FORT WORTH, Texas — The Fort Worth City Council overwhelmingly approved fees to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.
In a meeting on Tuesday, the recommendation passed 8-1. They’re going to revisit on what days they might be imposed, so they are still working out the details.
The cost would be $12 for adults and half that for children. Annual memberships will also be available.
In recent years, part of the garden and its structures have fallen into disrepair because of monetary issues.
The change would go into effect next summer.
Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price released the following statement: “It’s no secret that I’ve had reservations throughout this process, which is why we directed staff to revisit opportunities for free access to provide better opportunities for Fort Worth residents to access the gardens at no cost. Fort Worth residents, and certainly Fort Worth students, deserve the opportunity to visit the gardens without barriers.
We approved a majority of the Task Force recommendations, as we must ensure the sustainability of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and effectively maximize the full potential of the Garden as a world class attraction. The reality is we need a source of revenue from the fee structure proposed by the Task Force. I applaud the task force for striking the difficult balance between ensuring fiscal sustainability and creating a fee structure that does not prohibit accessibility for our citizens and visitors. I am confident tonight’s decision that directs staff to look at further free entry options for Fort Worth citizens will ultimately result in innovative programming, additional educational opportunities, and superior maintenance at the gardens for generations to come.”