the

    region. Weddings and many other types of

    celebraonsareheldthroughouttheGarden

    invariousbeaufullocaons.Forexample,

    theannualConcertsintheGardenaracts

    tens of thousands of visitors during June

    and early July. Other popular special events

    include plant sales, the Japanese Garden

    fesval,etc.

    Botanical Research Instute of Texas (BRIT)

    TheBotanicalResearchInstuteofTexas(BRIT)willbecomea

    major newaraconin theGarden.Tobe locatednortheast

    of the current Garden Center, it will complement the Garden

    CenterbyaddingaddionalparkingandextendingtheGarden

    north to Harley Avenue. BRIT has partnered with the Garden

    formanyyearsineducaonalandlectureseries.BRITwillbringimportant science, research, and educaonal programs that

    complementthealreadygoodprogramsoeredbytheGarden.

    BRIT has worked closely with the Garden throughout the Garden

    master planning process.

    TheaddionofBRITputstheGardenonparwithotherGardens

    inthe countrythatoerthesetypesofcollecons,research,

    andeducaon.BRITwillalsobringinvisitorsandprofessionals

    from around the world that may not have otherwise visited the

    Garden.

    Very Qualied and Dedicated Botanic Garden Sta

    Theconsulngteamwasextremelyimpressedandthankfulforthededicaonand

    knowledgeoftheGardensta.Thestahasbeenintegrallyinvolvedinallphases

    of the planning process. Their knowledge and ideas have been instrumental in the

    MasterPlanrecommendaons.Theyworkrelesslyinallseasonsoftheyearandfor

    365 days a year.

    Future of the Garden Commiee

    Thecommiee,whichincludesallofthestakeholdersmenonedabove,hasworked

    closely together and developed a strong consensus in support of the Master Plan and

    insupportofndingimplementaonstrategiesinthenearfuture.Someformofthis

    commieemuststaytogetherandguidetheimplementaon.

    Fort Worth City Leadership in Support of the Garden

    RepresentavesoftheCityCouncil,ParksandCommunityServicesAdvisoryBoard,

    andotherCitystahavebeenverysupporveof theplanningprocessandseem

    stronglycommiedtowardsndingwaystoimplementtheplan.

    Key Strengths & Garden Districts

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    26Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010

    Key Strengths & Garden Districts

    Garden Districts

    The Future of the Garden

    Commiee idened several

    garden districts. Each district

    hasadisncvecharacterand

    purpose in the recommended

    Master Plan.

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    2Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010

    Key Strengths & Garden Districts

    The Garden Core Area

    The central core is the heart of the Garden in terms

    ofvisitoraracons. Itis comprised ofa loosely

    connected series of gardens and spaces. The

    Japanese Garden and the Historic Rose Garden are

    two outstanding displays and the most frequent

    visitordesnaons.TheJapaneseGardenisoneof

    the best in the country, and the Horseshoe Garden

    and the Rose Garden were recently put on the

    NaonalRegisterofHistoricPlaces.Thecentralcore

    presently suers from inappropriate uses such as

    the current Maintenance Center (which occupies a

    cricalconnecngspacebetweentheFullerGardenand the Japanese Garden). Current anchors of the

    GardenCoreincludethefollowing:

    Japanese Garden

    Historic Rose Garden

    Great Meadow

    Horseshoe Area

    Perennial Garden

    East Vista

    The Trinity River Woodland Area

    ToaainthefullpotenaloftheGarden,theMasterPlan

    shouldnowaddressthisremnantfeature,reinvenngthis

    large natural area as an important garden exhibit. The

    Trinity River Woodlands are a band of oodplain forest

    lands that parallels University Drive and curves up along

    I-30. These woodlands are pleasant, but are nonetheless

    highly disturbed. They will require extensive ecological

    restoraon to heighten and dramaze themas natural

    gardens. Currently under ulized features that could

    provideopportuniesfor newdisplays andinterpretaon

    andnewdesnaonsforGardenvisitorsareasfollows:

    Rock Springs and its associated stream and ponds

    The Trinity oodplain forest with several streams

    and lagoons

    The Garden Campus Area

    With the Moncrief Garden Center, the Garden developed the northern end

    of the Garden as a campus dedicated to learning. This learning campus

    supportstheGardensmissionbothinFortWorthandacrossinternaonal

    borders.TheaddionofBRITwillstrengthenthislearningcampusandwill

    reinforcethedierentprogramsandcharacterofthiszoneoftheGarden.

    TheGardenCampusincludesthefollowing:

    Moncrief Garden Center

    Fuller Garden

    Texas Garden Club Headquarters

    Proposed Botanical Research Instute of Texas

    Botanical Conservatory

    Proposed Garden Zones with Proposed Improvements

    TheproposedneworganizaonoftheBotanicGardenMasterPlanincludes

    two new zones. The zones are more fully explained in the Master Plan

    seconstarngonpage32.

    Montgomery Street Entrance Area

    Operaons and Maintenance Area

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    The Master Plan

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    31Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010

    The Master Plan

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    32Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010

    The Master Plan

    Develop Pedestrian Entryways Where to Start and Learn about

    the Garden Experience

    Currently there are no clear gateways or entrances for pedestrian visitors to

    begin the Garden visit. There are vehicular entries, but no clear gateways for

    pedestrian visitors to park and then begin a pedestrian-scale experience of theGarden.Thereisnotanobviousplacetoobtainorientaonandeducaonabout

    theenreGarden.TheGardenCenterfrontdesktriestoperformthisfuncon,

    butitisnotdesignedtofulllthatroleunlesspeoplejusthappentowalkinand

    inquire.

    The current pedestrian system leading to the various features is fragmented and

    disruptedbyvehicularroadways.Consequently,manyvisitorsjustdriveintoand

    through the Garden. While this experience is convenient to visitors with a single

    desnaonorpurpose,itisnotconducivetovisitorswishingtovisitallormost

    oftheGardenwithoutworryingabouttrac,noise,andsafety.

    Organize the Experience of the Garden

    The Garden has many wonderful garden spaces and special features. However, it is not always clear how to traverse

    fromonefeaturetotheother.Walkwaysystemsareoendisconnuousandthesignandinformaonsystemlacks

    coordinaon.TheGardenCenterprovidesaninformaondesk,butitissomewhatremotefromcertainGarden

    features to the south such as Rock Springs, the Japanese Garden, and the historic Rose Garden areas.

    The Garden is traversed by public roadways (Rock Springs Road and Old Garden Road). These roadways date back

    tomeswhentheGardenwascompletelysouthoftheOldGardenRoadentrance.Nowtheseroadsbisectthe

    Garden and create barriers and safety issues for pedestrian movement, especially now with the development of

    theTexasNaveBoardwalkandFullerGarden.

    AlmostallnotablebotanicgardensinAmericaandelsewheredonotallowpublictractoowthroughtheir

    gardens. This design aspect is in place because cars tend to disrupt the solitude, beauty, and safe movement of

    pedestrians and wildlife. Notable examples of gardens that have recognized this need to restrict cars include the

    New York Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the Arboretum in Dallas, Missouri Botanic Garden, Denver

    Botanic Garden, Atlanta Botanic Garden, Chicago Botanic Garden, and the Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia.

