A new segment was started in 2023 on WPTA called Walk in the Park!  This program highlights teachable moments from classes, interesting park amenities and news to help connect residents to parks, trails, recreation centers and programs where they can fulfill their health and wellness goals.  Listed below are the links to the segments that have been highlighted:


Spring 2025:

Walk in the Park: Color in Motion and Bunny Tales at the Botanical Conservatory

Walk in the Park: Jobs at the pool

Walk in the Park: Children's Book Swap and Sale at the Community Center

Walk in the Park: Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation golf courses

Walk in the Park: Spring Celebration

Walk in the Park: Fort Wayne Parks playground funding

Walk in the Park: Growing Nutritional Greens Indoors with Salomon Farm Park

Winter 2025:

Walk in the Park: Open Gym for preschoolers

Walk in the Park: Stargazing Night Hikes

Walk in the Park: Headwaters Ice Rink $1 Days

Walk in the Park: Winterval

Walk in the Park: Headwaters Park Ice Rink

Fall 2024:

Walk in the Park: Unity Lighting at McKinnie Commons

Walk in the Park: Adult athletics at McMillen Park Community Center

Walk in the Park: Take a Hike Day

Walk in the Park: Lindenwood Nature Preserve 

Walk in the Park: Veterans' Breakfast & Bingo

Walk in the Park: Spirit of History Walking Tour

Walk in the Park: Halloween events

Walk in the Park: Plant Education

Walk in the Park: Active Aging Week

Walk in the Park: Riverfront Fort Wayne’s Confluence Kitchen

Walk in the Park: Fort Wayne Bonsai Club

Summer 2024:

Walk in the Park: Concert on the Farm

Walk in the Park: Bioswales

Walk in the Park: Sweet Breeze Canal Boat Tours

Walk in the Park: Salomon Farm Park-U-Pick operation

Walk in the Park: Foellinger Theatre 2024 Summer Concert Series

Walk in the Park: Creative Construction Challenge

Walk in the Park: Lifetime Sports Academy

Walk in the Park: Fort Wayne pools

Walk in the Park: Park & Play Mobile Rec Unit

Walk in the Park: Riverfront Fort Wayne education

Walk in the Park: Fort Wayne Senior Games

Walk in the Park: Summer jobs at Fort Wayne parks

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Spring 2024:

Walk in the Park: Fort Wayne golf courses

Walk in the Park: Riparian Operation/Volunteers Needed

Walk in the Park: Riverfront Fort Wayne to host "Birds, Bugs and Blooms" event

Winter 2024:

Walk in the Park: Green Thumb Garden Tour hosted by Riverfront Fort Wayne

Walk in the Park: The Great Train Connection

Walk in the Park: Free blood pressure and stroke risk assessment event

Walk in the Park: Headwaters Park Ice Rink

Walk in the Park: Parks & Recreation Seminars at the Community Center

Walk in the Park: Sweetheart Orchid Display

Walk in the Park: Guided Hikes at Lindenwood Nature Preserve

Walk in the Park: Funding for 10 Fort Wayne Park Playgrounds

Walk in the Park: Amazing Winterval Race

Walk in the Park: Winter Solstice Ride/Walk/Bonfire

Walk in the Park: Free Kickboxing sessions offered at Riverfront

Walk in the Park: Jennings Recreation Center's Wassail Reunion event

Walk in the Park: Summit City Music Theatre's production of "A Christmas Carol"

 

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Fall 2023:

Walk in the Park: Foellinger Theatre

Walk in the Park: Riverfront/Sensory Expo

Walk in the Park: Great Tree Canopy Comeback

Walk in the Park: Feather Fest

Walk in the Park: Pumpkin Path Display

Walk in the Park: Halloween Haunt 

Walk in the Park: Winter events at Headwaters Park

Walk in the Park: Wild Walkers

Walk in the Park: Holidays at the Botanical Conservatory

Summer 2023:

Walk in the Park: Foraging Wild Edibles

Walk in the Park: Dragon Boat Races

Walk in the Park: An Herban Garden 

Walk in the Park: How to Care for Potted Plants

Walk in the Park: Open Streets 2023

Walk in the Park: Concert on the Farm returns to Salomon Farm Park for 10th year

Walk in the Park: Trek the Trails & Tread the Trails 

Walk in the Park: Sweet Breeze River Tours

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Spring 2023:

Walk in the Park: Playing the Parks

Walk in the Park: Anti-bullying Activity

Walk in the Park: How to Plant a Tree

Walk in the Park: Bubble wrap Sensory Exercise

Winter 2023:

Walk in the Park: The Benefits of Houseplants

Walk in the Park: Sports on the Rise

Walk in the Park: Drop in Programs at the Fort Wayne Community Center

Walk in the Park: Sensory Room Coming Soon

 

 

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Jobs available in 2025 - Current Openings

 

We have openings in many different areas of the Park operation!  Check out the list of jobs below.

