Peter Smith Park

Paz Hernandez Park Sign.JPG

   

Dedication

  • 1903

 

Size

  • 0.1 acres

 

Amenities

  • Bike Racks
  • Trash Receptacles

 

Fun facts and History

This downtown park is located on a small (0.1-acre) triangular tract near Fort Worth City Hall and is bounded by Jennings Avenue and Throckmorton Street. It received its name after a bust of John Peter Smith was erected on the parcel. The stone monument was created by Lloyd Bowman, paid for by the citizens of Fort Worth, and installed in March 1906. John Peter Smith (1831-1901) was a pioneer resident of the city who established its first school, was an attorney and businessman, donated land for Oakwood and Hebrew’s Rest cemeteries, and served six terms as mayor.[1]

In 1923, some suggested that the benches in the park be removed because it had become the “Lounging place of the down and outers; trysting place for the boarding house swains; [and] loafers retreat . . .” Park Superintendent George Clarke came to the defense of the park’s visitors by saying it was better for the park to be used than to serve only as an ornament. However, the park was soon reduced to essentially an ornamental status. In November 1926, the City Council approved decreasing the size of the triangle by widening 11th Street and Jennings Avenue by 10 feet to improve traffic flow. The work involved the removal of a horse fountain that was installed near the south end of the park in 1910. The National Humane Alliance [Society] had given the fountain to the City in 1909.

 

View animal, plant and insect species observed at Oakmont Park and make some of your own observations through iNaturalist. See link under the "Related information" Section. 

Reserve this park on ActiveNet

Location

901 Jennings Ave, Fort Worth 76102  View Map

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