December 30, 2025
Fort Worth is one step closer to bringing its vision for Gateway Park to life.
Construction on the first phase of the 800-acre park is set to begin by summer 2026, assistant park and recreation director Joel McElhany said.
“People will be seeing that right away,” McElhany said.
With about 90% of its blueprint complete, the first phase is revitalizing the undeveloped natural area west of Beach Street. Starting as a big patch of grass, this area will house a soccer field, a playground, connections to the Trinity Trails system, and more roads and parking.
Ground will be broken following parks officials request for contractor bids by spring 2026.
Rick Herring, president of the grassroots organization Gateway Park Action Coalition, said this development will help increase visibility for the city’s largest park.
“We want to raise the awareness of Gateway Park … because it’s kind of hidden,” Herring said. “A lot of people may have heard of it, but they don’t know where it is.”
The organization first presented itself to the public at a Fort Worth City Council meeting in September, announcing its dedication to the timely implementation of the park’s master plan.
The group formed after its members began brainstorming how they can help city leaders prioritize the park.
As part of the coalition’s mission, it actively meets with council members and parks staffers to give them a say in which of the master plan’s projects will be funded through the 2026 bond program, if approved by voters.
The park is slated to receive $25 million if the bond program gains favor. While the parks department’s major projects are mostly dependent on city bonds, officials are avidly on the lookout for grants and other private investments.
“If we can get $25 million, we can build some great destination-type facilities,” McElhany said.
Private dollars could bring even more amenities into the park, such as equestrian sites or an amphitheater, he added.
“We want to take a real proactive stance with that,” McElhany said.
But such funds won’t be enough to sustain the $140 million price tag of the master plan.
As a result, Herring and his fellow board members want to continue fostering a partnership with city officials and help identify additional funds.
“There are some very serious discussions going on inside City Hall and outside about getting additional dollars,” Herring said. “We just want to keep the city’s feet to the fire and keep their attention focused in that direction.”
Disclosure: Gateway Park Action Coalition executive board member Carlos Canizares is married to the Report’s assistant managing editor, Eva-Marie Ayala.
Nicole Lopez is the environment reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at nicole.lopez@fortworthreport.org.
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