The Adopt-A-Spot program allows individuals and organizations to adopt public spaces, like parks, medians, and roadways, for litter cleanups and other maintenance activities. Adoptions are great for any group who wants to have a meaningful and positive impact on the environment, including:
- Businesses
- Neighborhood Groups
- Civic Organizations
- Scouts
- Faith Groups
- Environmental Clubs
Adoptions are 100% voluntary, run on five-year agreements, and have no application or annual fees!
Adoptee Spotlight of the Month: Wedgewood Garden Club
The Wedgwood Garden Club is showing just how much neighbors can accomplish when they roll up their sleeves and work together. With 51 members, the club has transformed three neighborhood spaces — Krauss Baker Park, Little People Park and the Wedgwood Library — into colorful gathering places.
If you have driven past the Wedgwood Library lately, you’ve likely noticed the inviting beds of flowers surrounding the sign. Those blooms are the work of club members, who gather several times each year to plant, weed and refresh the landscape with seasonal color. The group also holds regular cleanups at Krauss Baker Park and is preparing for its first seasonal planting at Little People Park.
“The Wedgwood Garden Club is an outstanding example of how residents can partner with the City to make our public spaces more welcoming,” said Park & Recreation Director Dave Lewis. “Their dedication has turned these neighborhood parks and the library grounds into vibrant community assets that everyone can enjoy.”
Funding for the projects comes primarily from the club’s popular spring and fall plant sales, with proceeds covering seasonal flowers and supplies. On average, about $800 a year goes into beautifying the sites. The Park Department provides mulch and support, with staff ensuring water access and assisting with maintenance needs.
For other neighborhoods interested in starting similar projects, club leaders suggest beginning small and building momentum.
“We started with seven people in a living room and no money,” club President Scott Force said. “Talk to your neighbors, connect with the Park Department and City Council and let people see what you are doing. Others will join in.”
Residents can follow the Wedgwood Garden Club on Facebook for updates, volunteer opportunities and information about upcoming plant sales.
Learn how your business, club or neighborhood group can adopt a public space, such as a park, library grounds, median or roadway, for beautification, litter cleanups or other maintenance activities.
Litter-Only Adoptions
Litter cleanups are the most common activity for groups that want to be a part of the Adopt-a-Spot program. If your group wants to focus on litter cleanups, with an occasional planting or beautification project, choose the Litter-Only Adoption. Parks and Recreation can work with you on a case-by-case basis for other projects.
To begin a Litter-Only Adoption, contact Keep Fort Worth Beautiful or call 817-392-2046.
Maintenance Adoptions
If you or a contractor want to perform activities in addition to litter cleanups, like mowing and irrigation, it is required to have a formal contract with the city. The contract is for a minimum of two years and you or your contractor may be required to provide proof of insurance.
To begin a Maintenance Adoption, contact the Park & Recreation team
Winter and Irrigation
The winter season means temperatures drop to near or below freezing at night. Fort Worth Water Conservation wants to remind city facilities with irrigation systems about proper care and maintenance during the wintertime.
To protect irrigation systems and prevent safety hazards from ice on roads and sidewalks:
- Rain/freeze sensors should be inspected and repaired to working order. Be sure to check batteries. Freeze sensors automatically shut off irrigation systems when temperature drop to at or near freezing.
- Irrigation systems should be turned off from November through March. Be sure to shut off the water and drain the system.
- Bermuda grass is now dormant and does not need watering. Plants can be hand watered if rainfall is not sufficient.
- Over-seeding with rye grass should not be used on city properties.
- Watering of golf courses and athletic field turf should only be used to protect playing surfaces and for user safety. City departments may water only on Tuesday and Friday and never between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Inspect any system in use to make sure spray heads are not watering any hard surfaces.
If you have questions about outdoor watering requirements or winter irrigation system use, please email the Water Conservation team or call 817-392-8740.