A Lake For Us All
In July 1969, witnesses were startled by the sight of a seven-foot creature perched atop a cliff at Lake Worth, igniting curiosity and wonder. This enigmatic being, entrenched in local folklore, has captivated the minds of many throughout the years. This tale embodies the spirit of Lake Worth as a canvas for the community’s collective imagination and a stage of shared experiences. Citizens from all corners of Fort Worth carry with them fond memories of the lake’s shimmering waters and verdant shores enjoying leisurely summer picnics, fishing adventures, and evening walks. The story of the Lake Worth Monster, whether myth or reality, serves as a testament to the lake’s ability to bring people together in enchantment, nurturing a sense of belonging among its residents. It reminds us that Lake Worth is more than just a body of water; it is a central character in the stories of our lives, a place where cherished memories are made by each generation.
Our Mission
We dedicate ourselves to bringing the community together to preserve, promote, and honor Lake Worth. Through protection of water resources, preservation of green space, transformative beautification, and recreational initiatives, we aim to enhance Lake Worth’s health, accessibility, and allure, ensuring it remains a cherished community treasure for generations to come.
Context and Background
Lake Worth’s history is born from Fort Worth’s need for a sustainable water source. Created in 1914 following a major fire in Fort Worth and a growing population demand, Lake Worth was established by damming the West Fork of the Trinity River. It was the second municipal water supply in the state and quickly became a recreational hub for swimming, fishing, and as a centerpiece of the Fort Worth park system. This early establishment marked Lake Worth not just as a utility asset but as a community treasure, fostering a connection between the residents and the lake that persists to this day.
Once hailed as the “Coney Island of the Southwest,” Lake Worth flourished in its early days with vibrant dance halls, thrilling rides, gambling establishments, and inviting swimming spots. However, over the decades, the allure of Lake Worth faded as neglect set in, leading to a decline in its once bustling attractions. The lake gradually silted in, further contributing to its deterioration and loss of usefulness in the community.
Efforts to enhance Lake Worth and its surrounding area have seen various phases, with significant planning efforts in the early 2000s aimed at improving water quality, recreational access, and environmental stewardship. These efforts were guided by comprehensive plans and visions, such as the Capital Improvements Implementation Plan of 2007, the Lake Worth Vision Plan of 2011, and the Greenprint study of 2014, which lay out strategies for conservation, recreation, and sustainable development around the lake. However, these ambitious plans have encountered pauses and slow progress.
Lake Worth Initiatives Completed
2013 – Dredging of Lake Worth
2014 – Water and sewer installation around the lake
Lake Worth Initiatives To Be Completed
Watershed protection
Greenspace preservation
Linear park development
Bicycle trails
Park Improvements
Who Are We?
Lake Worth Conservancy was born from a grassroots effort of local residents and officials to help keep our drinking water safe. It is now our mission to help safeguard our vulnerable waterways and promote usable green spaces and parks for our community.
Our Purpose – Protection and Revitalization
The core purpose of the Lake Worth Conservancy emerges with clarity and urgency – to reignite and spearhead the efforts to conserve and rejuvenate the lake area. Our mission is to continue the protection and transformation of Lake Worth into a thriving natural and recreational hub that attracts families, enhances property values, supports local businesses, and serves as a sustainable model of community-driven environmental conservation.
Environmental Conservation – We are committed to protecting and improving the lake’s water quality and surrounding ecosystems. We prioritize projects that protect the watershed, preserve public space, address pollution, restores habitat, and promotes sustainable management practices.
Recreational Access and Facilities – We work to expand and improve greenspace, parks, trails, and recreational facilities, making them accessible and enjoyable for all community members.
Community Engagement and Partnership – We work to engage community members in decision-making processes, fostering partnerships with local businesses, governmental agencies, and environmental organizations, and launching educational programs about the importance of environmental conservation.
Sustainable Development – We advocate for development practices around Lake Worth that respect the area’s natural beauty and ecological balance, encouraging green infrastructure and responsible land use.
Current Specific Short-Term Goals
Initiate emergency plans to protect the lake and water table from imminent threats.
Reignite community enthusiasm and participation in envisioning the community’s relationship to Lake Worth.
Inventory and document community assets, areas of concern, and community opportunity.
Get an accounting on the gas well funding.
Determine how to engage proactive and efficient leadership on the projects.
Current Long-Term Goals
Move forward on watershed protection planning and strategies.
Preserve greenspace.
Create a brand for the lake as a community resource and destination
Implement an economic study for the value created by the lake area
Implement plans to use this resource to prompt sustainable economic growth
Continue to develop ideas and plans for improvement of the lake area
Measurement and Evaluation
To measure our progress towards our goals, we will develop a scorecard for improvement plans and their progress. We will also create a multifaceted set of metrics designed to capture improvements in ecological health, community engagement, recreational access, and sustainable development.
Our Call to Action
Join us in reigniting the spirit of Lake Worth. Your involvement, whether as a volunteer, a donor, or a vocal supporter, is crucial to transforming our shared vision into reality. Together, we can breathe new life into Lake Worth, making it a beacon of community pride and natural beauty.
Let’s unite for Lake Worth, our precious gem that deserves to be cherished and preserved for the joy of our community and the many generations to come.
‘Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.’ – Helen Keller.
References