Mid City Times

City Council recently approved the acquisition of 38.2 acres from Jefferson Primrose Land Holdings LLC for open space preservation in Fort Worth. This move aligns with the Open Space Conservation Program and Mayor Mattie Parker’s Good Natured Greenspace Initiative, which aims to preserve 10,000 acres of greenspace in the city over five years while enhancing the park system.

The land was sold by JPI to the Open Space Conservation Program for $155,903, or $4,081.25 per acre, below market value. The sale is intended to offset costs for adjacent development projects, including a neighborhood park funded by the 2022 Bond Program.

Future plans suggest that this new open space could connect with existing trails and greenspaces in Llano Springs through the Active Transportation Plan trail network. This connection would offer more recreational opportunities and trails for residents in a rapidly growing area.

The site will be maintained naturally by the Park & Recreation Department without being designated as parkland. Future developments may integrate nearby parks and green spaces into a cohesive network accessible to Fort Worth residents.

This newly acquired greenspace aims to protect wildlife habitats for migratory birds and birds of prey, along with wetlands and endangered areas like Fort Worth Prairie. Wetlands are prioritized due to their scarcity in conservation efforts within Fort Worth. Additionally, it includes parts of Summer Creek and smaller streams that flow into Benbrook Lake, a crucial drinking water reservoir.

The acquisition supports both the Open Space Conservation Program and Mayor Parker's initiative goals of preserving significant greenspace while developing Fort Worth's park infrastructure.