Ready to Apply?  Select jobs posted now and others being posted weekly!  Last updated: April 15, 2025.

Check out this episode of Walk in the Park to learn more information about various jobs in the park!

There's also a new blog that goes over some of the new jobs we have to offer!


Work Where You Play

Management:

Hurshtown Reservoir:
Hurshtown Attendant

Salomon Farm:
Rental Coordinator

Community Center:

Tennis Instructor

Preschool/Youth Site Supervisor

Preschool/Youth Sports Coordinator

Preschool/Youth Sports Instructor (16+)

 

Lifetime Sports Academy:

Coordinator LSA

Tennis Instructor LSA

Golf Instructor LSA


Park & Play:

Supervisor Park & Play

Leader Park & Play


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McMillen Community Center:

Recreation Center Team Leader-McMillen

Recreation Center Coordinator-McMillen (16 +)

Program Facility Coordinator-McMillen


Youth Center Programming

Recreation Center Coordinator- Weisser (16 +)

Recreation Center Coordinator- Cooper (16 +)

Recreation Center Coordinator- Jennings (16 +)

Program Facility Coordinator-Jennings Center (cityoffortwayne.org)

Recreation Coordinator-Weisser (Regular Part-time)


Riverfront:
 

Special Events Coordinator-Riverfront (cityoffortwayne.org)

Maintenance Seasonal-Riverfront

 

Maintenance:

Project Management Technician

Maintenance Seasonal- McMillen Facility

Maintenance Seasonal Grounds

Maintenance Utility/Security

Grounds Equipment Operator

Park Person C Facilities


Aquatic:

Lifeguard (16+)

Pool Staff (16+)

Aquatic Center Manager

Aquatic Supervisor Maintenance


Golf:

Golf Course Maintenance

Golf Cashier/Starter (16+)


Franke Day Camp:

Camp Counselor - Franke


Botanical Conservatory:

Maintenance Seasonal-Conservatory Gardener


Sweet Breeze:

 

Foellinger Theatre:

Foellinger Theatre Food & Beverage Operations Assistant Manager

Assistant Manager, Foellinger Theatre Box Office

Foellinger Theatre Operations, Assistant Manager

Foellinger Theatre Utility Lead

Foellinger Theatre Technician Sound/Light

Foellinger Theatre House Lead

Foellinger Theatre Box Office Lead

Foellinger Theatre Production Lead

Parking Lot Lead

Foellinger Theatre Box Office Staff

Foellinger Theatre Server/Utility Worker

 

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Check back SOON for Additional Jobs in these FUN areas!

If you are looking for a job-be sure to check out the video and listen to the JOBS PODCAST to learn about the variety of job offerings that we will feature.   



 


 

Check out various individual job videos to learn more!

 

Ready to Apply?  Select jobs posted now and others being posted weekly!

 

 

 

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We created a new link so you can be up on the latest FUN we are rolling out this summer!  Whether you are at HOME or on the GO...we want you to know we have FUN ways you can enjoy the Parks!

Be sure to visit this link often as we will be updating with new activities for you!

Go play some golf!
Want to get out of the house in the summer months? Head out to one of our golf courses!

Lindenwood Story Time - Tidy
Join us for a fun nature-themed story called Tidy!

Mah Jongg at the Community Center

Did you know there's more to Mah Jongg than what you've played on your computer? Learn a little more about the game and be sure to check out our Mah Jongg programs at the downtown Community Center

HIIT Workout

Dmitri Gholston from the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Youth Centers takes you through a High Intensity Interval Training session.

Reset Your Life with Essential Oils

This video gives you a special glimpse at some of the information you can learn when you attend one of our Essential Oils programs at the downtown Community Center!