    There are many other examples.

    Planning Principles & Issues A BASIS FOR A PLANNING PROGRAM

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    33Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010

    Improve and Coordinate the Sign

    and Informaon Systems

    The sign and informaon systems in the

    Gardenneedconsistencyandcoordinaon

    with Garden maps and pedestrian sidewalks.

    The enre experience of the Garden

    beginning with vehicular and pedestrian

    gateways needs to be improved.

    TheaddionoftheLoopPathsystemand

    the improved visitor entry areas will greatlyhelp with guiding visitors to and through

    the Garden.

    It is also noted that some people may

    needor desirespecialassistanceto enjoy

    the Garden. Provisions in the form of a

    people mover should be considered to

    accommodatethis.Thisfeatureisamajor

    component of many other successful

    gardens in America and Europe.

    Remove Public Streets and Minimize

    Trac from the Middle of the Garden

    Rock Springs Road and Old Garden Road

    connueto traversethe Gardenwith various

    formsofpublictrac.Thestreetsdatebackto

    meswhentheGardenwasmuchsmaller(the

    original Rock Springs area) and the roads only

    providedaccessbytheGardenatthatmeand

    did not traverse the middle of the Garden. Now

    the Garden includes many signicant areas

    outside of this originally limited boundary.These public roads are no longer appropriate

    withtheexpandedGarden.Also,nosignicant

    urbanbotanicgardeninAmericaconnuesto

    allowthistypeofcondion.

    It is recognized that service and special event

    access corridors will need to remain for varying

    sizes of vehicles, but only for approved Botanic

    Garden service or events.

    Respect the Garden as a Special and Unique Place

    The Botanic Garden is a specialized place where plants and environments of all seasons and

    horculturaldisplaysdeservecarefulrespectfromvisitors.Respeculindividual,group,andfamily

    acvies,suchaspicnicsintheshade,weddings,educaonalprograms,photography,naturestudy,

    birdwatching,andotheracviesarestronglyencouragedintheGarden--justnotacviesthat

    trampleordisrespecttheGarden.It isnotaplacetoplayacvesports,drivecars,oranyother

    acviesnotorientedto admiring,studying,contemplang,andlearningaboutthebeautyand

    importance of the environment.

    The Garden is not a neighborhood or community park. Fortunately, Fort Worth does have great

    community parks in the immediate area Forest Park, Trinity Park, and the Trinity River Greenbelt

    system.

    The Master Plan

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    34Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010

    Focus on the WaterSprings, Streams, Lagoons, and

    Wetlands

    The Gardens original beginnings were with the Rock Springs. Since that

    me,theGardenhasbeenexpandedtoincludeotherstreams,restoraon

    ofponds inthe JapaneseGarden,the streamsthatow from thewest,

    Fuller Garden streams, and the lagoons and wetland areas in the Trinity

    River Woodlands area. The consultant team strongly believes these water

    features should be accentuated and restored as a focal point of the Garden.

    There are both natural and cultural water features that can connect and

    helpbringmoreconnuitytotheGarden.

    Itisawellknownfactthatpeoplearearactedtowaterandvariouswater

    features. The Garden oers an excellent opportunity for providing the

    aesthec,educaonal,andenvironmentalrestoraonofthewaterfeatures.

    MaintainingthewaterqualitythatowsintotheGardenandwithinthe

    Garden is a crical imperave ofthis plan.These water owsoccur

    primarily from the west areas.

    Recognize and Cooperate Within

    the Context of the Garden

    The wonderful context of the Garden

    has been well summarized above. The

    Master Plan must respect and respond to

    thisframework.Entryways,water quality

    issues, buering, parking, trac ows to

    theGarden,andconneconstotheseother

    notable facilies are safeguarded in the

    Master Plan.

    Celebrate and Connect the Diversity of Landscapes in

    the Garden and the New Opportunies

    Aspreviouslymenoned,theFortWorthBotanicGardenisfortunate

    tohaveamixtureofformalgardens,restoraonofthequarry(now

    the renowned Japanese Garden), natural streams and waterways, the

    woodlands (including the boardwalk), and the meadows.

    Nowwith BRITs relocaon theGardenoersevenmore science,

    research,andeducaonalopportunies.

    ThecombinaonofthesefeaturesmeanstheGardencanenjoyamuchimprovedfutureintermsofaainingthemissionof

    Enriching peoples lives through environmental stewardship and

    educaon.

    The Master Plan

    Planning Principles & Issues A BASIS FOR A PLANNING PROGRAM

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    3Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010

    The Master Plan

    Garden Gateways & EntriesTwomajorgatewaysorentriesarerecommendedintheMasterPlanTheCampusAreaGateway

    located to the northeast, and the Montgomery Street Gateway located to the southwest. Both of

    thesegatewaysarelocatedonmajorarterialstreetswithonandorampsfromInterstate30.

    The Campus Area Gateway

    The Campus Area Gateway will be at the Garden Center. This area already serves as an arrival point

    for many visitors and certainly for those coming to events in the Garden Center, Conservatory, and

    Fuller Garden area. The gateway has a drive access from Harley Street and University Drive. The

    addionof theBotanicalResearchInstuteofTexas(BRIT)willaddawholenewdimensionto

    thisgatewayandwillaractincreasedvisitaonfromanevenmorediversesetofthescienc

    community and the growing cultural / ecosystem interests.

    BRITandtheGardencurrentlydomanycooperaveeducaonalandlectureprograms.TheGateway

    Campuswilladdtremendouslytothisopportunityforcooperaveprograms.BRITcanulizethe

    Gardenlocaontosupportvariouseld-orientededucaonalprograms.Thewoodlands,wetlands,

    Texas Nave Boardwalk and Rock Springs area can especially complement BRIT educaonal

    programs.GardenstaandBRITcanworktogethertocarryoutconnuedrestoraonoftheseareas to represent natural sustainable environments for plants and wildlife. The BRIT facility will

    eecvelyextendtheGardenboundarytoHarleyStreet.Combined,the Garden Center and BRIT

    areawillhavealmost400parkingspaces.Thisparkingwillbesharedandthejointulizaon

    willbeverybenecialbecauseoenthepeakvisitaonintheGardenisdierentthanthe peak

    meulizaonofBRIT.TheGardenexperienceshighvisitaonduringweekendsandholidaysand

    BRITexpectsmorevisitaonsduringtheweekdayandsomemeseveningevents.Itisproposed

    thateventuallytheenreparkingareawillbedesignedtobeenvironmentallysoundwithstrongemphasisonlandscapingandwaterrun-omanagement.

    TheGardenCenteralreadyoperatesarecepondeskandsmallinformaoncenteratthemain

    entry. This facility currently is focused on helping to direct people to the Garden Center. This

    featurecouldbeimprovedandslightlyexpandedtoincludeimprovedinformaonandexhibits

    relatedtotheenreGarden.

    InaddiontotheGardenCenterandBRIT,theCampusAreaGatewaywilloerexcellentaccess

    totheConservatory,FullerGarden,theForestBoardwalk,thenorthernporonsoftheTrinity

    Woodlands, the Texas Garden Club, the proposed Childrens Garden, and the proposed Garden

    LoopPath.BRITwillalsohaveaninformaondeskthatcanhelpdirectvisitorstotheGarden

    circulaonsystem.

