Purple will forever be TCU’s color, but get ready for green complements.
TCU’s Campus Master Plan calls for a more vibrant, connected, walkable campus. That
translates into more outdoor gathering spaces, pedestrian friendliness and a potential
link to the Trinity River’s trail network. While the river and its trails are less
than one mile from TCU, there currently is not a good connector for pedestrians and
cyclists.
“Right now, we have a very walkable campus, but that falls apart at its edges,” Jason
Soileau, associate vice chancellor of planning, design and construction, explained.
Creating a series of open spaces and trails along the eastern edge of TCU would make
it relatively easy to link the campus to Forest Park, the Fort Worth Zoo and multiple
neighborhoods near the trails.
“This is one of the seven big ideas behind our master plan,” Soileau said. “A green
network will add more open spaces, known to enhance mental well-being and promote
physical fitness and collaboration. Simultaneously, this will give us an opportunity
to address stormwater challenges.”
A number of floods have occurred on the east side of campus after heavy rain in recent
years, leading the city to study ways to mitigate stormwater issues, Soileau explained.
“As we continue to build new spaces that enhance the academic and student life experiences,
the master plan gives us a chance to create additional recreational space while addressing
the stormwater challenges,” Soileau said, noting that TCU is working closely with
the city of Fort Worth on ways to better manage the stormwater.
The current proposal calls for converting two blocks that are on TCU- and Brite Divinity-owned
property near Forest Park Boulevard and McCart Avenue into landscaped open spaces.
These will provide recreational space for the community, while certain portions will
be designed to flood when needed to help mitigate flooding elsewhere.
Another key strategy of the master plan that will tie into the connected campus concept
is the redevelopment of east campus and Berry Street.
“We want to make Berry Street a place to be,” Soileau said. Creating a large, landscaped
gateway along Berry Street will provide an informal recreation space. The new parklike-area
will also serve as a visual entry to east campus and function as outdoor event space.
“We’re being very intentional about how and where the green spaces will be to make
for the most pleasant campus experience we can,” Soileau said. “It’s all very achievable
and what people are most excited about.”
Learn more from the Campus Master Plan website and from TCU Magazine. 
