Every afternoon in Fort Worth, thousands of students leave school and enter the most vulnerable time of their day.
Between 4 PM and 7 PM, youth crime and high-risk behaviors spike dramatically
not because our young people lack potential, but because they lack safe
Structured Activities
Safe Spaces
Positive Guidance
during those hours.
Historically, parks like Sycamore Park served as the heartbeat of the neighborhood — a place for gathering, sports, recreation, mentorship, and belonging. But without modern amenities such as swimming pools, sports courts, technology hubs, or supervised youth programs, our young people are left to the streets where boredom, peer pressure, and negative influences take over.
Research from national youth organizations shows:
• Peak hours for juvenile crime are 3–7 PM, right after school
• Nearly 1 in 4 youth violent crimes occur during this timeframe
• Communities with strong parks and after-school programs see significant drops in youth crime, truancy, and mental health crises
When we invest in parks, programming, and leadership — we invest in protection, prevention, and a powerful future for our children. Every young person deserves a chance to choose the path that leads to confidence, opportunity, and achievement. Strong parks make that choice possible.
Sycamore Park is one of Fort Worth’s oldest and most historic parks — but right now, it is not equipped to meet the needs of today’s youth. Without equitable investment, our kids pay the price. It’s time to rebuild this park into a place that inspires wellness, creativity, competition, and community pride — especially during the hours when they need it most.
We have an obligation to provide better — because our youth deserve better.
✅ Proposed Solutions and Community Action Plan
A strategic framework to keep youth active, safe, and supported:
1️⃣ Rebuild Public Recreational Infrastructure
• Modernized swimming pool & water park
• Multi-sport courts (basketball, tennis, futsal, pickleball)
• Skate and bike zones
• Walking and fitness trails
• Youth-friendly lighting and seating for safety
✅ Keeps kids engaged on-site and physically active
⸻
2️⃣ Launch Positive Youth Engagement Programs
• After-school sports leagues
• Mentorship & leadership training
• Arts, music, and technology programs
• Fitness/dance/wellness events
• Volunteer service and entrepreneurship opportunities
✅ Builds skills, belonging, discipline, and confidence
⸻
3️⃣ Partnerships That Strengthen Impact
• Texas Wesleyan University student mentors
• YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, faith-based youth ministries
• Local coaches, barbers, businesses, and community groups
• Job training & summer employment pathways
✅ Connects youth to trusted role models and real opportunities
⸻
4️⃣ Community-Led Safety & Support
• Evening volunteer chaperone & park ambassador programs
• Trauma-informed mental health workshops
• Family engagement nights and resource fairs
✅ Creates a safe, supported, watchful environment
⸻
5️⃣ Accountability & Inclusion in City Decisions
• Neighborhood associations involved in every phase of planning
• Transparent communication and sign-off from affected communities
• Data tracking: youth participation, safety improvements, health metrics
✅ Ensures equitable investment and real results
FINAL MESSAGE
A revitalized Sycamore Park is not a luxury — it is a lifeline.
If we provide our youth with a place where they can grow, create, and belong, we reduce crime — and increase possibility. A park is more than playground equipment; it is where the future is shaped.
For Youth
Feature: Johnson invests in mentorship, educational opportunities, and safe environments for young people.
Benefit: Youth gain confidence, leadership skills, and pathways to success, while building stronger ties to their community.
• Mentorship & Leadership: Creating opportunities for young people to learn directly from business leaders, educators, and community role models.
• Education Access: Supporting programs that expand learning, technology access, and workforce training.
• Safe Spaces: Ensuring recreational centers, after-school programs, and youth activities are accessible and welcoming.
• Youth Engagement: Giving youth a voice in decision-making so they can take pride in their neighborhoods.