    BoththeGardenCenterandtheproposedBRITcampuswillincluderestroomfacilies,drinking

    fountainsandrelatedameniesforvisitors.

    Approach to the Garden Center from University Drive Proposed BRIT Campus - The BRIT campus site and building are designed to incorporate the

    highest level of environmental sustainability.

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    3Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010

    The Master Plan

    When the new gi shop is completed, the current gi

    shop in the Japanese Garden can be easily converted to an

    event space that will increase revenue to the Garden. This

    building has a beauful seng with fantasc views of the

    Japanese Garden to the north.

    The new Montgomery Street entry will include several

    addional spaces for special events and a larger gi shop

    for the whole Garden.

    North Carolina Arboretum Gi Shop Example of group staging area proposed near the

    Montgomery Street Entry

    Main Pedestrian Entrance to the Dallas Arboretum

    surfacesthrough aracvewater features.The cornergatewaylandscape

    mustbecomeaGardenwelcomemattothecityofFortWorth,acngas

    both a symbol of the Gardens green mission and a site for increased public

    events.

    The proposed parking design is divided into smaller rooms of vehicles that

    areshadedby navecanopytrees,witheachroomcapableofmanaging

    its own storm water with vegetated swales and small rain gardens. The

    parkingshouldbewelllightedwitharacve,fullcut-oxturesthatcanaccommodatedayandnightmeuseduringspecialeventsandWillRogers

    Complexevents.TheparkinglotlighngmayalsotakeadvantageofFort

    Worthssunnyweatherbyincorporangsolar-poweredsystems.

    Thisgatewayisproposedtoincludeanentry/visitorscenter,gishop,and

    arestaurantfacility.Thisentryareawouldalsoincludesupportfacilies,such

    asrestrooms,drinkingfountains,andconcessionsforvisitors.Adrop-oarea

    is proposed for school groups, other visitor groups, and ramps for disabled

    visitors.

    Thisdrop-oareacanfunconforvaletparkingandshouldincludeseang,

    shade,andrainprotectedareasforpeoplewaingontransportaon.The

    drop-oareashouldaccommodatethreetovebuses,whilenotdisrupngothertracmovement.Busesshouldnotparkinthis area,but parkin a

    designated remote area in the parking lot.

    The gateway could include provisions for a more permanent area for a plant

    salemarketareaassociatedwiththegishop.TheadjoiningGardenGrove

    wouldconnuetoaccommodatethespecial,largerplantsalesduringthe

    year. These plant sales have proven to be extremely popular, and they help

    provideplantandhomelandscapeeducaon.Therestaurant,gishop,and

    plantsaleareaswilloeraddionalsourcesofrevenuethatcanbeopenall

    year and at night, when the Garden might otherwise be closed.

    Withthenewexpanded gishop,the JapaneseGardengi shopcanbe

    convertedto arentalfacilityforweddings,meengs,and otherevents.Itisbeaufully suited tothat purposewith very lile renovaon required,

    and would create a new source of revenue. All of these venues are in close

    proximity to Montgomery Street and can create more sales, including sales

    fromthethousandsofvisitorstotheWillRogers/CulturalDistrictfacilies.

    LocangtherestaurantwithintheMontgomeryStreetGatewayexperience

    allows the restaurant to draw upon an audience beyond the Garden visitor

    whilemaintainingtheuniquegardenseng.Newdiningoponsprovidean

    importantfunconwithintheGardenbyallowingvisitorstorelax,refresh

    and refuel themselves before extending their visit and by providing the

    Gardenwithanaddionalmeanstodeliveritsmissionandmessage.This

    experiencewillencouragegueststovisittheenreGardeneitherthesame

    day or in repeat visits.

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    38Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010

    The Garden Grove area should also

    include a group picnic area, which is

    oen an importantaspect forvising

    schools and other groups who bring or

    buy their lunch. The restaurant facility

    could oer picnic baskets or quick

    snacks. The picnic area would also be

    designed to support the plant sale and

    other special events in this area. The

    connuity of the water should ow

    through this area along the natural

    drainage swale.This would essenally

    be a beginning of the Garden waterway

    system,whichthenowsthroughmany

    other Garden features. The system can

    becreated with a series ofretenon

    pondsandwouldprovideameniesfor

    therestaurantandentryareafacilies.

    Theretenonpondswouldalsoprovide

    anenvironmentalqualityfuncon.

    For rough planning purposes, the

    restaurant is shown to be about 5,000

    squarefeetofindoorspace.Inaddion,

    there would be ample outdoor pao

    seangfordailyandspecialeventuses

    that would overlook the water feature

    and the Garden Grove. The visitors

    entrance,exhibit,restrooms,gishop,

    andrelatedamenieswouldbeabout

    4,000 to6,000squarefeet,subjectto

    future programming. Variables would

    bewhethertoprovideforsmallmeeng

    areas or garden orientaon theaters,and the size of gallery / exhibit spaces.

    Thefacilies canalso bephased over

    me. The concept plan shows them

    being treated as about three or four

    podsofbuildings,allowingforecient

    andnon-disrupvephasing.

    The Master Plan

    Callaway Gardens, Georgia

    Parking drainage swale - The parking areas for

    the Montgomery Street area should incorporate

    landscaping combined with runo management

    designs that naturally lter the storm waters. It is

    important for the Botanic Garden to set the example

    for sustainable landscapes.

    The Montgomery Street entry area is proposed to have a restaurant that can overlook the

    Garden Grove and proposed pond system. This restaurant can be open day, night and year

    round because it will be convenient to Montgomery Street and the Cultural District area. It can

    be outside of the Garden perimeter that must be closed and secure at night.

    Morris Arboretum - Example of using a pervious surface

    to manage runo in a parking lot.

    Allofthecomparablegardensstudiedinthisplanningprocessincludedkeyidenableentryandvisitorcenterareassimilartothesuggesons

    listed above. The Chicago Botanic Garden, New York Botanic Garden, Dallas Arboretum, and Denver Botanic Garden have recently expanded,

    built new, or proposed to build such gateways as described above.

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    39Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010

    The Master Plan

    Educaon in the Garden

    TheproposedMasterPlanandfutureimprovementsaresubstanallyconceivedtocarryout

    the mission of the Garden --Enriching peoples lives through environmental stewardship and

    educaon.ThewonderfuladvantageoftheGardenisthatpeopleofallageslearnabout

    environmentalstewardshipwhilehavingan enjoyable experienceduringall seasons.The

    educaonalcomponenttakesplaceinavarietyofwaysandforums.

    Key Recommendaons of the Master Plan Related to Educaon in the Garden are as follows:

    The Loop Path connects from the Montgomery Street Gateway and the Garden CampusareatoallofthemajorGardenfeatures.ThePathprovidesaccessibility forall populaons,youngandold,andthosethatmighthavespecialneeds

    for access.

    TheSignandInformaonSystemstresseson-siteinterpretaonandself-interpretaonof many of the Gardens features. In this manner, people experience le arning, fun, andrelated family or group experiences in the same visit.

