June 28, 2023
Contact: April McCampbell
P: 260-427-6024
C: 260-241-1932
Manager of Communications
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Ground is Broken for Franke Park Renaissance
Phase One of Master Plan to Improve and Expand Park Experiences
Fort Wayne, Ind –Mayor Tom Henry, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel, community leaders, funding partners along with Indiana Department of Natural Resources (INDR) and Great Lakes Commission representatives celebrated the beginning of phase one of the Franke Park Renaissance Master Plan with a ground-breaking ceremony.
The ground breaking follows five years of planning and fundraising with an Advisory Group of major park stakeholders and robust public input. Phase one will include the following highlights:
- New winding, tree-lined entrance from Goshen Road.
- New bridge over Spy Run Creek.
- New enclosed, state of the art, rentable pavilion with capacity for 400 people with parking.
- Paved multi-use trail, thoughtful vehicular circulation and connection to residential neighborhoods in SW corner of park.
- Improvements to the mountain bike and hiking trails.
“The Franke Park Renaissance initiative is one of my favorite projects, and it’s great that we’re able to begin work on this vital effort. Residents and visitors will be able to have a lasting and meaningful experience at our largest park as we build a world-class enhancement for the public to enjoy,” said Mayor Henry. “One of the things that makes Fort Wayne a city like no other is our Parks and Recreation Department.”
“We so appreciate the support for the Parks from the mayor, city council, the Fort Wayne Park Foundation and other funders as we begin Phase One, observes Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel. He continues, “the improvements and expansions of Franke Park will continue to invite everyone to enjoy active and passive recreation while balancing the ecology and implementing best practices for storm water management.”
Coinciding with the Franke Park Renaissance will be the continuation (phase two) of the Spy Run Creek Streambank Restoration with design and construction support from the INDR and funding support from the Great Lakes Commission through their Great Lakes Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Program, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture—Natural Resources Conservation Service under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
Phase one of the Franke Park Renaissance Master Plan is expected to be complete by the end of 2024.
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