Fort Worth Water Gardens

This modernist urban park at the south end of downtown Fort Worth was designed by architect Philip Johnson and opened in 1974 on cleared city blocks. Its dramatic centerpiece, the Active Pool, sends water cascading down terraced concrete steps into a sunken basin that visitors can descend into, immersed in the sound of rushing water. Quieter aerating jets and a still meditation pool provide contrast, and mature trees soften the concrete geometry. The bold water architecture makes it a landmark for photography, films, and downtown gatherings.