    Theproposedentryexhibitsprovidevitalinformaonabouthowtoenjoyandlearn fromthemanyfacetsoftheGarden,focusingoneducangvisitorsastheyenterthe Garden.Eachseasonoersnewlearningandfunexperiences.Itisimportanttoinform visitorsaboutthesereturnvisitopportunies.

    Learning about the importance of environmental stewardship is obviously crucialin todays environmental circumstances. The Garden should stress a family or

    othermembershipoponsthatprovideinformaonandfreeaccesstocertainexhibits foranaordableannualmembership.Suchmembershipsalsoprovidemely informaonaboutcurrentandupcomingexhibits.

    TheproposedChildrensGarden,alongwiththeTexasNaveForestBoardwalkand relatedprograms,willoerasignicantopportunityforyoungpeopletoexperience

    the Garden, have fun and use all of their senses to learn about the importance of openspace, nature, and the e nvironment.

    The purpose of the Garden Waterway System is to preserve and restore important springs,streams,andwetlandareasinordertofosterwaterqualityandtherelated

    plant and animal habitats. This will create an extremely valuable watereducaon,habitatandwaterqualityknowledgeforallresidentsinthecenterof

    the city.

    TheproposalforeliminaonoftracthroughtheGardenwillmaketheGardenmuchmore conducive and safe for children, families and other groups to traverse the Gardenfor a total learning experience.

    TheaddionofBRITaddsaneweducaonaldimension.BRITandtheGardenalready haveasuccessfulhistoryofcooperaon.WhenBRITbecomesintegraltotheGarden,it willgreatlyenhanceeducaoninanincreasedarrayofareas.

    School,family,andgroupdrop-oandstagingareasareamajorpartoftheMaster Plan.Provisionofarrival interpretaonandeducaonalmaterialscantake placeatbothofthemajorGardenEntryareas.Basicnecessiessuchasgroup

    picnic and staging areas, concessions, bus parking, and rest rooms are addressed in theMaster Plan.

    TheworkinggreenhousesaccessibleattheMontgomeryStreetentrancewilloer changingexhibitsandgivevisitorsachancetoseetheimportantpropagaon

    and nurturing of plants during the changing seasons. It will also give the very capable Gardenstaopportuniestointerfacewiththevisingpublic.

    Fort Worth Botanic Garden

    Fort Worth Botanic Garden Fort Worth Botanic Garden

    Fort Worth Botanic Garden - Pruning ClassesChicago Botanic Garden Library

    Callaway Gardens

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    40Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010

    The Master Plan

    Example of people-mover suitablefor loop path

    The Loop Path

    Circulaon System

    A major element for organizing the Garden

    experience is to phase in a clear loop pedestrian

    pathandcirculaonsystem.Thispathisplanned

    toconnectfromthe twomajorentrywaystoclose proximity to all areas of the Garden. The

    enreloopwould beabout1.15miles(6,000

    linearfeet). Itis plannedto besensive and

    noninvasivetoanyoftheexisngorproposed

    Garden areas including the Trinity Woodlands

    and Rock Springs areas. It will serve to organize

    substanally the experience of the Garden.

    About half of the loop path route follows the

    alignment of what are now public roadways.

    This path will provide low impact access to some

    areas not currently accessible or even known by

    most visitors to the Garden such as Rock Springsand the Trinity Woodland zone. It also provides

    convenient and safe access to exisng and

    proposed secondary walkway systems. It is not

    necessary for visitors to traverse the whole loop

    in any one visit, but it will provide convenient

    access to the features they wish to see in that

    visit. This path will be coordinated with the

    Gardenmapandallotherinternalinformaon

    signs and systems including interpretave

    signs.

    The loop path will also provide access for the

    mobility disabled and other special needs groupsthatnowhavenopraccalmeanstoexperience

    certain areas of the Garden such as the Trinity

    Woodlands. The loop path could accommodate

    a low-impact people-mover that would help

    visitors gain access around the Garden areas

    instead of using automobiles, buses, and other

    vehiclestraversingtheGarden.Thistechnique

    for providing access to successful gardens

    around the world is a well accepted process

    for notable gardens to provide the respite from

    the daily urban condions. It eliminates or

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    41Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010

    The Master Plan

    greatlyreducesnoise,trac,polluon,andsafetyissues.With

    todaystechnology,people-movervehiclesarequiet,usuallyrechargeableelectric,andnon-pollung.

    Thetwomajorentryareas,coupledwiththelooppath,will

    elevate the Garden eventually to a greener, more sustainable,

    enjoyableenvironment,whichisinkeepingwiththeGardens

    mission. It will also encourage more people to use public

    transportaontoaccesstheGarden.

    The loop path would be designed primarily for pedestrian

    circulaon,butlightpeople-moversystemsarealsopossible

    andencouragedat least some ofthe me. Asmallporon

    of the loop path crosses the east vista, and this should be as

    visuallyunobtrusive as possible. Porons of the loop pathwould bedesignedto accommodateocialBotanicGarden

    vehicles, service vehicles, special event access, and emergency

    vehicles.AccessforvarioussizesofBotanicGardenoperaons

    vehicles would be accessible to the system in safe and slow

    speed condions.Mostof themaintenance andoperaons

    work occurs during non-peak visitor hours of the Garden.

    Inareas requiringdelivery andservicevehicles, emergency

    vehicles, etc., the path may need to be about 18 feet wide with

    strengthenedpavement.Thepathwouldsllbedesignedin

    a manner to have pedestrian scale and texture. Service and

    emergency vehicles would be advised to t raverse at very slow

    and safe speeds.

    Fort Worth Botanic Garden - Example of Terary and Nature

    Study Paths

    Intricacy and variety must be created by planting. Walks must beled in various directions, and concealed from each other by thickets,and masses of shrubbery and trees, and occasionally rich masse sof foliage; not forgetting to heighten all, however, by an occasionalcontrast of broad, unbroken surface of lawn.

    - Andrew Jackson Downing

    Morris Arboretum, Philadelphia - Example of 18 Path - also

    designed for approved service and delivery vehicles

    Callaway Gardens - Example of Loop PathFort Worth Botanic Garden - Example of a Secondary

    In the Trinity Woodlands and around the Rock Springs area, the

    path should be about 12 feet wide. It would be designed for verylow impact on exisng trees, water features, and understory

    plants. It is proposed to provide environmentally sound access to

    these areas.

    Gardenrepresentavesshould connueto cooperate withthe

    CulturalDistrictrepresentaves,theCity,ParksandCommunity

    Services, and the Trinity River Vision planning work to help assure

    thatpedestrianconneconsareimprovedamongtheseadjoining

    areas. Thiscreatesexcingsynergy amongthe variousvenues

    and disnguishes the FortWorthCultural District from others

    in the country. This should include extending and improving a

    coordinated sign and informaon system intothese adjoining

    areas.

    Theproposedimprovementstoalltrail,roadandparkingfacilies

    willbephasedinamannertoreduceinconveniencetooperaons,

    visitors, and volunteers. The road and path systems will be

    managedbyGardenstatoassuresafeandimprovedaccess.

