Title: Safety plan OK'd for Water Gardens.
nems12 - June 8, 2005 04:46 PM (GMT)
I'm sad to learn that in June of 2004 four people drowned at the Fort Worth Water Gardens. :( Now the area is due to undergo renovations which although good for public safety, might change its appearence from how it appeared in the film.
| QUOTE |
| Safety plan OK'd for Water Gardens. Full Text: COPYRIGHT 2005 Fort Worth Star-Telegram Byline: Anna M. Tinsley Feb. 18, 2005--FORT WORTH -- City leaders gave preliminary approval Thursday to $2.8 million in renovations at the Fort Worth Water Gardens to enhance safety and honor four tourists who drowned there last summer. The proposal calls for raising the floor of the Active Pool to reduce water levels to a depth of about 1 1/2 feet, far shallower than the 8 feet of water at the time of the drownings. A concrete wall with seating would be built around the top of the pool, and railing would be added along Commerce Street, but the signature cascading waters would remain at the downtown landmark. "I like it," Mayor Mike Moncrief said of the proposed changes. "It maintains the integrity of the park and the vision of the artist who designed it. And it still allows access. "The easy answer to dealing with this problem is to bulldoze it -- make it a parking lot," he said. "That's not what we chose to do." Additional workers would be brought in to supervise and maintain the park. The recommendations, presented to the City Council for the first time Thursday, came after months of study by city staff members and the Freese & Nichols engineering firm. A formal council vote on the renovations is expected in the coming months. Four tourists from Chicago -- Myron Dukes, 39; his daughter, Lauren, 8, and son, Christopher, 13; and family friend Juanitrice Deadmon, 11 -- drowned June 16 in the Active Pool after going to the Water Gardens to cool off. One of the girls apparently slipped into the water, and the others died trying to save her, police said. Under the proposal, a memorial would be built to pay tribute to those who died and to give visitors a history of the Water Gardens. The $6 million park, designed by New York architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee, was donated to Fort Worth in 1974 by the Amon G. Carter Foundation. "This strikes the right balance," said Councilwoman Wendy Davis, whose district includes the park. "It brings some safety improvements but respects the original design. "It makes sure we still have the sound of rushing water ... which is very respectful of the design," she said. "It's just something we need to do." The recommendations address safety concerns raised in a consultant's report, which concluded that high water levels, malfunctioning pumps and drains blocked by debris contributed to the strong currents in the pool the day of the accident. More than $1.5 million of the cost would go toward renovations in the two pump rooms, including the installation of an automatic drain pump to lower water levels after rains and the replacement of aging pumps, filters and other equipment. Emergency features would include an automatic alert system and a remote stop button. "All the equipment is past the length of its life," said Kendall King, a project manager at Freese & Nichols. About $110,000 would be earmarked to modify the Active Pool, including raising the floor and adding special drainage to enhance debris removal. An additional $380,000 would be spent on architectural features that include wall seating, railings and the memorial kiosk. "It is important for us to maintain the memory of the lives lost, that we not forget what happened," Moncrief said. "It will serve as a constant reminder to us and others that things can happen. "This will not be forgotten." City staff members recommend that the renovations be funded through the sale of certificates of obligation, which do not require voter approval. Councilman Chuck Silcox said city officials will have to balance the proposal with other city needs, such as revamping the storm drainage system and repairing crumbling roads. "We can turn this challenge into an opportunity," Silcox said. Councilman Donavan Wheatfall suggested that the city approach local philanthropists to see whether they would help defray the costs. Design plans for the renovations are continuing and a construction contract could go to the council for approval in September, said Randle Harwood, acting director of the Parks and Community Services Department. If the plans are approved, construction could be completed -- and the Active Pool reopened -- by October 2006. City staff members also recommend additional modifications, including a railing around part of the Quiet Pool and a wall of seating around the Aerated Pool. The water features would be operated from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. with workers present during those hours, according to the proposal. Additional funds would be set aside in the park budget for maintenance and future renovations. "As this 30-year-old facility gets older, we need to continue to replace things," Harwood said. He said additional workers could include a crew leader, two water system technicians and four maintenance employees. A new operations and safety manual has been completed. For now, the Active Pool remains closed, although the rest of the Water Gardens reopened a few weeks after the drownings. A wrongful-death lawsuit is pending in Tarrant County state District Court against the city and 21 companies and individuals. The suit, which seeks at least $72 million in damages, claims the defendants showed "utter indifference" to the safety of visitors, particularly children. Moncrief said the proposed renovations could be good for the city. "We do have some constraints, some major challenges, but we also have this project ... which is very much a priority." TIMELINE 1974 -- The Amon G. Carter Foundation donates the $6 million park, designed by architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee, to the city. 1975 -- Scenes for the science fiction drama Logan's Run are filmed at the Water Gardens. 1991 -- Two Internal Revenue Service agents are killed and another man is injured by a falling light pole while sitting in the gardens. 2001 -- A plaza is built to connect the Water Gardens with the newly renovated Fort Worth Convention Center. June 16, 2004 -- Four out-of-town visitors drown after going to the downtown landmark to cool off. Sept. 8, 2004 -- The families of the four victims file a sweeping lawsuit against the city and 21 companies and individuals, claiming they showed "utter indifference" to the safety of visitors, particularly children. -- Reduced depth, special drains to clear debris and a wall for seating are among the recommended changes at the Water Gardens. © 2005, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Texas |
Logan5 - June 9, 2005 12:15 PM (GMT)
I remember hearing about the tragedy at the park last year. Very sad indeed.
