Fort Worth Launched New Parks Conservancy

Mayor Mattie Parker introduced a nonprofit to secure green space as the city faces rapid development.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in National Parks

Fort Worth Launched New Parks Conservancy

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Mayor Mattie Parker has launched the Fort Worth Open Space & Parks Conservancy to help preserve natural landscapes. The new organization aims to mitigate the loss of 50 acres of land to development each week by collecting private and public resources.

Why it matters

The conservancy was formed to address the environmental impact of rapid population growth in Fort Worth. It serves as a strategic vehicle for managing conservation projects and long-term land planning.

Since 2023, the city has successfully protected 3,400 acres of green space. These efforts aim to reach a target of 10,000 acres preserved by 2028, even as the area loses roughly 50 acres to development every week.

The players

Mattie Parker

Mattie Parker is the Mayor of Fort Worth and serves as a co-chair of the new conservancy.

Marty Leonard

Marty Leonard is a civic leader who serves as a co-chair of the conservancy.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department is a state agency partnering with the conservancy to develop a park at Benbrook Lake.

Oncor

Oncor is an electric utility provider that contributed seed funding for the new conservancy.

The details

Co-chaired by Mayor Mattie Parker and Marty Leonard, the nonprofit coordinates with city officials and private donors to fund projects. The group is currently working with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department to develop a new state park at Benbrook Lake.

The Good Natured green space initiative launched in 2023.
Voters approved a $185 million parks bond on May 2, 2026.
The conservancy launch was announced on October 14, 2026.
The target date to preserve 10,000 acres of land is 2028.

Travel Outlook

The conservancy's formation follows the 2026 Fort Worth parks and recreation bond package, which secured public funding for local outdoor improvements. This initiative positions the city to maintain its natural character despite significant growth pressure.

Residents can anticipate future development of new recreational areas, including a planned state park at Benbrook Lake. These initiatives represent a long-term effort to ensure public access to protected natural sites remains available as the city expands.

The takeaway

The conservancy represents a collaborative approach to balancing urban development with the preservation of local green space. Residents should monitor future planning meetings to stay informed about upcoming land conservation projects.