Promenade Park
202 W. Superior Street
Open: 6 am-11 pm daily
Learn more about the Riverfront
Promenade Park, the first phase of our transformational Riverfront Fort Wayne Project is now open! Highlights of the opening weekend included the ribbon cutting and various arts performances, boating and recreation as well as nature and our rivers’ ecosystem activities.
Follow us on social media and sign up for the newsletter at RiverfrontFW.org to stay current on updates!
The Grand Opening Celebration was held for Promenade Park August 9-11, 2019. Approximately 35,000 people came to visit the park that weekend. Park visitors continue to visit the park and enjoy all the amenities the park offers! Please check out the Park Amenity list and Parking Map to learn more about the park. Feel free to visit daily from 6 am-11 pm!
Volunteers needed for the Promenade Events
We are busy planning events for Promenade Park and we need YOU! If you can volunteer, please contact Megan Butler at 260.427.6248.
PNC Playground
The PNC Playground is a fully accessible playground to be enjoyed by all! Do you have questions about the PNC Playground?
Please note, to ensure public safety, all park areas north of the St. Marys River, including the north dock and PNC Playground, will be closed while the Parkview Treen Canopy Trail is closed to complete scheduled updates to the structure. It is anticipated that the north part of the park will remain closed through the end of February 2020 as the work is completed.
Boat Tours
Boat Tours are offered through the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department (learn more) and through Sweet Breeze (check out Friends of the Rivers web site for additional information). Boat Tours will be offered seasonally. Check back in the spring for information on 2020 tours!
Doermer Kids' Canal
The Doermer Kids' Canal is a popular draw for both the very young and old alike. The Doermer Kids' Canal has been turned off for the season. Check back in the spring for opening information.
Rental Opportunities in Promenade Park
Generally, the spaces available for rent in Promenade Park are the Park Foundation Pavilion (inside and outside), Auer Lawn and Sweetwater Band Shell East, Old National Bank Plaza and Sweetwater Band Shell west, and the historic Wells Street Bridge. The only space that is entirely covered, and therefore weather-proof, is the indoor portion of the Park Foundation Pavilion.
Additional information about Rental Opportunities at Promenade Park is now available.
Please contact Megan Butler, Program & Events Manager, 260.427.6248 to inquire about dates available for your next gathering.
Fun & Games
At Promenade Park there are 3 Ping Pong Tables, 2 Cornhole games and 1 Foosball table for your enjoyment!
Promenade Park Lease Agreement with Trubble Brewing
Fort Wayne, Ind. – At their monthly meeting on Friday, February 15, the Fort Wayne Board of Park Commissioners signed a lease agreement with Trubble Riverside LLC for the dining facility in the new Promenade Park, which is set to open to the public August 9. Trubble Riverside, which operates Trubble Brewing, will manage the Trubble Riverside Cafe and Tap in the Park Foundation Pavilion inside Promenade Park, the first phase of the Riverfront Fort Wayne development project.
Learn more about Trubble Riverside Cafe and Tap at www.trubblebrewing.com.
Riverfront Revival
In the 2000s, Northeast Indiana’s residents began to recognize the importance of our rivers again.
Mayor Tom Henry established Legacy Fort Wayne in 2011 to guide the spending of approximately $75 million through the Light Lease Settlement and Fort Wayne Community Trust funds. The Mayor solicited hundreds of ideas from the community on how best to utilize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the desire for riverfront development rose to the top of the list.
With the public’s overwhelming support, Mayor Henry commissioned a comprehensive Riverfront study. Throughout the process, thousands of residents completed surveys, attended events, heard presentations, shared their ideas and even experienced the rivers themselves with riverboat excursions and Dragon Boat races.
In 2015, a conceptual plan was drawn up and shared with the community. Fort Wayne City Council approved $6 million in funds for Riverfront work, including maintenance, development and events. Mayor Henry formed a Riverfront Implementation Committee to guide the project, and the city hired Riverworks Design Group to take the conceptual plan and develop schematic designs.
This led to Phase I of Riverfront Fort Wayne which was completed and opened to the public on August 9th, 2019.
Additional information is now available on Phases II and Phases III of Riverfront Development
Promenade Park Sculpture
Mayor Tom Henry and Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel officially unveiled the first piece of Promenade Park to the public on July 26, 2019. “Convergence, Linda Howard, 2018, presented by the Waterfield Foundation” sits on the southeast corner of Promenade Park, near the intersection of Superior and Harrison streets. Mayor Henry and McDaniel shared their excitement for the sculpture, especially as it means the opening of the first phase of Riverfront Fort Wayne is getting closer. Read more...
Little Creek Bioswale
What is the Little Creek Bioswale? Learn more...
This project is partly funded by:
Calendar
We're lighting up the river with year-round programs. Check out the on-line calendar for information on Fall and Winter programs including: Young Naturalist Series, Riverfront Citizen Science, Riverfront Walking Tours, Wednesday's Walkers, Picture Time with Santa, Winter Cozy, Riverfront Educational Series, Confluence Kitchen: Featuring the Culture of Japan, Sundays on the Riverfront, Family Game Night, Dance Promenade, Speak, Sing or Wing, Dog Sweater Day, Riverfront Clean Ups and much more!
Park Foundation Pavilion
The Fort Wayne Park Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce its support of Promenade Park by raising funds for the construction of the Park Foundation Pavilion. With generous contributions from area foundations and individuals, the Foundation raised $1,000,000 which was generously matched with $500,000 from the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne. In addition, the Park Foundation pledged $150,000 from its unrestricted endowment funds to support the project.
Check out the News Release for additional information or the Riverfront web site!
Ready to find out more about how to reserve the Park Foundation Pavilion for your event? Please contact Megan Butler, 260.427.6248.
Riverfront Endowment Donations
The Fort Wayne Park Foundation invites families to become a part of local history by supporting Promenade Park. A gift of $500 will be recognized with an inscription on a Greenscape Step within the Park. It's similar to buying a brick. The purpose of this campaign is to create a legacy endowment for Promenade Park. The Promenade Endowment will help support improvements, updates and programming along the rivers, and will be operated by the Fort Wayne Park Foundation, a nonprofit charity. All donations are tax-deductible and can be made securely at the Park Foundation website. Learn more: https://fwparkfoundation.org/product/donate/
Donations
Donations are needed for Promenade Park for an on-going maintenance endowment. Individual donations may be given on-line. For corporate donations please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Manager of Information & Development, at 260-427-6024.
