Burnett Park

A Downtown Oasis with History

Dating back to 1917, Burnett Park exists thanks to Captain Burk Burnett, who donated the land to honor his children. The park's original layout was the work of George E. Kessler, a prominent landscape architect who shaped a number of significant public spaces in the early 20th century.

This three-acre green space sits in the heart of downtown Fort Worth, offering a tranquil respite from the urban hustle. Since its founding, it has quietly evolved into a cherished fixture in Fort Worth's cultural landscape, with the Tandy Foundation among those who have sponsored rehabilitation efforts as part of broader initiatives to encourage downtown Fort Worth's revitalization.

Art Meets Nature

The park's distinctive geometric design follows a grid of 24 squares - a layout conceived in 1984 in honor of Anne Burnett (also known as Anne Windfohr Marion), created to honor her mother and grandfather. It creates an interesting blend of structure and greenery that gives the park a more considered feel than your typical urban green space.

If you're wandering near the West 7th Street entrance, you can't miss Jonathan Borofsky's towering "Man With Briefcase" - a 50-foot aluminum sculpture installed in 2002. This polished cut-out silhouette of a fedora-wearing businessman has become something of a local landmark. Directly adjacent to the park is a sculpture garden plaza designed by Isamu Noguchi, the celebrated artist known for his work across sculpture, landscape, and public space. The two spaces together form a meaningful cultural gateway into downtown Fort Worth from the west, and it's worth taking a few extra minutes to take in both as a pair.

What You'll Find

For those looking to relax, Burnett Park offers plenty of seating options - from casual bistro tables to laid-back Adirondack chairs and traditional benches. Mature trees create welcome shade patches, making even summer visits surprisingly comfortable.

If you're bringing kids along, there's a rope jungle gym for climbing adventures (though it might be a bit challenging for the really little ones). For some casual fun, try your hand at the outdoor bean bag toss game. Bookworms will appreciate the little free library box where you can borrow or leave behind a good read.

Seasonal Magic and Community Gatherings

Come December, Burnett Park continues a tradition that dates back to 1937 when the first community Christmas tree was installed. The annual tree lighting has since become a cherished part of Fort Worth's holiday celebrations.

Beyond the holiday season, the park hosts various community events throughout the year. You might catch a family movie night under the stars or stumble upon an evening dance class in progress. Its central location makes it a natural gathering place for community activities.

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Your Visit

Despite being surrounded by downtown energy, the park maintains a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere. It's dog-friendly for leashed pets and welcomes visitors of all ages. While enjoying your time here, you'll also get some nice views of the city skyline and historic buildings nearby.

Maintained by Downtown Fort Worth, Inc., the park is consistently clean and well-kept. If you're driving, street parking is available in the vicinity - just note that you'll need to use the Fort Worth parking app to pay for metered spaces.