My Return to the Water Gardens

Trip to the water gardens

When I first found out we were having a class down at the water garden I was immediately excited. I have only been to the water gardens once and I remember it fondly. It was freshman year before school had started. I signed up for Casa C frog camp, which is the one based in the Fort Worth area. Since I live in Massachusetts, frog camp was only the second time I’d ever visited the Fort Worth area. I think it was one of the last days of frog camp that we were scheduled to go to the water gardens. If I remember correctly, it was meant to be a shorter event before we all came back together as a camp and discussed the week. Even though it was scheduled as a minor event in the day I think it was one of my favorite parts of frog camp. I was very confused when they said we were going to the “water gardens.” To be honest I really had no idea what to expect. I assumed that it was going to be like a few fountains or something in downtown Fort Worth or something similar to the fountains in Sundance square. When I first walked up to the park I thought it was kind of in a weird area. In downtown Fort Worth near a highway on ramp is not the most scenic area for a place called the “water gardens.” As you enter the park, however, you seem to leave the city and enter an oasis within the metal jungle. As you go farther into the park the noise of cars leave and all you hear is water. Its an interesting feeling going from downtown to feeling like your in a park. When I first walked up to the main water fountain I was in awe. It was more than just a fountain. It was something completely different. It was like a giant waterfall in the middle of the city. Even though we were only there for roughly an hour it was fun walking around the fountain and feeling the mist in the heat of the summer.

 As Dr Williams explained that we would be going there for a class I was overfilled with joy. Thoughts of that day at frog camp immediately came back. As the weekend came to an end the monday we were scheduled to visit the water gardens had finally come. My class prior to Lit and Civ had been canceled so I was able to leave my house a little early. When I pulled up to where the park was I soon remember the “concrete jungle” that the park was settled in. As I tried to find parking I looked around and remembered how strange of a location this park was in. It took a solid 10 minuets until I found a parking spot within walking distance from the water gardens. I was about 50% sure I was not allowed to park there but I was tired of driving around. So, with my car most likely going to get a ticket, I set out on my adventure to the water gardens. I crossed two major roads and entered the park. This time, however, I entered from a different area than when I visited during frog camp. This time I entered from the far side of the park and walked by two fountains that I did not recognize. One had several small mist fountains all coming together to form a misty collaboration in the middle. The other fountain was a small pool where the water ran down the walls of the pit that it was positioned in. I did not remember either of these fountains from my first trip. I think I was too over whelmed by the main fountain structure that I did not venture off into the park to explore. As I continued into the park I saw my other classmates sitting by the main fountain. I walked up and saw what I had remembered as the waterfall oasis in the concrete jungle. It was just as glorious as I remembered it. The large waterfalls running down the rock siding and emptying out into the bottom pit. As I sit there with the rest of my class I felt at peace. I don't know what it is about listening to the sound of running water but it is extremely calming. After awhile the class ventured down into the pit where the water was emptying into. I walked down and found an area to sit down and just listen to the water flow. The sound of water filled my ears and I was able to reflect about life and other issues that where affecting my life at the moment. I also thought how strange it is how quickly time passes. I have already been at TCU for two whole years. Two years ago I was a freshman straight out of high-school and now I am more than half way finished with my college career. Just like the water in the fountain time flows on not waiting for anything or anyone. After about 15 minuets the class had started going back out of the pit so I followed. As the class came to an end I reflected about how I came here two years ago and here I am again, hopefully wiser and more mature. Overall the trip to the water garden was very enjoyable. It brought back memories, allowed me to reflect, and allowed me to get away from the hustle in my everyday life.