Cooking with Salomon Farm- Beef Mac and Cheese

Jasmine from McMillen Park Community Center joins Kellie from Salomon Farm Park to present a tasty recipe that you can make from some of the ingredients included in the McMillen Backpack program.

Flashback Friday - Franke Park Day Camp

Chris Freehill gives a brief history lesson about the 75 year legacy of Franke Park Day Camp which was celebrated in 2022. 

Tap Dance Demonstration

Did you know Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation offers a Tap Dance class? Here's a short demonstration of the class from one of the local dance group The Alley Kats!

Craft: Hoop Flyer

Joel from the Community Center shares a fun flying craft!

How to Pick Zinnias

Learn how to pick Zinnias so that the plant can generate more blooms in this Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation video tutorial.

ABC Exercise

Join Kim for another round of ABC Exercise!

Flashback Friday – Franke Park

In this Flashback Friday video, we take a look at the history of Franke Park, the largest of Fort Wayne's 89 parks.

Tai Chi Demo

Community Center instructor Sandy Gebhart shares a demonstration of her Tai Chi classes.

How to Keep Flowers Fresh

Larry and Eden teaches us simple tips to keep your blooms looking their best! 

Cardio Flex Fitness

Community Center Fitness Instructor Kim Labenberg takes you through her Cardio Flex class.



Flashback Friday-Jennings Recreation Center
Curious about the history and mission of the Jennings Recreation Center?  Learn more by watching the video!

Monday Luncheons

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In the Community Center we have Luncheons every month!


Virtual Nature Story Time featuring Hotel Bruce

We would like to present our first virtual Nature Story Time! We look forward to resuming our usual story time sessions at Lindenwood in the future, but for now, we hope you enjoy this recording of Hotel Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins.


TP Kazoo Craft


 Joel has a new craft for the kids today! 

ABC Exercise

Join Kim in this virtual class for exercise FUN!


FitLot Tour

Join Kim as she takes you on a FitLot tour of our new outdoor FitLot at the Community Center (233 W. Main Street).  Learn more....

Knitting at the Community Center

Join us for a quick look at one of our Knitting classes at the downtown Community Center.

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Outdoor Challenge

Take advantage of some fresh spring air and take on these outdoor challenges! Outdoor Challenge

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Interested in hiking? Take a walk on the wild side! Click here to see our 2024 Schedule!

Still Here, Always FUN, Going Strong!

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Various planning documents are now available on this link:

Cultural Landscape Reports
Park Master Plan (2023-2027)
Riparian Management Plan
Shading Our City Plan
National Historic Registry
The Memorial Park Task Force Recommendations Report
Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Plan

Be sure to check out City of Fort Wayne On The Move with Councilwoman at Large Michelle Chambers Episode 4: Parks & Recreation  She speaks with Steve McDaniel, Director and Alec Johnson, Deputy Director of Planning about all things Parks & Recreation! 


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Did you miss the Treeline District Open House.  Check out the Press Release  or Engage Fort Wayne link to learn more. If you have questions you can contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

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Foster Park Entrance Design: Check out theEngage link or the Press Release to learn more. Questions?  Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

 


Individual Park Master Plans


Hanna Homestead Park Master Plan

 

HANNA HOMESTEAD MASTER PLAN 12 11 2023

 
Following a year of planning and public input, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce that the proposed Hanna Homestead Park Master Plan has been completed and approved by the Board of Park Commissioners earlier in 2024.  The plan was developed in coordination and partnership with a neighborhood steering committee comprised of representatives from the area surrounding the park. The plan is a response to the committee’s desire to thoughtfully make needed improvements to this beloved neighborhood park.

The plan view illustration identifies all components of the proposed plan.

The master plan includes the following improvements:

  • A new, rentable park pavilion
  • Large plaza space flanking the pavilion, for neighborhood festivals and rentals
  • New 2 to 5 year old and 5 to 12 year old playground with safety surfacing
  • New interactive water feature
  • New full-sized and kid’s sized basketball courts with player benches
  • A full perimeter, paved walking loop
  • New landscaping and shade trees throughout
  • New site lighting
  • New seating to include benches and seat walls
  • A central public art piece reflective of the neighborhood culture and spirit
  • New signage including two entry arches

While this plan is not currently funded, we believe this proposed master plan sets the vision for future redevelopment of Hanna Homestead Park should funding be secured.

