Fort Worth Officials Proposed Aquatics Master Plan

The city seeks to expand swimming facilities through future bond programs and new partnerships.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Swimming

Isometric editorial illustration of a modern public swimming pool structure with geometric stairs and walkways, depicting urban recreational infrastructure planning. — Fort Worth officials have introduced an aquatics master plan to guide future development of public swimming facilities through bond programs and potential new partnerships. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your local government prioritize expanding public recreation facilities like swimming pools?

Fort Worth has unveiled an ambitious aquatics master plan aimed at increasing access to public swimming facilities throughout the city. The proposal outlines a framework for future development, leveraging potential partnerships and bond funding.

Why it matters

The plan serves as a roadmap for the city to address the growing demand for public recreational infrastructure. Expanding these aquatic spaces aims to provide residents with modern facilities that support community health and leisure.

The proposed infrastructure includes 10 outdoor pools, 4 indoor pools, 46 lap lanes, and 6 spray grounds. These additions are designed to supplement existing sites like the Sycamore Spray Ground.

The players

Park and Recreation Advisory Board

This body oversees the development and management of public park facilities and recreational programming for the city.

Fort Worth City Council

This is the primary legislative governing body responsible for municipal policy and fiscal appropriations in Fort Worth.

YMCA

This international organization focuses on youth development and healthy living through community-based social programs.

The details

The proposal focuses on scaling up the city's aquatic footprint, including the construction of a new center at North Z Boaz Park approved in the 2026 bond program. The city also explores collaborative funding models, including potential work with the YMCA to maintain operations.

The Park and Recreation Advisory Board meets to endorse the plan on Sept. 23, 2026.
The Fort Worth City Council considers the adoption of the master plan on Oct. 13, 2026.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Pool is expected to reach completion in 2028.

Season Trajectory

This master plan represents a significant shift in long-term recreational development, following the funding model established by the 2026 Fort Worth bond program. It sets a new standard for how the city prioritizes future public space investments relative to established community needs.

Residents can anticipate a long-term shift in facility availability as the city progresses toward the 2028 completion of the Martin Luther King Jr. Pool. The master plan dictates the future distribution of public swimming resources across all city districts.

The takeaway

Developing a comprehensive master plan allows the city to align its infrastructure goals with projected population growth. Residents should monitor future council votes to understand how these proposed pools will be funded and scheduled in coming years.

What happens next

The Park and Recreation Advisory Board is scheduled to meet on Sept. 23, 2026, to discuss the plan. Subsequently, the Fort Worth City Council will hold a meeting to consider the plan's adoption on Oct. 13, 2026.