Hopefully they can make their upgrades to the park without altering it's appearance too much.
Here's another shot of the Water Gardens of how it looks when fully operational.
Hopefully they can make their upgrades to the park without altering it's appearance too much.
Here's another shot of the Water Gardens of how it looks when fully operational.
Logan_Five - June 13, 2005 09:45 PM (GMT)
Yes the drownings last year were very tragic, but there is quite a bit that I don't understand:
1) How is it possible that no one ever drowned there in 30 years? It seems like if this was a huge safety risk that it would have happened much sooner.
2) The drownings occurred when a little girl fell in, and then her friend/family members jumped in to rescue her. Supposedly, the suction of the water is what caused all of the people to drown. If this were the case, then how were Logan and Jessica able to dive in head first and survive?
3) Instead of putting up a guard rail around the edges, why don't they put a screen-type barrier under the water? This way, if anyone falls in, the screen will catch them and they will not reach the bottom. And why was the fountain built 9-feet deep in the first place?
1) How is it possible that no one ever drowned there in 30 years? It seems like if this was a huge safety risk that it would have happened much sooner.
2) The drownings occurred when a little girl fell in, and then her friend/family members jumped in to rescue her. Supposedly, the suction of the water is what caused all of the people to drown. If this were the case, then how were Logan and Jessica able to dive in head first and survive?
3) Instead of putting up a guard rail around the edges, why don't they put a screen-type barrier under the water? This way, if anyone falls in, the screen will catch them and they will not reach the bottom. And why was the fountain built 9-feet deep in the first place?
nems12 - June 14, 2005 03:58 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE |
| Supposedly, the suction of the water is what caused all of the people to drown. If this were the case, then how were Logan and Jessica able to dive in head first and survive? |
Logan and Jessica were expert swimmers. ;) While watching the film, ever try to hold your breath for as long as they did?
Seriously though, I too was surprised to hear that the suction could be strong enough to drown an adult.
Logan5 - August 29, 2005 01:12 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (nems12 @ Jun 14 2005, 03:58 PM) |
| While watching the film, ever try to hold your breath for as long as they did? |
There were two movies that I remember holding my breath with the characters---
One was "Logan's Run", of course, and the other.....................
"The Poseidon Adventure" - where the small group of survivors have to swim underwater through the kitchens and follow the rope to get to the next safe area of the ship.
Silent audience participation ;)
... and believe it or not, "Poseidon's" slated for a remake soon, too -- when will it end?
MaryMary5 - September 1, 2005 02:44 AM (GMT)
Thank goodness they aren't going to make it a parking lot. That would be such a waste.
nems12 - October 16, 2005 08:33 PM (GMT)
Water Gardens
1502 Commerce St
Fort Worth, TX 76102
I visited the Water Gardens today. Unfortunately the Active Pool is still turned off and surrounded by a steel gate. I get the feeling it may sit like this for years due to the cost of the needed improvements. :(
With the water turned off, one can see just how little room Michael and Jenny had to work with when they dove in. Notice that section of concrete sticking up a couple feet from the surrounding bottom area. I wouldn't want to dive in and smack my head on that!
