100 Years of Foster Park
Friday and Saturday, July 6 and 7
Fort Wayne, Ind--Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Al Moll was joined by Friends of the Parks and Southwest Area Neighborhoods today to dedicate the new sign erected at the entrance to Foster Park in commemoration of the park’s 100th anniversary. The sign was made possible by donations from the Fort Wayne Park Foundation, the Kathy Callen & John Powell Fund and John Oldenkamp.
The grand monument sign is the fourth limestone sign installed to recognize great City parks that serve as a frequent destination for the region.Foster Park was listed as the “most visited park” in a recent needs analysis survey and was voted “Best Local Park” in the Fort Wayne Newspapers Reader’s Picks survey. Rockhill, Lakeside and Swinney parks have also received similar monuments.
“In 2008, we began the process of recognizing parks as they celebrate 100 years as Legacy Parks.FosterParknow joins this elite group,” said Director Moll. “These parks carry history and community commitment that has stood the test of time, a prime example of a Fort Wayne Legacy.”
The other city parks that have reached this centennial milestone are: Old Fort, Moody,Lawton, Swinney, Nuckols Memorial, McCulloch, Ivan Lebamoff Reservoir, Williams, Orff,Lakeside, Rockhill, Weisser, Vesey and Camp Allen.
Dedicating the sign served as a kickoff to a community-wide celebration atFosterParkscheduled for July 6 – 7:
Friday, July 6—KaBOOM! Play Day
5 pm - Family Fun Walk Kicks Off: The whole family is invited to join a fun, fitness walk around Foster Park’s two-mile loop. The first 1,000 walkers will receive free wristbands, and paid participants will be entered into door prize drawings. Pre-register online at www.fortwayneparks.org or you may register the day of the event at4 pm in Pavilion #2. All participants should check in at Pavilion #2 at4:30 pm. Fee: $5 per individual or $10 per household to benefit improvements at the Foster Park Flower Gardens.
6 pm – FREE Community Picnic: The Southwood Park Neighborhood Association is hosting a picnic at Pavilion #1 (the largest pavilion near the volleyball courts). Free-will offering will be accepted to benefit Foster Park Flower Gardens.
6 – 9:30 pm FREE Sports Activities: Open recreational volleyball for all ages on the volleyball courts (6 –9:30 pm); children’s tennis activities (6 – 7:30); Introduction to Pickleball on the tennis courts (7:30 –9 pm).
6 – 8:30 pm FREE Carnival: Kids, come out and play carnival games like the ring toss, basketball toss, fish pond, lollipop tree and much more. And learn about 8 Healthy Habits families can undertake to get fit and healthy with Parkview Health’s LiVe program. Free carnival games and LiVe will be located near the playground
6 – 8 pm FREE Garden Walks: ExploreFosterPark’s beautiful gardens with Lynda Heavrin, Manager of Landscape & Horticulture at Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation. Learn about the floral displays and the history of the gardens.
Saturday, July 7
Foster Park Celebration Scramble: Men, women and children are welcome to participate in this FUN golf scramble filled with prizes and games on the course. Extra prizes for those who dress in period garb such as knickers, bloomers, ties or anything similar to what was worn 100 years ago. You may enter with three others as a four-person team, or individually. Download a registration form at www.fortwayneparks.org or pick up a form at Foster Park Golf Course. Return entries to Foster Park Golf Course. For more information, call427-6735. Fee: $180 per team of 4 / $45 per individual. Registration deadline: July 6. All proceeds will benefit the renovation of Foster Park Golf Course.
· 7:30 am-Registration
· 8:00 am-Greeting and golf clinic conducted by current Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Professional Rick Hemsoth and former professional Bill Miller.
· 8:30-Shotgun Start
· Lunch and awards at finish
“Rediscover Your Parks” Tours: Have you driven past one of our Legacy Parks and always vowed to stop and explore when you had more time, or are you curious about the history of our older parks? If so, this bus tour is perfect for you! Ride along with a knowledgeable guide and explore Swinney, Foster, Lakeside, McMillen and Memorial Parks, as well as Rudisill Blvd. The stops are all part of the historical George Kessler Park and Boulevard System—the first city plan—which is also celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Tour buses will depart from Swinney Park at 10 am and 1 pm. The 10 am tour will return to Swinney Park at approximately noon. The 1 pm tour will stop by the Ice Cream Social at Foster Park for a short time and return to Swinney at approximately 3:30 pm. Fee: $10 per adult / $5 per student / Children 14 and under free / $25 maximum per family. Register online at www.fortwayneparks.org by July 5.
1 – 3 pm Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social: Join neighbors and Friends of the Parks for a hand-dipped ice cream cone and musical entertainment. This event is sponsored by Mr. John Oldenkamp. RSVP to Robin Holley at 260-417-3804 or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by July 5. Donations are appreciated and will go directly to Foster Park projects.
Many thanks to the hard-working volunteers who helped coordinate the celebration, and for donations that will benefit Foster Park. Donations include those made by Kathy Callen & John Powell, Southwood Park Neighborhood Association, Foster Park Neighborhood Association, Patricia Thomson, Kevin & Pam Kelly, Albright’s Meats, Kroger, Vera Bradley, Glenbrook Dodge Chrysler Jeep, Bobick’s Golf Headquarters, Patty Tritch, Illsley Place Neighborhood Association and many smaller contributions.
Donations for the Legacy Trust Fund and Foster 100th Celebration are being accepted online at www.fortwayneparks.org .