    Bicycle access to the Garden would be encouraged to arrive at the

    two main entries and would be provided ample and convenient

    bike parking areas.

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    42Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010

    The Master Plan

    Rock Springs & Trinity Woodlands

    Rock SpringsTheRockSpringsareawithitscascadingwaterfeaturesrepresentsasignicant

    reason why early city leaders designated the area as a park and then later

    a Botanic Garden. In the early 1930sthese springs owed reliably down

    theslopetotheClearForkoftheTrinityRiver.Thenaturalspringowsare

    notcurrentlyconstantastheywerein theearly 1930s, buttheyslloenhaveowsseepingfromthelimestonegeographyoftheareastothewest.

    Fortunately, with the close proximity of the Trinity River, untreated water is

    available to the Garden for keeping the Garden water features replenished. In

    addiontobeingbeaufulandeducaonal,thewaterfeatureshelpcreatea

    signicantdegreeofwatercleansingandnaturalrecycling.

    Rock Springs represents a wonderful example of the spring-fed streams that

    traversedtotheTrinityRiver,andusuallymeandereddowntheadjoiningblus

    andhillsborderingtheriver.RockSpringsissllmostlyintact,perhapsbeer

    than many others from that historic era. It is strongly recommended that

    RockSpringsbebroughtbackasamajoraraconwherevisitorscanlearn

    about the importance of springs, streams, watercourses, ponds, and lagoon

    areas in the history and future of the area and planet. It is also recommended

    thatthehistoricfeaturesberestoredandretained.Theareaisalsocricalto

    manytypesofwildlife,includingbirds,smallmammals,andaquacspecies.

    This area, along with the Trinity Woodland area, is a wonderful opportunity to

    display and help visitors learn about the great importance of ecosystems in the

    future of all life on earth.

    Rock Springs

    I-30

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    43Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010

    The Master PlanKey recommendaons for the Rock Springs area include the following:

    Restore Rock Springs to an accessible example of cascading streams and ponds

    that make a way to the lower Rose Garden pond and then to the Trinity River

    Woodlandlowlandsandthewetlandwatersystem.Theseowscanbecleansed

    and recycled into the Trinity River, as in decades before.

    Tothepraccalextentpossible,restoretheseriesofpondsandwatercourses

    to the character they had in the early 1900s. It is recognized that certain

    improvements to the character and environmental sustainability of these

    pondsandstreamswillhelpvisitorsenjoyandunderstandtheirsignicance.

    Destrucve,invasiveplantsshouldberemoved.Theseinvasiveplantsareplants

    that overtake or crowd out what should be a natural riparian stream area with

    navenorthTexasplants.It isrecognizedthattherearecertaintreesandshrubs

    thatareadapvetotheareawithoutbeinginvasivetotheintegrityofthenavespecies,

    such as magnolias and others. These species would have eventually made their way up

    tothenorthTexasregionasnaveadapvespecies.Invasivespeciesthatovertake

    andeventuallycrowdoutabalancedecosystemshouldberemovedinasystemacway

    in order to restore the integrity of the Rock Springs area.

    Some of the original walkways can simply be restored and then maintained.

    However,withincreasedvisitaon,someofthemainwalkwaysshouldprobably

    be widened slightly. For example, some of t he smaller walkways are only 2 feet

    wideandshouldbeslightlywidenedtoatleast3to4feetatthemethatthey

    are restored. Plant material along these walkways can be pruned back so

    that visitors are not worried about thorns, poison ivy, etc. This issue

    is important because of the family groups, school groups, and others

    thatwewishtoencouragetovisittheRockSpringsarea.Thisrestoraonconceptis

    similarinintenttothatoftheNaveTexasBoardwalkarea.

    Mostoftheoriginaloverlookareasandspringoulowareaswillalsoneed

    restoraonusingthesametypesofstonematerialsandsomestructural

    reinforcement.Theycouldbeexpandedtoaccommodatetheexpectedvisitaon.

    The4to5pondareasareexcellentopportuniesforenvironmentalrestoraon,

    wildlifehabitat,andeducaonalopportuniesforvisitorsandgroups.

    RockSpringsissuchauniquesengtoexperiencethisuniquewatershedand

    pondseng.Inoneortwooftheponds,it isrecommendedthatashort

    boardwalk or extended deck area be constructed for helping visitors and groups

    understandtheuniqueecosystemofpondandlagoonareas.Theintentisforthe

    visitortobeabletowalkacrossthepondareaandlookdownattheaquaclife.

    Not all of the Rock Springs area can be made accessible to wheelchairs because of the

    slope. By using the loop path system, which will be immediately to the south,

    therestoraonshouldallowformobility-impairedvisitorstovisitseverallevels

    of the Rock Springs area from the loop trail at two or three overlook areas.The Chicago Botanic Garden has incorporated water and wetlands throughout the Garden areas.

    It also has a focus on environmental educaon. Rock Springs is unique because over 80 years ago,

    Fort Worth leaders realized the potenal of water in the Garden.

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    44Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010

    The Master Plan

    The Trinity Woodlands

    Another extremely important goal of the Botanic Garden is to protect the Trinity

    Woodlands area. Thiszone of approximately 40 acres is a wonderfulopportunity

    topreserveandrestorenaveforestsandtherelatedwatercoursesforFortWorth

    residentsandvisitorstoexplorewithinthecenterofthecity.Withsomerestoraon

    work, this area can truly be an amazing retreat in the center of the city that is accessiblefor all residents and visitors without harming t he environment. It is important to have

    accessibleopportuniesforallresidentstounderstandandrespecttheimportanceof

    such environments.

    Inaddiontotheboomlandforest,thisareahashistoricallyhadasystemofwater

    courses,whichareproposedforrestoraontobecomeauniqueexperienceforvisitors.

    It is similar to having a nature center in the middle of the city.

    Woodlands near University Drive

    Woodlands just downstream of Rock Springs

    Wildlife in the Woodlands

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    4Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010

    The Master Plan

    Key Recommendaons of the Trinity Woodlands area include the

    following:

    Totheextentreasonableandcompablewithanurban

    seng,restorethisareatoitsnaveTexasboomlandcondions.

    TheBotanicGardenstahasbeenworkingonthisareaastheir

    resources allow, which have been limited to date. The goal is to haveanaveforestexperienceinnaturalcondionsaccessiblefor

    all residents of Fort Worth and visitors.

    Inanurbancondion,thesenaturalprocessesshouldbe

    replicated by stewardship from the managers of the Garden.

    Plantnavespeciestreesandunderstoryplantstoreclaimthis

    areainalogicalandsystemacmanner.

    Respect the need for visitors to experience this area without having

    anyharmfulimpactontheexisngorrestoredenvironment.Note:

    the Loop Path will provide this opportunity for all visitors and

    residents.

    The Loop Path will also link to nature trails that take visitors to

    the remarkable areas including the wetlands and mature forest.

    This area relates integrally to the Garden waterway system

    describedonpage46.

    The Loop Path and nature trails should be carefully designed and

    constructedinordertoavoiddisruponoftheforestoorandroot

    system.

    Thisareawillalsofacilitateanimmenseopportunityforeducaon,

    learning,andnatureappreciaonforresidentsfromallwalksoflife.