You would think from the looks of it, that all they need to do is make the center section 3 feet deep, rather than the 8 feet deep that it is currently.
I need to rewatch the scene when Michael and Jenny dive in. If I rememeber correctly Jenny's dive looks great, but Michael's feet are too far apart and his dive looks real akward.
1502 Commerce St
Fort Worth, TX 76102
I visited the Water Gardens today. Unfortunately the Active Pool is still turned off and surrounded by a steel gate. I get the feeling it may sit like this for years due to the cost of the needed improvements. :(
With the water turned off, one can see just how little room Michael and Jenny had to work with when they dove in. Notice that section of concrete sticking up a couple feet from the surrounding bottom area. I wouldn't want to dive in and smack my head on that!
You would think from the looks of it, that all they need to do is make the center section 3 feet deep, rather than the 8 feet deep that it is currently.
I need to rewatch the scene when Michael and Jenny dive in. If I rememeber correctly Jenny's dive looks great, but Michael's feet are too far apart and his dive looks real akward.
Logan5 - October 18, 2005 12:13 AM (GMT)
Wow.... What a change.... and what a shame.... :(
Wonder if they could put in a screened 'floor' at about the two or three foot mark near the top, so that if someone were to fall or wade into it, that they wouldn't get sucked completely under and could still stand on the screened flooring.
Hopefully, they can find a way to salvage it, make it safer for visitors and keep the water flowing over it once again.
Those are such sad pictures, nems12. I hadn't seen it since it's been turned off. Hopefully, the 'Lets create more parking spaces' people don't get a say in what to do with it now!
Wonder if they could put in a screened 'floor' at about the two or three foot mark near the top, so that if someone were to fall or wade into it, that they wouldn't get sucked completely under and could still stand on the screened flooring.
Hopefully, they can find a way to salvage it, make it safer for visitors and keep the water flowing over it once again.
Those are such sad pictures, nems12. I hadn't seen it since it's been turned off. Hopefully, the 'Lets create more parking spaces' people don't get a say in what to do with it now!
nems12 - October 27, 2005 09:31 PM (GMT)
Citizens exiting the City of Domes tend to be litter bugs, so a trash can has been added along their path... :P
I was surprised to find that these steps really do face the entrance to the Active Pool (where the old man stood waiting) in the Water Gardens.
I was surprised to find that these steps really do face the entrance to the Active Pool (where the old man stood waiting) in the Water Gardens.
The Running Man - October 29, 2005 03:41 PM (GMT)
Those are very depressing shots posted by nems12 seeing the pool turnned off like that. I always kind of hoped I'd make my way to Fortworth one day and see that wonderful water pool. I agree with Logan 5 put in a screen door... It just does'nt make any sense, they must have spent millions of dollars building this beutiful attraction. It is something the entire City can be very proud of, and to just let it sit there dorment , especially when the solutiom is so simple...I just don't undersand.... :wtf:
nems12 - December 20, 2005 05:37 PM (GMT)
The renovation is now underway:
| QUOTE |
| Tue, Dec. 06, 2005 Water Gardens Renovation Begins Next Week by ANNA M. TINSLEY Star-Telegram Staff Writer FORT WORTH, TX The Fort Worth Water Gardens – a downtown landmark where four out-of-town tourists drowned last year – will be closed starting Dec. 12 to undergo nearly $3 million in renovations. City Council members last month agreed to spend $2.7 million with Archer Western Contractors for renovations at the park, which should reopen next fall. "We’re excited that construction is about to commence to restore the Water Gardens and make it safer than it’s ever been," said Randle Harwood, acting director of the parks department. Work will include adding safety barriers to the active and aerated pools, installing new pumping units, replacing electrical switch gears in both pump rooms, improving lighting, installing signs and building an information kiosk and memorial. In June 2004, four visitors — Myron Dukes, 39; his daughter, Lauren, 8; his son, Christopher, 13; and a family friend, Juanitrice Deadmon, 11 – drowned after going to the Water Gardens to cool off. Police say one of the girls slipped into the water, and the others died trying to save her. About three months later, the victims’ families sued the city and other companies and individuals, seeking more than $1 million. The city later settled out-of-court for $750,000, but the suit continues against about 20 other entities. The renovations were proposed in part to improve safety and accessibility. "This has been a city treasure that required a tragedy to make people look and realize what a wonderful attribute we had," Mayor Mike Moncrief said Tuesday. "And while we can certainly never forget what happened here, we have a responsibility to preserve this unique setting for current generations and generations to come." Moncrief said he’d like to invite the families of those who died in the Water Gardens to Fort Worth next year, when the memorial will be unveiled. The Water Gardens will reopen with longer hours of operation - from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. – and will be staffed seven days a week, according to a city news release Tuesday. City of Fort Worth, www.fortworthgov.org -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anna M. Tinsley, (817) 390-7610 atinsley@star-telegram.com |
According to a press release from the Fort Worth Parks and Community Services Department, renovations to the active pool include raising the floor to a depth of 1.5 feet, and adding a seat wall along the edge to prevent accidental entry.
