| Irving and Fort Worth Score Huge Upward Moves as Plano Sets New Record and Repeats as Texas’ Top-Ranked City |
On Wednesday, May 20, the nonprofit Trust for Public Land released its annual ParkScore index, which ranks local park systems across the country including the DFW Metroplex! The 2026 ParkScore® index yielded terrific news for area cities, capped by an all-time best performance for Plano and huge upward moves for Irving and Fort Worth. Six of seven DFW Metroplex cities improved their ParkScore ranking this year.
Irving was the nation’s biggest ParkScore’s gainer this year, climbing an impressive 28 spots over last year’s 99th place finish to rank 71st. Irving’s rise was driven by increased investment from the “Let’s Play Irving” initiative, which funded several important projects scheduled for completion in 2026 and 2027.
Fort Worth rose 14 spots to 58th, due largely to new park investment and agreements with the Fort Worth Independent School District to open 77 schoolyards for community use after hours and on weekends. Fort Worth is poised for further improvement due to the passage of Proposition B, the $185 million parks and open space bond, which was approved by voters on May 2.
Meanwhile, Plano’s steady progress on park access and investment drove the city’s ParkScore ranking to 13th, a new all-time high.