Please send any comments to the Deputy Director of Planning/Development, Chad Shaw at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 260-427-6027 (direct).



Franke Park Renaissance Groundbreaking/progress

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Franke Park Renaissance is the first phase of a Centennial master plan to restore/renovate Fort Wayne’s largest park and also meet the needs of today’s citizens. This 2019 plan was made as we prepared to celebrate for the 100th anniversary of Franke Park in 2021. With statistically valid input from stakeholders (neighbors, BMX, mountain bikers and users of the Children’s Zoo, Foellinger Theatre and Day Campers), 1,400 surveys, 4,000 unique project website visitors and numerous open house guests, our department created a three-phase master plan. The resulting plan and components of Phase I include:

  • A new entrance off of Goshen Avenue to accommodate vehicular and pedestrian access has been complete, along with a new bridge spanning Spy Run Creek. The road leads to the highest and most prominent point in Franke Park. This opens up an underused area of the park for a growing population with increasing needs for more recreational opportunities. Read more....
  • A state-of-the-art, year-round pavilion was officially opened in December. While its beautiful architecture is reminiscent of historic features in the park, it also introduces soaring views of the natural beauty surrounding it. The multi-use pavilion has a grand view of the park, and is now the largest pavilion in our park system, and expands recreational programs and rental capacity to 400+ people.  Available to book now for rentals starting January 2, 2025. 
  • A second phase of the restoration of Spy Run Creek has been completed.  This project stabilized the failing streambanks, increases flood storage, and provides ecological benefits through improved water quality and animal habitat, in addition to increasing the recreational value of the stream. 
  • Phase I Project Budget = $22.9  million 

Franke Master Plan

Moody Park Redevelopment

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Moody Park Master Plan: Completed and adopted by the Board of Park Commissioners.    

Check out the: Moody Park Redevelopment plan



Packard Park Redevelopment Plan


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Groundbreaking for Packard Park took place in late 2024, with construction to take place over the next several months.  Completion and reopening of the park is anticipated to take place in late spring 2025.  It will feature:

  • Two new playgrounds, event lawn and event plaza
  • A 1/8-mile perimeter walking path. New pedestrian connections to the neighborhood.
  • Significant landscaping improvements including planting of shade trees, ornamental trees, and general landscape improvements.
  • Opportunities for public art referencing the musical Packard Piano Company history of the property.
  • Project budget = $2 million
  • Check out additional information on the Packard Park Redevelopment on Engage Fort Wayne

Brewer Park Redevelopment

 
Shovel pic at Brewer


Groundbreaking for Brewer Park took place in late 2024, with construction to take place over the next several months.  Completion and reopening of the park is anticipated to take place in late spring 2025.  It will feature:

  • Two new playgrounds with a splash pad, covered pavilion and restrooms.
  • A ¼ mile perimeter walking path. 2 new basketball courts and new pedestrian connections to the neighborhood.
  • Significant landscaping improvements including planting of shade trees, ornamental trees, and a new art garden.
  • Project budget = $2.6 million
  • Check out additional information on the Brewer Park Redevelopment on Engage Fort Wayne
     

The Reservoir Park Master Plan Steering Committee, made up of neighborhood leaders and volunteers,  has established neighborhood goals for the redevelopment of Reservoir Park. Fort Wayne Parks empowered and partnered with the community to hold a series of public input meetings over the last year. The results of that input has been summarized, and verified with the steering committee. Park landscape architects will now take the findings from the public input, weigh those findings against the neighborhood goals and develop a draft master plan. That draft will be shared with the committee for review and comment. Following any revisions, the plan will be finalized, cost estimates completed, and shared with the neighborhood for any final comments before being recommended for adoption by the Board of Park Commissioners..

 

 If you are looking for a planning document that is not listed, please contact  Chad Shaw, 260-427-6027.

 

 

 

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Upcoming Events

Swinney Homestead Open House & Plant Sale
2 May 2025  10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tulip Time in Holland, MI
6 May 2025  12:00 am
Mother's Day Plant Sale
9 May 2025  12:00 am
Lunch and Games
9 May 2025  11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Mother's Day in the Garden
10 May 2025  12:00 am

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Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department  705 E. State Blvd.   Fort Wayne, IN 46805  (260) 427-6000 • Office hours: Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm  parkswebmaster@cityoffortwayne.org