The Running Man - January 10, 2006 10:39 PM (GMT)
Thats excellent news nems12, hopefully once its complete we can perhaps get some brand new pictures added to this thread, so we can see if there are any noticable changes to the Water Gardens.... :D
octopusmagnificens - February 19, 2006 01:13 PM (GMT)
Water Gardens is the most significant movie location.
When you see Logan's Run, the Water Gardens scene makes you really feel in another time, in another place. For me it has something special!
When you see Logan's Run, the Water Gardens scene makes you really feel in another time, in another place. For me it has something special!
Logan5 - February 19, 2006 11:56 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (octopusmagnificens @ Feb 19 2006, 01:13 PM) |
| Water Gardens is the most significant movie location. When you see Logan's Run, the Water Gardens scene makes you really feel in another time, in another place. For me it has something special! |
I agree, octopusmagnificens. The WaterGardens scene is one of the special highlights of "Logan's Run". I hope that they're able to preserve it as close to the original as possible after they do their safety upgrades. It's just a relief that it isn't going to end up being destroyed after this terrible tragedy.
octopusmagnificens - February 20, 2006 02:12 PM (GMT)
Yes, Logan5, anyway if I am sincere and by the photos that I see here, the Water Gardens are in a excellent conservation state. 30 years later the scenes could be refilmed there without changes noticed. It is not truth?
Logan5 - February 23, 2006 01:30 PM (GMT)
Forgot about this website that I found a long time ago on the internet and was surprised to see that it's still online.
It's a virtual panaramic view of the entrance to the Water Gardens. Although it's not much, it is interesting to check out if you have Quicktime installed on your computer and have never been to the actual Water Gardens before.
http://www.virtualvisitor.com/vrpages/watergardens.html
It's a virtual panaramic view of the entrance to the Water Gardens. Although it's not much, it is interesting to check out if you have Quicktime installed on your computer and have never been to the actual Water Gardens before.
http://www.virtualvisitor.com/vrpages/watergardens.html
nems12 - February 23, 2006 06:21 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Logan5 @ Feb 23 2006, 08:30 AM) |
| Forgot about this website that I found a long time ago on the internet and was surprised to see that it's still online. |
A true, but sadly ironic quote from that web site written before the tragedy...
| QUOTE |
| Most cities these days would have given in to the advise of their lawyers and insurance agents and put up a handrail along the descending steps. But that would have ruined much of the experience. |
nems12 - September 20, 2006 07:35 PM (GMT)
You might want to check out the links below to photographer Craig Coffaro's site. Amongst his photos are many great pictures taken at the Water Gardens:
2003 index page
2004 index page
2005 index page
As far as I know, the renovations are still underway and should be complete later this year.
2003 index page
2004 index page
2005 index page
As far as I know, the renovations are still underway and should be complete later this year.
octopusmagnificens - September 22, 2006 07:23 AM (GMT)
Thanks Nems12. Good photos of one of the most mythical Logan Run's locations. Jenny Agutter swam there!!!
nems12 - September 28, 2006 07:02 PM (GMT)
Going through the pics at Craig's site, I noticed a big difference in water level.
Take a look at the height of the water in the center pool compared to the surrounding stepping stones as seen in
June of 2003, and then compared to May of 2004. I suppose this should have tipped someone off that trouble was brewing. Hindsight is always 20/20.
I need to recheck the LR DVD. Seems like I remember the main pool being very full to accomidate Michael and Jenny diving in like there was no bottom.
Take a look at the height of the water in the center pool compared to the surrounding stepping stones as seen in
June of 2003, and then compared to May of 2004. I suppose this should have tipped someone off that trouble was brewing. Hindsight is always 20/20.
