About The Jack Savell Memorial Nature Reserve

Kinderplatz of Fine Arts, owner of The Jack Savell Memorial Nature Reserve, is a non-profit preschool that is devoted to helping children have excellent learning beginnings. Their goal is to rekindle a love of learning through the rich lessons and beauty of the great outdoors in the greater Fort Worth community. Named after Jack Savell, a child of one of the Kinderplatz families, the nature reserve has grown to be a great place for children to learn and play at the same time. With the help of donors, the Nature Reserve will continue their plans to build and improve the space for families and kids. Christopher Morris, another KFA alumnus, earned his Eagle Scout badge improving the grounds, creating trails and benches.

The nature reserve currently contains trails and several natural stump benches. The woods have been used for school activities, such as a reenactment of the story of Peter Cottontail, summer camps, camping, and more.

Project Description & History

Their goals and objectives are to educate visitors on the detriment of too much screen time for children, and the health and wellness benefits of spending time outdoors. They want to provide a place that fosters a love of nature that is rich in educational, thought-provoking activities, and information concerning our environment. They hope to demonstrate and inspire what they can do individually to make a difference in the world. The reserve plans to add more spaces for children to participate in fine arts, gathering areas, and paths throughout the reserve.

Currently, the Kinderplatz Parents Organization of Super Dads take care of the property with regular weed eating, brush trimming, and cleaning. Tragically, in 2017, Jack Savell, the son of the Savell family and KFA alumnus, lost his life. To honor him, families from the school decided to create a memorial pathway, with bricks available for purchase to honor loved ones, as well as a memorial bench.

Community Impact

They hope to shift the overuse of technology and screen time to that of 3D learning, a love of nature, and stewardship that impacts our great earth. They are in the process of developing land, nestled right next to the Trinity River. This land will serve as a nature reserve for current families, alumni, and the Forth Worth community. Future plans include adding restrooms and educational facilities.