    Woodlands near I-30 and below Rock Springs

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    46Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010

    The Master Plan

    Water in the Garden

    Many renowned gardens around the world

    have developed around a focus on various

    natural and human-made water features as a

    majorcenterpiecefortheirdesignsandappeal.

    Since thebeginning ofcivilizaon,waterhas

    been essenal to survival, cies, and greatgardens. People are inherently aracted to

    water whether it is oceans, ponds, rivers, or

    streams. A major recommendaon in the

    Master Plan is to expand and accentuate a

    visually connected stream and pond waterway

    system throughout the Garden. This planning

    principle is consistent with the history of the

    Garden which began along Rock Springs and

    now has expanded to include the woodland

    lagoons, ponds and streams in the Japanese

    Garden and the Fuller Garden.

    The many dierent manifestaons of waterin the Fort Worth Botanic Garden can be

    understood as three tributaries of the Clear

    Fork Trinity River. The rst stream and pond

    system would begin at the Montgomery Street

    gateway area. It would extend the pond system

    upstream southwesterly from the already

    beaufulpoolsandcascadesofthe Japanese

    Garden. The ponds and cascades in the

    Japanese Garden are the central focal point of

    the Japanese Garden, which is one of the most

    popular areas in the Botanic Garden and north

    Texas.

    Extending this water linkage upstream to the

    Montgomery Street gateway area is a logical

    and natural way to bring increased interest to

    the Montgomery Gateway and Garden Grove

    areas. This accentuated pond and stream

    systemwould complement the enre arrival

    area to both the Botanic Garden and also the

    Cultural District. It would follow the natural

    swaleanddrainageareaalreadyexisng.The

    proposedrestaurant, exhibit/ entry, andgi

    shop areas would be along this water course.

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    4Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010

    The Master PlanThe pond system would also funcon to provide examples of

    environmental stewardship through proper management of storm

    water runo andserve as an excellent learningexperience forall

    visitors to the Garden.

    The Montgomery Street branch connects underground to a second

    branch originangintheFullerGarden.ThisFullerGardenstreamis

    alreadywellpresentedandisamajorfocusoftheFullerGardenarea.

    ThisstreamowsdowntotheWoodlandsareapassingbetweenthe

    GreatWoodlandsareaandtheTexasGardenClubHeadquarters.

    A third branch begins at Rock Springs andowseastthroughaseriesof

    potenallybeaufulsmallwoodlandpools.Thisstreamthenconnects

    totheformalpondsalongtheRoseGardenAxisandconnuesina

    system of proposed elaborated wetlands, pools and islands to cross

    under University Drive and into the Trinity River in Trinity Park. The

    streamowingoutoftheFullerGardenwouldintersectnearUniversity

    Drive. This could give people along University Drive a glimpse of the

    water system and diverse environment of the Garden.

    The Master Plan aims to create a series of informal, but designed water

    features along these streams and ponds, which will give Garden visitors

    a new and expanded range of experiences, as well as exposure to a

    wholearrayofplantspeciesadaptedtosuchwaterways.Educaonal,

    learning, and nature awareness experiences will be greatly increased.

    ForGardenvisitors,thisWoodlandtrailareaisajourneyintosome

    completelyunexploredporonsofthesite.Therecommendedpaths

    have been carefully planned. They follow the waterways and provide

    luminous views of woodland pools to draw the visitor onward. One of

    these paths takes the visitor on a walking passage across the largest

    wetlands, on a new boardwalk (the complement to the woodland

    board walk) and out onto a special island. Opening up the Trinity River

    Woodlandandprovidingitwithmanyexcingvisualandeducaonal

    features not only makes this area accessible, but will create newGardenconstuenciestoseethespecialexhibitsonnaveplant,bird,

    and other wildlife habitats of Fort Worth. The path, trail system, and

    pond system would be carefully designed to protect and enhance a

    sustainable woodland forest area.

    Thekeytobringingvisitorstothisareaisthedramaandqualityof

    the new exhibits. The landscape is a stage set. Stream corridor, pools

    and wetlands must be treated as curated natural habitats, well

    documented,arullypresentedandplantedwithagreatdiversityof

    plants.Theseexhibitsalsorequirecarefullong-termmanagementto

    ensurethattheyareoneofthesignicantaraconsattheGarden.

    The loop path will provide access for all types of visitors that have

    previously not experienced this environment.

    Creek area near the Texas Garden Club Building

    Fuller Garden waterfall system Fuller Garden waterfall system

    Restoraon of Silfen Pond - Greenwich, Conneccut

    Creek owing out of the Fuller Garden and proposed Childrens

    Garden areas

    How often it is that a garden, beautiful though it be, will seem sad anddreary and lacking in one of its most gracious features, if it has no water.

    - Pierre Husson

    Perennial Garden

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    48Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010

    The Childrens Garden &

    The Texas Nave Forest

    Boardwalk

    AnimportantandmuchneededaddiontotheGardenis the proposed new Childrens Garden. The Garden

    sta andothershaveworkedto createa somewhat

    temporary Childrens Garden area next to I-30. Looking

    at the various Garden zones, it is clear there are only

    twoareasthatcouldspaallyaccommodatethenew

    Childrens Garden without encroaching on other

    importanthistoricorenvironmentallysensiveareas.

    Onelocaonis justsouth of theHorseshoe Garden

    area (adjacent to I-30 - the current locaon), and

    anotherisjustsouthoftheFullerGarden(acrossthe

    stream),wheremostoftheoperaonsareaiscurrently

    located.

    There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.

    - Elizabeth Lawrence

    The Master Plan

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    49Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010

    The Master Plan recommends that the proposed Childrens

    Garden be located south of the Fuller Garden and west of the

    TexasNaveBoardwalk.This2.5acresiteisshadedandhas

    an excellent juxtaposionwith the Texas NaveBoardwalk.

    The area is close to the Garden Campus Gateway and thus

    convenient for school and other group access. It is also

    convenient to the Garden Center and proposed BRIT for easy

    coordinaonwith theeducaonalprograms of theGardenand BRIT.

    Environmental quality and conservaon are important

    goalsoftheenreMasterPlan.TheBoardwalk,proposed

    ChildrensGarden,Woodlandsrestoraon,RockSprings

    restoraon and all other elements emphasize this

    objecve.The area of theproposedChildrens Garden

    would be assured to be safe and clean for childrens

    acvies. The adjacent embankment (west of the

    Garden) would need to be structurally stabilized prior to

    construconofGardenimprovementsinthisarea.

    Usually children spend more time in the garden than anybody else. It is where theylearn about the world, because they can be in it unsupervised, yet protected. Some

    gardeners will remember from their own earliest recollections that no one sees the gardenas vividly, or cares about it as passionately, as the child who grows up in it.

    - Carol Williams, Bringing a Garden to Life

    Center of the Boardwalk Educaonal gazebo on the south end of the BoardwalkEducaon on the Boardwalk

    The Master Plan

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    0Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010

    The Master Plan

    The Great Meadow

    The Great Meadow is the main north-south axis of the Garden

    and is approximately 5 acres, with a length of 1, 200 feet on this

    axis. It respects the historic context of the Garden. The meadow

    isan essenalpartof the Garden byvisually and physically

    connecngtheGardenCampusarea(thenorthporonofthe

    Garden) with the Rose Garden / Rock Springs area. This meadow

    area should be preserved and accentuated in the future

    improvements of the Garden.