I need to recheck the LR DVD. Seems like I remember the main pool being very full to accomidate Michael and Jenny diving in like there was no bottom.
>Logan 5< - September 28, 2006 08:32 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE |
| I need to recheck the LR DVD. Seems like I remember the main pool being very full |
In between.
However, that 04 picture seems considerably higher than any other photos I've ever seen.
>Logan 5< - September 29, 2006 10:56 AM (GMT)
The movie is the same as the still photo above.
nems12 - October 3, 2006 10:59 PM (GMT)
Thanks for posting those pics >Logan 5<
Seems there were two fatal conditions in place by June 16th 2004;
1. Suction at an open drain area was strong enough to hold a person in place.
2. Water depth in the center pool exceeded 8 feet.
My guess as to what happened:
The base of the center pool contains multiple drain holes for water to be pumped out and back to the top of the fountain. Due to a lack of maintenance and cleaning, debris built up and eventually sealed off most of the drain opening by early 2004. As a result the water depth in the center pool more than doubled due to insufficient passage through the drain lines. Typically the suction felt at any given drain area would not be that great since the power of the main pump was diffused over multiple openings. However with most of the drain opening sealed off due to debris, the few remaining open areas were conveying the entire strength of the main pump.
There is a video of a news report from the day of the tragedy at this site.
Be forewarned, the video is harrowing to watch.
Seems there were two fatal conditions in place by June 16th 2004;
1. Suction at an open drain area was strong enough to hold a person in place.
2. Water depth in the center pool exceeded 8 feet.
My guess as to what happened:
The base of the center pool contains multiple drain holes for water to be pumped out and back to the top of the fountain. Due to a lack of maintenance and cleaning, debris built up and eventually sealed off most of the drain opening by early 2004. As a result the water depth in the center pool more than doubled due to insufficient passage through the drain lines. Typically the suction felt at any given drain area would not be that great since the power of the main pump was diffused over multiple openings. However with most of the drain opening sealed off due to debris, the few remaining open areas were conveying the entire strength of the main pump.
There is a video of a news report from the day of the tragedy at this site.
Be forewarned, the video is harrowing to watch.
Craig C. - October 4, 2006 05:27 AM (GMT)
Yeah, this pic was taken 6-15-06. It is suppossed to open in Oct/2006. There will be railings, etc. It's too bad because over the past 25 years I loved to go here and just sit, think, pray, etc. It was very refreshing.
The city of Ft. Worth really neglected the Water Gardesn. When the water was at it's normal depth of 3.5 feet, it was almost impossible to drown in there--even for a young person. The drain cover was a thick piece of concrete 18" above the floor and that means while standing on that the water depth was only 2 feet.
I'm living in Seattle now, and I haven't been down to check out the progress.
The city of Ft. Worth really neglected the Water Gardesn. When the water was at it's normal depth of 3.5 feet, it was almost impossible to drown in there--even for a young person. The drain cover was a thick piece of concrete 18" above the floor and that means while standing on that the water depth was only 2 feet.
I'm living in Seattle now, and I haven't been down to check out the progress.
>Logan 5< - October 5, 2006 08:50 PM (GMT)
Man, I figured they would castrate it - but I didn't think it would be turned into a wading pool. Sad.
Truthfully though, I'm surprised it didn't happen 15 or 20 years ago. I was going to go by there a few months ago while I was in town picking up a new motorcycle near Dallas. I decided to buy from a dealer in Austin and ended up having no reason to go. I wanted to see a couple of the film sites. Now, with the Atrium and Great Hall coming down, as well as the Water Gardens being so altered, I probably won't ever bother.
Truthfully though, I'm surprised it didn't happen 15 or 20 years ago. I was going to go by there a few months ago while I was in town picking up a new motorcycle near Dallas. I decided to buy from a dealer in Austin and ended up having no reason to go. I wanted to see a couple of the film sites. Now, with the Atrium and Great Hall coming down, as well as the Water Gardens being so altered, I probably won't ever bother.
Guest - October 6, 2006 05:41 AM (GMT)
Yeah, it's too bad really. But, the relatives of the people who died (from a black church) are suing everybody they can think of. They have like 30 lawsuits out now against the the designers, builders, Ft. Worth, etc. They have already collected half a million from the city of Ft. Worth. So, the city is going overboard in trying to protect itself against lawsuits--you know that routine in our culture.
