Photo credit: Lynn Fuston
Foster Park
Size in acres: 255
Since 1912-1932
Park hours: 6 am-11 pm daily.
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 remains OPEN even with the construction around the park!
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!
For additional history and photos, check out the Foster history powerpoint!
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:
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.
Playground
Give us your feedback on the Playground equipment! Check out the QR code above.
Check out the Engage Fort Wayne link to learn more about the Foster Park playground project that is now ready for you to enjoy!
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.
