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Streams & Valleys and City of Fort Worth Break Ground on New Plaza in Trinity Park
Fort Worth, Texas, November 17, 2025
On Friday November 14, Streams & Valleys, in partnership with the City of Fort Worth, officially broke ground on a new public plaza in Trinity Park, marking an exciting milestone for the organization and the community.
More than 50 community members, donors, and local leaders gathered on the southwest side of the Phyllis Tilley Memorial Pedestrian Bridge to celebrate the start of construction on the project, which will bring new amenities, natural features, and gathering spaces to one of Fort Worth’s most beloved parks. Notable donors in attendance included The Ryan Foundation, Gail Rawl, and Emily Hudson.
“Trinity Park holds a special place in Fort Worth’s story, and projects like this one remind us that public private partnerships have been shaping this park and this city for more than a century,” said Lauren Deen, Executive Director of Streams & Valleys. “Today’s groundbreaking is part of that same legacy: people and partners coming together to make our greenspaces better for everyone.”
A Plaza Designed for Connection, Nature, and Community
The new Trinity Park Plaza will include:
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Butterfly Garden providing vibrant habitat for pollinators and strengthening local ecosystems.
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Sixty-three Tree Flowering Grove honoring Streams & Valleys founder Phyllis Tilley, with one tree representing each year of her life.
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Harvest Table offering a welcoming place for community gatherings, reflection, and events.
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Wildflower Meadow filled with native grasses and blooms that support biodiversity.
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Additional Amenities including benches, shade trees, and a new drinking fountain.
Program Highlights
Streams & Valleys Board Chair Jennifer Harnish opened the celebration with a warm welcome, noting that “the enhancements shared this morning will reshape the west bank by the Phyllis Tilley Memorial Bridge, not far from the very spot where Streams & Valleys began in 1969.”
Deen reflected on the history of Trinity Park and how civic minded groups and visionary leaders have consistently driven the city’s park improvements. “From the beginning, Trinity Park grew because Fort Worth citizens believed in it and invested in it,” she said. “Today’s groundbreaking is a continuation of that commitment.”
District 9 City Councilwoman Elizabeth Beck spoke about the importance of the City’s investment in the project, noting that designated Community Funds played a significant role. The City of Fort Worth matched 750,000 dollars of the more than 1 million dollars Streams & Valleys raised through private donations.
Dave Lewis, Director of the Park and Recreation Department, highlighted the specific amenities and community benefits the new plaza will bring to Trinity Park.
The program concluded with remarks from Streams & Valleys Vice Chair John Stevenson, who reflected on the organization’s more than 50 year legacy of shaping and stewarding Fort Worth’s river corridor. Stevenson shared that his grandfather was instrumental in the early beginnings of the organization and also served on its board, making this work even more personal for him.
The Children’s Choir of Texas opened and closed the ceremony with special performances.
Project Timeline
Construction on the new plaza begins this month and is expected to be completed in April 2026.
Project Donors
City of Fort Worth
Thomas M., Helen McKeey & John P. Ryan Foundation
Amon G. Carter Foundation
William and Betty Hudson
GWR Foundation
William E. Scott Foundation
Leo Potishman Lard Foundation
Louella and Nicholas Martin Charitable Fund at North Texas Community Foundation
Mary Potishman Lard Trust
FitWorth
Ann L. & Carol Green Rhodes Charitable Trust
Garvey Texas Foundation
Helen Irwin Littauer Educational Trust
North Texas Community Foundation
John Williams in honor of Suzy Williams
Mike Coleman
John and Michelle Stevenson
The Roach Foundation
Jennifer and Marty Harnish
About Streams & Valleys
Founded in 1969, Streams & Valleys has been a driving force behind the development and
conservation of the Trinity River and trail system in Fort Worth. Through advocacy, fundraising, and
public engagement, the organization helps ensure the Trinity River remains a thriving, accessible,
and beloved feature of North Texas. Their mission is to inspire the greater Fort Worth community to
protect, enhance, and celebrate the Trinity River and Trails, ensuring they remain a vital resource
for recreation, beauty, and connection for generations to come
Media Contact
Lauren Deen
Executive Director, Streams & Valleys
lauren@streamsandvalleys.org
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