I went in the hole when I first moved to Ft. Worth in 1979. Man I was so strong and in such good shape back then I wasn't afraid to do it. Much to my surprise I hit the concrete drain cover hard when I jumped in. When I stood on top of the drain cover the water was only about 18 inches deep. When I stood on the bottom it only came up to about my thighs. It just appears much more menacing than it really is. If the city would have kept the water level at its designed height of 3.5 feet, it would have been nearly impossible for anyone to drown. And also the water pours in hard when the water level is that low, and kids are way too afraid to jump in.
I went in the hole when I first moved to Ft. Worth in 1979. Man I was so strong and in such good shape back then I wasn't afraid to do it. Much to my surprise I hit the concrete drain cover hard when I jumped in. When I stood on top of the drain cover the water was only about 18 inches deep. When I stood on the bottom it only came up to about my thighs. It just appears much more menacing than it really is. If the city would have kept the water level at its designed height of 3.5 feet, it would have been nearly impossible for anyone to drown. And also the water pours in hard when the water level is that low, and kids are way too afraid to jump in.
octopusmagnificens - October 8, 2006 10:56 PM (GMT)
The accident in which those people died seems too strange to me. 4 died are many deads in a single incident. Was not suspected a suicide/crime?
nems12 - October 9, 2006 08:43 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Guest @ Oct 6 2006, 12:41 AM) |
| And also the water pours in hard when the water level is that low, and kids are way too afraid to jump in. |
That's an interesting point. The appearance of the 'hole' was the inverse of its safety level. When the water level was maintained low, it looked (and sounded) very menacing despite actually being safe. That must have deterred many kids over the years from even considering entering the 'hole'.
Later when the water level was too high, the 'hole' looked calm and inviting despite a potentially deadly situation brewing below the surface.
nems12 - October 18, 2006 08:59 PM (GMT)
More Water Gardens stuff (found while surfing the web):
Pic 1 - The Active Pool.
Pic 2 - The Aerating Pool.
Pic 3
Pic 4 - This one really shows off the proper 3-foot water level.
Pic 5 - Steps seen on the left hand side are the tail end of those used in the film to show the citizens walking out of the domes.
Pic 6 - The Quiet Pool.
Another index of pictures can be found here. Colors are a bit washed out. Looks like these were taken during winter.
This page contains presentations regarding the proposed safety changes. The artist renderings actually look quite nice. I originally cringed when I envisioned a seating wall around the center 'hole', but the seating wall is actually up around the outer perimiter of the Active Pool. I really don't have a problem with that aesthetic change. It also appears that a hand railing will not be added to the decending steps, since a gate will be installed at the top to prevent accidental entry by little kids. Again, I'm happy with that idea. I'm hoping that the hand rail seen in Craig's photo above is just a temporary one for the construction workers. If the end result matches these presentations, I think the Water Gardens may still be a required stop for Logan fans. :thumbsup:
Pic 1 - The Active Pool.
Pic 2 - The Aerating Pool.
Pic 3
Pic 4 - This one really shows off the proper 3-foot water level.
Pic 5 - Steps seen on the left hand side are the tail end of those used in the film to show the citizens walking out of the domes.
Pic 6 - The Quiet Pool.
Another index of pictures can be found here. Colors are a bit washed out. Looks like these were taken during winter.
This page contains presentations regarding the proposed safety changes. The artist renderings actually look quite nice. I originally cringed when I envisioned a seating wall around the center 'hole', but the seating wall is actually up around the outer perimiter of the Active Pool. I really don't have a problem with that aesthetic change. It also appears that a hand railing will not be added to the decending steps, since a gate will be installed at the top to prevent accidental entry by little kids. Again, I'm happy with that idea. I'm hoping that the hand rail seen in Craig's photo above is just a temporary one for the construction workers. If the end result matches these presentations, I think the Water Gardens may still be a required stop for Logan fans. :thumbsup:
David S. - October 20, 2006 02:07 PM (GMT)
Living in Fort Worth and being a big fan of Logan's Run, I am very distraught about what is going on with the Water Gardens. I used to make a weekly jaunt down there to meditate. I'd go to the bottom, sit near the active pool and let the flowing water envelope me. It was such a wonderful meditation site to have falling water all around you without getting wet.
