Photo credit: Lynn Fuston

Foster Park 

Size in acres: 255

Since 1912-1932

Foster Park is located at 3900 Old Mill Road, Fort Wayne, IN, 46807. For more detailed location information, check out the General Park Map, Park Map, or Foster Park West- Park Map

Foster Park Detour Map

Foster Park remains OPEN even with the construction around the park!  Before visiting Foster Park, check out the Detour map for access information. 

 
Photo credit: Lynn Fuston


HISTORY
In 1912 Samuel and Colonel David N. Foster and their families donated Foster Park to Fort Wayne. The land extended along the St. Mary's River for some two miles, including wooded areas. The original wooded section contained 67 acres. Shortly after the addition of that land, the Fosters again made a donation. This time, another 40 acres. This extended the park as far as the Stellhorn Bridge. In the early 1920's the Park Board purchased 111 additional acres of land making the park an area of 218 acres, and bringing the park to four miles of river bank.  In the large area the Municipal Golf Course and pavilions were and are located. In subsequent years additional land was added making for a total of 255 acres and Foster Park now also includes:swings and other play equipment, tennis courts, trails, floral areas, a replica of Abe Lincoln's Birth Cabin, and a cable foot bridge among other features. Interesting to note, in 1938 Foster Park Pavilion #3 was built by the WPA.  Work on restoring this pavilion will start in late spring! 

Check out the NEW Ecology Trail Guide of Foster Park produced by Emily Richardson a student at The University of Saint Francis. 

Photo credit: Lynn Fuston

WHAT TO DO

Scroll down for more information about our park features:

Pavilions

Foster Pavilion I: Capacity 336. Open pavilion with a small enclosed kitchen, short distance to community restrooms and playground.

Foster Pavilion II: Capacity 128. Open shelter with four picnic tables. Adjacent to restrooms and playground. For more information check out the Pavilion page.

Foster Pavilion III:

Currently the restoration of Foster Pavilion III is completed. The project is intended to fully and accurately restore the historic stone pavilion in the Foster Park Oak Grove along with landscape improvements, including a new paved trail connecting the pavilion with the Foster Park walking loop, bank clearing along the adjacent St. Marys River to increase visibility, and accessibility improvements. The original rustic-style pavilion was built in c. 1938 by the Federal Works Progress Administration and the current demand for pavilion space in Foster Park has spurred this effort. Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation and Friends of the Parks of Allen County recognize the historic significance of this beautiful open-air pavilion. The restoration, along with other improvements in the park and nearby, will improve connections between Foster Park and park resources and neighborhoods.

Read more about the Fundraising Campaign...
Check out information on Foster #3 Outdoor Enhancements

Golf

The pride of the Fort Wayne Parks Department is Foster Park Golf Course. This 18-hole layout, plays to a par 71. The surrounding park and woods provide an incredible back drop to a challenging course. The course is maintained in excellent condition and with hole locations close to one another the course is easy to walk. Check out www.fostergolfcourse.com for additional information.

Tennis & Pickleball Courts

There are 2 tennis and 6 pickleball courts available.

Incoming Playground

Interested in the Playground Refresh Schedule and a listing of the 10 playgrounds being replaced this spring? 

The goal is to have the 10 playgrounds refreshed by the end of the School Year!     

Bridal Glen

The Bridal Glen may be reserved in two-hour increments beginning as early as 8 a.m. Call 427-6015 for more information.

Floral Area

Foster Park boasts a beautiful floral display each season. Visit it throughout the spring, summer, and fall to delight in a multitude of colors and flora species.

Foster West

Foster West is an extension of Foster Park, located at Winchester Road. Available amenities include:

Restrooms

Restroom is located by the soccer fields for use.

Soccer

Soccer fields are located in the Foster Park west section on Winchester Road.

Pawster Pooch Playground

Pawster Park Pooch Playground is located in Foster West on Winchester Road, just off of Bluffton Road. It is a public facility owned and operated by the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department. All dogs (except female dogs in heat) are welcome to play in the park. All dogs are subject to the rules and regulations, explained on the Pawster web page.

Rivergreenway

If you enjoy running, walking, biking or rollerblading, the Rivergreenway Trail provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy your sport! The loop in Foster Park is approximately 2 miles long or venture to the north or south to go further. Check out the Rivergreenway link for more information.

Community Gardens

If you would like to have a vegetable garden but space is a premium, check out the Foster Community Gardens link for more information. 

Bloomingdale
Size in acres: 11.6

Since 1916

Bloomingdale Park is located at the intersection of Sherman Boulevard & Wells Street. For more detailed location information, check out the General Park Map or Park Map 

History

The land was acquired in 1916 by the Board of Park Commissioners. A replacement for the Wells Street Bridge was proposed in 1978 that would alter the 10 acres of land. Many opposed the new bridge; however it did offer a continuous Rivergreenway park system that would connect the land hopefully in the future by a bike trail.  In the 1980’s the land was developed and used for recreational purposes which would include the Bloomingdale Recreation Council. This council was a part of the Bloomingdale’s Neighborhood services which offered those in the neighborhood living and social services. A summer program in the park was developed during the early 1980’s.