    The Meadow has become extremely popular for special events

    such as the Concerts in the Garden, now produced by the

    FortWorthSymphonyOrchestraandothers.Visitorsenjoythe

    Meadow as a wonderful green space bordered by beauful

    diverse landscapes every season of the year.

    TheconsulngteamandtheFutureoftheGardenCommiee

    considered alternaveplansfor providinganamphitheaterin

    thisMeadowarea.Aerreviewingvariousalternaves,itwas

    clear thatreinforcing,protecng,and providingaccesstothe

    Meadow was the best plan rather than molding the landscape

    for a dierent performance space. This recommendaon is

    primarilybasedonpreservingtheconnuityofthenorth-south

    axis because of its proven success.

    TheMasterPlanstronglyrecommendsseveralobjecvesforthis

    area:

    Maintain the visual integrity of the north-south axis

    Avoid any more visual intrusions into the current axis

    areasuchasaddionaltreeplanng(other thanreplacementtrees),electricalequipment,

    monuments, permanent art work, or similar

    intrusions

    Planngalongtheedgeoftheaxisaddsbeauful

    accentuaonofthissunnyMeadowarea,andit

    shouldbeconnued

    The Master Plan recommends certain paths and

    walkways that will provide improved access

    totheareawithoutencroachingintothesanctyof

    the Great Meadow area. This access is accomplished

    by planning such walkways on the periphery of the

    Meadow.

    Meadow looking south Meadow with Concerts in the Garden

    TRINITY WOODLANDS

    LOOP PATH

    h l

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    1Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010

    The Master Plan

    The Garden Core

    The original Garden Core area includes the historic Rose Garden,

    the Horseshoe area, the Japanese Garden, the Perennial

    Garden, and the Four Seasons Garden. Over recent decades,

    theseareas havebeensomeof the most popular visitaon

    areas of the Garden. The main gateway to the Japanese Gardenfacesthisarea.Exceptforconnuedmaintenance,restoraons,

    andspecicsmallimprovements,thisareaisalmostcompletely

    developed.

    TheNaveTexasBoardwalk andproposedChildrens Garden

    serveas agoodtransionbetweentheGardenCampusarea,

    Trinity River Woodland, and Garden Core.

    These centralGardenareas areallin relavecloseproximity

    andareoenallvisitedinasingleoungbyindividuals,groups,

    and families. The current road and parking system creates some

    barriers and intrusion among these Garden features and the

    pedestrianconneconsamongfeaturesaredisconnuous.

    TheproposedLoopPathsystemand reduconofautomobile

    intrusionswilleventuallysolvethisconnuityproblem,including

    substanallyreducingmotorizedtracfromthecenterofthe

    Garden.The proposedsign andinformaonsystemwill also

    create an easy understanding for visitors on how to experience

    and easily move among the various central Garden features.

    Thiswouldincludeamuch improvedinterprevesignsystem

    throughouttheGardenCore.Seepages54-57.

    Rose Garden - View of East Axis Four Seasons Garden Japanese Garden in the fall

    Th M t Pl

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    2Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010

    The key recommendaons for this central Core

    Area are as follows:

    Connuethemelymaintenanceand

    restoraon(asneeded)of thehistoric

    garden structures, including walkway systems.

    Recentgoodexamplesincludereconstruconof the trellises in the Lower Rose Garden. The

    Gardenstahasusedmaterialsthatare

    compablewiththehistoriccharacterandthat

    arelonglasng.

    Carefully designed improvements such as the

    recent improvements to the Perennial Garden

    shouldconnueaslongastheintegrityof

    the historic Rose Garden structures are

    respected.

    Add strategic secondary walkway segments

    designed to link to the proposed Loop Path

    system as described above.

    Design the Loop Path system to and aroundthis area, which will provide easy, pedestrian-

    scale access from both Garden Gateway

    areas. The Loop Path system will also be the

    backbone of the improved sign and

    informaonsystem.

    The important new Montgomery Street

    Gatewaywill linkdirectlytothewestporons

    oftheCentralCorearea,specicallythe

    Japanese Garden and Octagon area,

    presently called the Trial Garden. Clearly the

    new Gateway / Entry should be designed to

    provideaseamlessconnecontotheCentral

    Garden Core and the Loop Path system. The current Trial Garden area will then

    become anextremelyprominent locaon

    (seeOctagonalGardenrecommendaons

    on page 53) and represents the west terminus

    of the east-west axis of the Garden.

    Rose Garden - View of Colonnade

    Japanese Garden in the fall

    Japanese Garden - Koi Pond

    The Master Plan

    Th M t Pl

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    3Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010

    The Octagonal Garden

    & Pavilion

    A new Octagonal Pavilion is proposed for the western terminus

    of the Historical Rose Garden Axis. This pavilion would be

    opposite the entrance to the Japanese Garden on the site of

    the old Trial Garden. This pavilion and its surrounding garden

    wouldnowbetherstmajorgardenencounteredwithinthe

    Garden, aer passing through the new Western Gateway

    area (Montgomery Street Entry, see above). The Octagonal

    Garden would be designed as an integral element of the entry

    experience.

    Thereareseveralpossibiliesforenhancingthepurposeand

    stature of the Octagonal Garden. Whatever theme is chosen, it

    shouldreinforceitsposionasamajorentranceexhibit.

    Givenitslocaon,thisnewpavilionanditssurroundingspace

    couldbecomeachangingexhibitoncricalideasinhorculture

    and conservaon. Itwould serveas anintroducon tothe

    Garden and combine display panels with plants to convey an

    idea or take home message.

    A second possibility is that this garden could become an

    expanded and reinvented Trial Garden featuring plants

    parcularlyadaptedtotheFortWorthclimateandcondions.

    The pavilion could become an idealized pong shed

    demonstrangthelatestgardeningtoolsandtechniques,and

    the surrounding octagonal space could display plants in a series

    ofered planters.If a strong programcould beestablished

    around such plants (a parallel to the program developed at

    the Dallas Arboretum and Botanic Garden), the Trial Garden

    could expand into the large space directly to the south. Parts

    of the new greenhouses will be open to visitors to demonstrate

    propagaonandgrowingtechniques,andpartsofthelarger

    maintenanceareacouldulmatelybeusedtodemonstratea

    varietyofthelatest/bestsustainablehorculturalpracces.

    Use ofthisgardenspace,eitheras anintroducon tonew

    Botanic Garden concerns or as a redesigned trial garden, would

    strengthenthethemeofsustainablehorcultureinthissecon

    of the Garden and would further reinforce the core mission of

    the Garden.