I am truly sorry that people drowned, but the Water Gardens IS NOT a swimming pool. There were signs posted all over stating NO SWIMMING, but unfortunately, it was never enforced. That was the mistake of the city. Every time I went down there, there were people rolling around in the water. It was just wrong.
I also felt it was wrong for the survivors of the victims to SUE the city. It clearly stated NO SWIMMING.
I just think it was the fault of human error and ignorance and now this work of art will not be what it was intended to be and will compromise the integrity of the artist.
Again, I am sorry for the loss, but human ignorance is always the reason for cases like this.
Logan - "The water must be turned into energy somehow. We just took it for granted, like everything else".
I am truly sorry that people drowned, but the Water Gardens IS NOT a swimming pool. There were signs posted all over stating NO SWIMMING, but unfortunately, it was never enforced. That was the mistake of the city. Every time I went down there, there were people rolling around in the water. It was just wrong.
I also felt it was wrong for the survivors of the victims to SUE the city. It clearly stated NO SWIMMING.
I just think it was the fault of human error and ignorance and now this work of art will not be what it was intended to be and will compromise the integrity of the artist.
Again, I am sorry for the loss, but human ignorance is always the reason for cases like this.
Logan - "The water must be turned into energy somehow. We just took it for granted, like everything else".
Guest - October 22, 2006 06:17 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (nems12 @ Oct 18 2006, 03:59 PM) |
| More Water Gardens stuff (found while surfing the web): Pic 1 - The Active Pool. Pic 2 - The Aerating Pool. Pic 3 Pic 4 - This one really shows off the proper 3-foot water level. Pic 5 - Steps seen on the left hand side are the tail end of those used in the film to show the citizens walking out of the domes. Pic 6 - The Quiet Pool. Another index of pictures can be found here. Colors are a bit washed out. Looks like these were taken during winter. This page contains presentations regarding the proposed safety changes. The artist renderings actually look quite nice. I originally cringed when I envisioned a seating wall around the center 'hole', but the seating wall is actually up around the outer perimiter of the Active Pool. I really don't have a problem with that aesthetic change. It also appears that a hand railing will not be added to the decending steps, since a gate will be installed at the top to prevent accidental entry by little kids. Again, I'm happy with that idea. I'm hoping that the hand rail seen in Craig's photo above is just a temporary one for the construction workers. If the end result matches these presentations, I think the Water Gardens may still be a required stop for Logan fans. :thumbsup: |
Yes, pics 1 & 4 there show the correct water depth. It might even be 6" too low there. Anyway, kids and young people were afraid to jump in when it was like that. They didn't know how deep it was, and they weren't sure if they had the strength to pull themselves out if they got in.
Over the years the city of Ft. Worth started raising the water level for some reason. I have always wondered if they did it just to save on their water bill? In the really hot Texas summer days there must be some natural evaporation. I also wonder if the orignal design didn't have automatic water levelers that didn't work or were never used. Also the Water Gardens used to have a full time caretaker, but in order to save money the city axed him or reassigned him. I have to wonder if the orignal donator (Amon G Carter) didn't also leave money for the maintenance. Anyway, it was stupid bone-headed decision on the part of the Ft. Worth city management and parks to not make sure this place was well cared for especially given the vulnerability to a law suit if anybody ever drowned.
I-35 & I-820 are now way too crowded and have been for 10 to 15 years, and yet the city planners continue to do nothing about that either. The mayor and city planners have really laid down on the job IMHO. Ft. Worth is such a nice city, and it is more than worthy of having good people who will make sure that things are maintained.
nems12 - February 28, 2007 02:57 PM (GMT)
The Water Gardens reopen this Sunday! :clap:
| QUOTE |
| Fort Worth Water Gardens to reopen after drownings Tuesday, February 27, 2007 By JEFF MOSIER / The Dallas Morning News The downtown Water Gardens in Fort Worth will fully reopen Sunday (March 4, 2007) for the first time since June 2004, when four tourists drowned there. The city will host a memorial dedication from 2 to 4 p.m. for Myron Dukes, 39; his daughter, Lauren, 8; his son, Christopher, 13; and family friend Juanitrice Deadmon, 11. Plaques will be unveiled with their names as well as the names of two Internal Revenue Service employees who were killed in 1991 by a falling light pole. The city has spent $3.2 million to renovate the Water Gardens and make it safer. The families of the drowning victims agreed in April 2005 to settle their lawsuits against the city for a total of $750,000. Other lawsuits against architects and engineers who worked on the facility were dismissed this month. |
Logan5 - February 28, 2007 06:02 PM (GMT)
Can't wait to see how it looks with all the changes that were made. Hopefully, it isn't too drastic!!
