HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 24-1911INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 24-1911
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
October 8, 2024
Page 1 of 2
SUBJECT: REGULATION AND OPERATION OF OPEN SPACE PROPERTIES
The purpose of this Informal Report is to inform City Council of the proposed addition of a new
chapter to the Code of the City of Fort Worth to establish rules and regulations for the City's Open
Space properties. Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the new Chapter 36 at an
upcoming City Council meeting.
Chapter 36 is largely based on Chapter 24, Park and Recreation, but, because Open Space
properties are not parkland, staff recommends the adoption of the new chapter to better suit the
goals of the City's Open Space Conservation Program and the Good Natured Greenspace
Initiative (please see M&C 23-1016, November 28, 2023).
Chapter 36 would define Open Space as follows:
An interest in land that the City of Fort Worth owns or maintains with the primary intent of meeting
one or more of the following purposes:
(1) to preserve or restore natural areas and resources;
(2) to maintain or enhance air or water quality;
(3) to preserve the property's aesthetic value and its contribution to the quality of
life of the community;
(4) to mitigate erosion or enhance flood control efforts; or
(5) to prevent encroachment on floodplains or watersheds.
By contrast, Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code describes park land as "any public
land designated and used... as a park, recreation area, scientific area, wildlife refuge, or historic
site."
Incidental or programmatic use of Open Space for other purposes may occur; however, that use
is intended to be secondary to the purposes identified above. Open Space is not parkland and is
not owned, held, or claimed as a public square or park, nor is Open Space acquired or
designated as a park, recreation area, scientific area, wildlife refuge, or historic site.
Chapter 36 would also establish rules and regulations for the use of Open Space properties,
including:
• Hours of operation from sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise posted (parks are
generally open from 5:00 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.);
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER
FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 24-1911
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
October 8, 2024
Page 2 of 2
SUBJECT: REGULATION AND OPERATION OF OPEN SPACE PROPERTIES
• Prohibiting littering, camping, fires, fireworks, fishing, swimming, and alcoholic
beverages;
• Limiting vehicles to designated areas; and
• Prohibiting the harm of vegetation and wildlife.
Open Space properties are managed and maintained in their natural state by Park & Recreation
Department. Any mowing will be infrequent and in accordance with maintaining a healthy
ecosystem and limiting the risk of fire. Amenities provided at Open Space properties are
anticipated to be minimal because the main purpose of the Open Space Program is to preserve
natural spaces. Unlike parks, Open Space properties are not expected to include trash
receptacles or restrooms. Additionally, to protect natural surface trails and nearby vegetation,
bicycles will only be permitted on paved areas.
Limited capital projects such as gravel parking areas, signage, and natural, surfaced trails were
anticipated to be constructed at several Open Space properties such as Nosilla, Patino, and
Melcher; however, the funding was reallocated to Open Space property acquisition to protect high
priority properties. Future master planning, public engagement, and community feedback will
identify appropriate capital improvements for each Open Space property. Most Open Space
properties are currently in reserve status until they are included in a future Capital Improvement
Plan.
Staff anticipates requesting City Council's approval of the new chapter at a Fall 2024 City Council
meeting. For additional information, please contact Matthew Murray, Senior Assistant City
Attorney - Section Chief, City Attorney's Office at (817) 392-8864 or Jennifer Dyke, Assistant
Director, Transportation and Public Works at (817) 392-2714.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER
FORT WORTH, TEXAS