    The Master Plan

    The Master Plan

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    4Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010

    The Master Plan

    Printed and Website Informaon

    Direcng Visitors to the Garden

    InrecentyearstheFortWorthConvenonandVisitorsBureau

    (CVB)hasmadeanimprovedeorttoemphasizeandconvey

    thearaconswithintheCulturalDistrictincludingtheGarden

    andmuseums.WiththeaddionofBRIT,thiscanbefurther

    enhanced to a broader audience. Related outlets include

    the City Page of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, various news

    releases for special events, occasional inserts in the water bill,

    andothermeansavailable.Eortstoencouragemorespecial

    featurearcles invariousregional andnaonalnewspapers

    and magazines is recommended.

    External Sign Systems

    Encourage the Texas Department of Transportaon to place

    direconalsignsonI-30asmotoristsapproachtheaccesspoints

    of University Drive and Montgomery Street. Encourage the City to

    place signs on approach arterials which would include University

    Drive, Montgomery Street, Camp Bowie Blvd., Lancaster Ave.,

    and West 7th Street. Pole banners per the Citys standards can

    be placed for special events, especially along University Drive,

    Montgomery Street, and Harley Street, which all directly access

    the Garden.

    The Garden is within the Cultural District. This feature is a great

    advantage; however, themajorityof visitors do not associate

    botanic gardens with cultural or museum districts. The Botanic

    Gardenshouldhaveitsownsetofdireconalsigns,especiallyto

    serverst-mevisitorsandout-of-townvisitors.

    The Internal Informaon System

    Entry Monument Style Gateways

    At the two proposed gateways, it is important to provide clear

    entry gate areas with a strong v isual appeal and corresponding

    landscaping. The gateway on Harley Street is an excellent

    exampleofaqualityentryarea.HarleyStreetisproposedtobe

    improved and rerouted west of the Garden per Cultural District

    Concept Plans. The Garden Master Plan is consistent with the

    CulturalDistrictConceptPlans andwould benet in several

    ways from the proposed Harley Street improvements.

    The gateway to the Garden campus area (the Clock entrance)

    is grand in scale and appropriate. The actual Botanic Garden

    leersareoenconcealedbehindlandscapingandsomewhat

    distantfromtheactualentrancearea.Addionalstonewalls

    closer to University should perhaps be added for the Botanic

    Garden signleering. These would complement theexisng

    wall and gate system, while providing a window into the clock

    andGardenCenterarea.TheleeringfortheGardencouldthen

    be relocated to these new stone walls. Coordinate with BRIT to

    best provide an appropriate sign and entry for the new BRIT

    facility.

    Sign, Informaon & Interpretaon SystemsAmajorrecommendaonfortheGardenistoadoptacoordinatedsignandinformaonsystemusingconsistenttypesofsignsandmaterialsforthevariousersofsignsrecommendedbelow.Currently

    there are some very good signs and some that are not good examples of signs in the Garden. Through the years various styles and materials have been used in the Garden. Many of these changes and

    signaddionscanhappenearlyoninthemasterplanphasingprocess.

    Entry Monument Signs

    Proposed Arterial Street

    Signs

    The Master Plan

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    Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan 5.19.2010

    The Master Plan

    Entry Exhibits

    The Garden campus entry and the proposed Montgomery Street entry should

    both have materials, maps, and exhibits to help guide and inform visitors about

    various features of the Garden. The Garden Center already has a convenient

    recepon desk that oers brochures and informaon if people are familiar

    enough to ask. There is room in the current lobby area for a modest amount of

    display. This area could at least have room for a large, easy to understand Garden

    map with photos of key areas and some exhibits about current events, what is in

    bloom,futureprograms,andsimilarinformaon.

    TheproposedMontgomeryStreetentrycanbedesignedspecicallyforanideal

    recepon,entry,andexhibitspace.Thisentryareacouldoeracombinaonof

    permanentexhibitsthatwouldhavealargegardenmap,perhapswithinteracve

    featuresforpeopletoseevariousfeaturespriortotheirvisit.Aexibleexhibit

    andlobbyareawouldlenditselftochangingexhibitsaboutcurrentacvies,

    features,andprogramsoftheGarden.Thisexibleexhibitspacecouldalsobe

    usedforspecialexhibitsinagalleryseng,suchasgardenartshowsanda

    variety of other Garden related displays. The displays would rotate perhaps every

    month or at least every season. This space, including restrooms, would probably

    requireabout1500to 2000squarefeet,andwouldincludestorageareasandperhapsasmallocearea.

    Theproposedexhibitlobbyspacealongwiththeadjoiningoutdoorcourtyard

    wouldalsofunconasastagingspaceforgrouptoursandeducaonalprograms

    intheGarden.The spacewouldbeconvenientlylocatedtorestroomfacilies

    withenoughxturesforgroupoungsincludingschoolgroups.

    Both of these gateways are more fully described on pages 35-37.

    In summary, the purpose of the entry exhibits is to orient visitors upon their

    arrival.Thisfeaturewillmaketheirvisitmuchmoreenjoyableandinformed.It

    willalsoserveasaformofadversementfortheGardenanditscurrentand

    future programs. It will encourage visitors to return for many future trips withfriends,groups,orfamily.Itwillinformvisitorsaboutmembership,educaonal

    opportunies,andrentalopportunies.Theentryinformaonwillalsopolitely

    makeclearwhatacviesareencouragedandwhichacvies,suchasrunning

    dogs,playingacvesports,removalofplants,etc.,arenotpermied-inother

    words,the rules ofthe Garden. Thisaspectiscricalto aain thegoalof

    RespecttheGardenasaspecialanduniqueplace.

    Exisng entry area at the Garden Center - Provide

    improved informaon about the enre Garden

    West Entrance to the Garden Center from the Fuller Garden

    Arrival area at the Garden Center

    The Master Plan

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    6Fort Worth Botanic Garden Master Plan5.19.2010

    The Master Plan

    Internal Signs & Interpreve Materials

    Internal to the Garden would be a hierarchy of signs ranging from main feature

    entriestoplantidencaon.Themainrecommendaonhereisthatthese

    signs be more coordinated by using standard types of materials for consistency

    and easy use. Today there are new types of sign materials, such as polymer

    signs, that can display photographs, graphics, etc., and that are durable andeasy to mount on poles, pedestals or walls. These types of signs have been well

    designedandusedontheBoardwalk.TheLoopPathwillaordaunifyingand

    organizingpedestrianow.Thepathwillalsogivegoodopportuniesforthe

    locaonofdireconalsignsindicangthevariousGardenfeatures.TheLoop

    Path will connect both of the main gateways.

    InternalGardensignsshouldgenerallyhaveconnuityofstyle;however,in

    someinstances,auniquesigncharacterisappropriate,suchasintheChildrens

    Garden.Signsshouldbeinscalewiththeparcularenvironment.Greatcare

    isrecommendedtoassurethatsigncluerisnotcreated.Signsshouldnever

    interfere with viewsor enjoyment ofa key vistaor Garden area. Larger

    exhibits or kiosk-type structures should only be located within or near the two

    majorentryareas.Occasionallyaspecialtemporaryexhibitcouldwarrantatemporary larger sign.

    Direconal Sign - Morris Arboretum

    Small Interpreve Sign - Fort Worth Botanic Garden

    Short-term use of Educaonal Sign - Chicago Botanic Garden Chicago Botanic Garden

    Fort Worth Botanic Garden