Anyone get any pics of the new Gardens, please post them here!
Anyone get any pics of the new Gardens, please post them here!
Craig C. - March 1, 2007 11:20 AM (GMT)
I went down there a couple nights ago around 11:30PM. The fence was still up, but I found a place where I could get in. I walked all over the place. Let me tell you, the place has been "sanitized" and made lawsuit proof. It doesn't have the same charm that it used to. They tore out many of the tree and shrubs and the concrete ledges are more exposed now. They put up lights everywhere so it isn't nearly as dark as it used to be at night. There is a ledge all along the active pool for people to sit. There is a gate blocking the entrace to the stairs to the active pool which is absolutely stupid because anybody can just walk to the stairs leading down to the "hole" by walking around the gate. The water depth is now 18" in the hole. The big shallow pool still doesn't have water in it, and I'm wondering if it ever will. It looks ridiculous without water in it.
I remember going through the Water Gardens sometimes at 2 and 3 in the morning and you could see couples up on the ledges hiding behind the foilage making out everywhere. The Water Gardens has not lost this romance and charm that it used to have. You can tell the underlying theme was "safety". This is the price to pay in the lawsuit culture we live in.
But I don't want to be too negative. If they get water back in the big shallow pool (where the little kids used to go swimming) it will be alright. There are flowers (pansies) planted everywhere and I mean everywhere! These are being planted in place of the shrubs and foiled that used to be there. I guess no more couples will be "making out" in the Water Gardens at 0200 anymore--haha. Summing up, it's back, but it's sanitized for safety sake. It's certainly not as beautiful or charming a place to visit as it used to be.
I remember going through the Water Gardens sometimes at 2 and 3 in the morning and you could see couples up on the ledges hiding behind the foilage making out everywhere. The Water Gardens has not lost this romance and charm that it used to have. You can tell the underlying theme was "safety". This is the price to pay in the lawsuit culture we live in.
But I don't want to be too negative. If they get water back in the big shallow pool (where the little kids used to go swimming) it will be alright. There are flowers (pansies) planted everywhere and I mean everywhere! These are being planted in place of the shrubs and foiled that used to be there. I guess no more couples will be "making out" in the Water Gardens at 0200 anymore--haha. Summing up, it's back, but it's sanitized for safety sake. It's certainly not as beautiful or charming a place to visit as it used to be.
Craig C. - March 1, 2007 11:29 AM (GMT)
I'll post some pics in a few days. Here's as close as I could get in January/2007 with the fence still up around the perimeter of the place.
octopusmagnificens - March 2, 2007 09:20 PM (GMT)
Nice pics. Thank you.
Craig C. - March 6, 2007 07:57 AM (GMT)
Well it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Sure some of the old charm and the water depth of the active pool has been lost, but it was still refreshing to just sit by the hole and listen to the water again.
Here are some pics taken about 8 hours ago:
http://www.pbase.com/craig_c/fort_worth_2007
New Water Depth
This picture was taken in 2003. Notice how much more foilage there was compared to the same location yesterday. Of course I realize this picture was taken in the summer. But still a part of making it safe seemed to be removed trees and shrubs.
Picture taken today
Here are some pics taken about 8 hours ago:
http://www.pbase.com/craig_c/fort_worth_2007
New Water Depth
This picture was taken in 2003. Notice how much more foilage there was compared to the same location yesterday. Of course I realize this picture was taken in the summer. But still a part of making it safe seemed to be removed trees and shrubs.
Picture taken today
Guest - March 6, 2007 08:00 AM (GMT)
Darn I can't edit my post I guess because I'm not registered. Anyway, here's the pic the way it looked in 2003:
nems12 - March 7, 2007 05:41 PM (GMT)
Craig C, thanks for sharing those pics!!!
I'm soooo glad they didn't add a railing to the steps within the Active Pool. :thumbsup:
I'm soooo glad they didn't add a railing to the steps within the Active Pool. :thumbsup:
nems12 - June 21, 2007 03:03 PM (GMT)
Some beautiful nighttime pictures of the gardens can be found here.