 
WHAT TO DO

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Basketball Courts 

Two basketball courts on the west end of Bloomingdale Park give you and your friends the perfect place to play a pick-up basketball game.  
 

Fishing

Along the Rivergreenway path in Bloomingdale Park, a ramp off the St. Mary's River can give you a tranquil place to fish in a rustic, wooded atmosphere.

Natural Open Space

Bloomingdale Park provides plenty of natural open space for you, your friends and your family to freely roam and enjoy your favorite outdoor activities.It's just one of many stops along our 24-mile Rivergreenway path. If you're feeling ambitious, a bridge along the path allows you to cross over and see the majestic natural beauty of the adjacent Guldlin Park.

Playground

At Bloomingdale Park, your child won't run out of things to do in its playground area.

Franke Park 3411 Sherman Blvd.

Size in acres: 339.4

Since 1921

Franke Park is located at 3411 Sherman Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN, 46808. For more detailed location information, check out the General Park Map or Franke Park Map

A Look Back in Time

Are you curious about the history of Franke Park?  Check out the above video or read about the History of Franke Park here!   



Franke Park Renaissance Project
Franke Park is one of Fort Wayne’s most significant cultural and ecological resources. Established in 1921, the park has served the recreational needs of the community and the region for nearly 100 years. In 1926, Arthur Shurtleff created a “General Plan” for the park featuring curving boulevards, gently meandering paths, open lawn areas, sites for several prominent structures, a lake, and an area for native animals featuring deer, elk, bison and bears. While the plan was never fully implemented, portions of it have formed the park we know today - in particular, the preservation of significant wooded areas, Shoaff Lake, and the creation of one of the finest zoos in the United States. A Treasured Resource and Valued Legacy.  Read more about what is coming for Franke Park!

WHAT TO DO

Scroll down for more information about our park features:  

Pavilions

Franke Pavilion #1   

Capacity: 296  

Franke Pavilion #2                       

Capacity: 128               

Franke Pond Pavilion 

Capacity: 70

More information is available on renting pavilions. Read more on the pavilion web page.

Fishing

Nestled in the midst of Franke Park is Shoaff Lake. A serene body of water, the lake is home to fish and birds of all types. Fishing is allowed with appropriate licenses.

Playground

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There are plenty of opportunities to play on the playground in Franke Park.

Natural Open Space/Trailsing 

Walking/hiking trails run all through Franke Park. Several clearings and natural open spaces are scattered throughout the wooden areas.

To view a map of some of the multi use trails in Franke Park check out: Trail Map Note, these trails are maintained by the 3 Rivers Velo Sport Bicycle Club and are intended for everyone to enjoy. Please wear a helmet.

 

Foellinger Theatre

The Foellinger Outdoor Theatre constructed in 1948-9, was built with donated funds in memory of the late Oscar Foellinger, publisher of the News-Sentinel. Today it houses concerts, rented events and performances (seasonally).


Fort Wayne Children's Zoo




The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo evolved in the mid-1960's from an earlier bird sanctuary and native animal exhibit. Today the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo has become one of the area's finest attractions for adults and children alike!

Franke BMXllin
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The Franke Park BMX is for riders young and old to come and compete, learn, practice and have a great time.

Franke Park Day Camp

Since its inception in 1946, Franke Park Day Camp has provided unforgettable childhood experiences for thousands of area youth. With its strong emphasis on nature education and basic camping skills, Franke Park Day Camp provides an environment which fosters cooperation, problem-solving and socialization as well as the dirty, muddy outdoor fun kids of all ages enjoy! Check out the Day Camp web link or Sign up for camp (offered each summer)

Lions Park

Size in acres: 14.4

Since 1953

Lions Park is located at the intersection of Carew St. and Hazelwood Ave. For more detailed location information, check out the General Park Map or Park Map 

History

Lions Park was a gift from The Central Lions Club of Fort Wayne and has been a Fort Wayne attraction since 1953. Its nearly 15 acres are tucked away in a scenic northside neighborhood not far from Hazelwood Post Office and Fire Station Number 10. The Lion monument was dedicated in memory of Henry and Wilhelmine Franke. 

WHAT TO DO

Scroll down for more information about our park features:

Ball Diamonds

The baseball diamond in Lions Park is a wonderful place to play America's favorite game, baseball. Lions park diamond is available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested in scheduling the ball diamond for a specific event, call Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation at 427-6000.

Basketball

Lions Park's basketball court provides a cozy and comfortable area for you, your friends and your family to play this popular game.

Pavilion/Shelter

The Pavilion in Lions Park is available to rent for any special event or occasion. For more information about rental rates of all park pavilions, go to the Pavilion page.

Playground

A shaded playground area features fun activities for kids of all ages, including a unique rock climbing wall area. 

A new feature added in 2015 is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales, the playground structure has two facades: one side tells the story of the “The Ugly Duckling,” and the other side tells the story of “The Little Mermaid.”
Learn more about The Smart Playground from KOMPAN.

Open Space

Lions Park has a ton of open spaces with benches to enjoy nature.

Tennis Courts

 Lions Park has one tennis court, one half practice court and five pickleball courts available for use.