The Water Gardens Move 19,000 Gallons a Minute Through Downtown
Architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee designed the Fort Worth Water Gardens, and the Amon G. Carter Foundation gave the park to the city in 1974. The 5.4-acre site at 1502 Commerce Street swaps the usual downtown lawn for concrete, shade, steps, and water.
About 19,000 gallons circulate through the park each minute. Forty nozzles feed the Aerated Pool, while the Active Pool alone moves about 10,500 gallons a minute down terraces to a basin 38 feet below. The Quiet Pool does the opposite, using still water and walls for a sheltered pause.
Swimming and wading are not allowed, and the city page carries current hours and safety rules. Walk beside the water and its sound changes from spray to roar to near silence, giving one downtown block three different moods.
Content last revised 2026-07-11