A new segment in 2023 on WPTA called Walk in the Park 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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walk in the Park: Free Kickboxing sessions offered at Riverfront

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

Walk in the Park: Amazing Winterval Race

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

Walk in the Park: Guided Hikes at Lindenwood Nature Preserve

Walk in the Park: Sweetheart Orchid Display

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

Walk in the Park: Headwaters Park Ice Rink

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

Walk in the Park: The Great Train Connection

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

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

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

Jobs available in 2024 - Current Openings

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

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


Work Where You Play

Theatre  

Theatre Box Office Lead
Theatre Box Office Staff
Theatre House Lead
Theatre Maintenance Lead
Theatre Operations Assistant Manager
Theatre Production Lead
Theatre Technician-Sound
Theatre Technician-Light
Theatre Utility Lead

Theatre Utility Worker
Theatre Front Gate/Parking Lot Lead 
Assistant Manager-Theatre Food & Beverage Operations 
Assistant Manager-Theatre Box Office 

 

Lifetime Sports Academy:

Lifetime Sports Academy Coordinator - Golf (cityoffortwayne.org)

Lifetime Sports Academy Coordinator - Tennis (cityoffortwayne.org)

Lifetime Sports Academy Coordinator (cityoffortwayne.org)

Aquatics:

Pool Staff (non Certified) (cityoffortwayne.org)

Lifeguard (cityoffortwayne.org)

Aquatic Supervisor/Programming (cityoffortwayne.org)

Aquatic Supervisor/Maintenance (cityoffortwayne.org)

Aquatic Center Manager (cityoffortwayne.org)

Botanical Conservatory:

Camp Counselor - Botanical Conservatory (cityoffortwayne.org)

Camp Assistant Supervisor (cityoffortwayne.org)

Maintenance Seasonal-Botanical Conservatory Facility 


Community Center:

Camp Counselor - PODS-Positive Outdoor Days of Summer (cityoffortwayne.org)

Preschool/Youth Sports Coordinator (cityoffortwayne.org)

Preschool/Youth Site Supervisor (cityoffortwayne.org)

Preschool/Youth Sports Instructor (cityoffortwayne.org)

Tennis Instructors (cityoffortwayne.org)

Tennis Program Coordinator (cityoffortwayne.org) 

Weekend/Evening Receptionist/Host (ess)


Park & Play:

Coordinator - Park & Play (cityoffortwayne.org)

Leader - Park & Play (cityoffortwayne.org)

Supervisor - Park & Play (cityoffortwayne.org)


Golf:

Assistant Supervisor-Clubhouse (cityoffortwayne.org)

Supervisor - Clubhouse (cityoffortwayne.org)

Golf Course Maintenance-Utility (cityoffortwayne.org)

Golf Course Maintenance (cityoffortwayne.org)

Golf Cashier/Starter (cityoffortwayne.org)


Franke:

Camp Counselor - Franke (cityoffortwayne.org)


Hurshtown Reservoir:

Hurshtown Attendant 

Assistant Supervisor-Hurshtown 


Upcoming Hiring Events & Job Fairs

East Allen High School Job Fair for Students 

April 19

 

"Be Well" Expo for Sweetwater Sound Employees

May 17



Check back soon for information on  additional Upcoming Hiring events!


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Community Center Youth Programs:

Supervisor - Community Youth Programs (Full Time)

Recreation Coordinator - Weisser Center (cityoffortwayne.org)

Recreation Coordinator - Jennings Center (cityoffortwayne.org)

Recreation Coordinator - Cooper Center (cityoffortwayne.org)

Recreation Coordinator (Jennings/Regular Part-time)

Recreation Coordinator (Weisser/Regular Part-time)



McMillen Community Center:

Recreation Center Coordinator - McMillen (cityoffortwayne.org)

Recreation Center Leader-Team Lead-McMillen (cityoffortwayne.org)

Salomon Farm:
 

Program Coordinator - Salomon Farm (cityoffortwayne.org)

Rental Coordinator-Salomon Farm (cityoffortwayne.org)

Camp Counselor - Salomon Farm (cityoffortwayne.org)

Riverfront:
 

Special Events Coordinator - Riverfront Programs (Seasonal) (cityoffortwayne.org)


Sweet Breeze:

First Mate - Sweet Breeze (cityoffortwayne.org)

Docent - Sweet Breeze (cityoffortwayne.org)

Captain - Sweet Breeze (cityoffortwayne.org)

Sweet Breeze Deck Hand (cityoffortwayne.org)


Maintenance:

Maintenance Seasonal - Utility/Security Person (cityoffortwayne.org)

Maintenance Seasonal - Facility (cityoffortwayne.org)

Maintenance Seasonal - Grounds (cityoffortwayne.org)

Maintenance Seasonal - Forestry (cityoffortwayne.org)

Maintenance Seasonal - Operations (cityoffortwayne.org)

Maintenance Seasonal - Horticulture (cityoffortwayne.org)

Maintenance Seasonal - Riparian (cityoffortwayne.org)

Heavy Equipment Operator (cityoffortwayne.org)

Maintenance Technician II-Electrician (cityoffortwayne.org)

**RE-POSTING** Maintenance Seasonal - Horticulture (cityoffortwayne.org)

Maintenance Seasonal - Forestry (cityoffortwayne.org)

Maintenance Seasonal-Facility

Maintenance Seasonal-Grounds

Maintenance Seasonal-Operations

Maintenance Seasonal-Utility/Security


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Check back in the Spring of 2024 for Additional Summer Jobs in these FUN areas!

If you are looking for a job for the summer of 2024-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 virtual activities for you!  Stay safe. 

 

 

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 87 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 2023 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)
Parks Comprehensive Plan
Riparain Management Plan
Shading Our City Plan
National Historic Registry
The Memorial Park Task Force Recommendations Report


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. This proposed plan was developed in coordination and partnership with a neighborhood steering committee comprised of representatives from the area surrounding the park. The proposed 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.

The Board of Park Commissioners will consider adoption of this master plan at their February monthly meeting.

Please send any comments to the Deputy Director of Planning and Redevelopment, Alec Johnson, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 260-427-6425 (direct).



Franke Renaissance Park 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 is under construction, 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.
  • A state-of-the-art, year-round pavilion is also under construction. While its beautiful architecture will be reminiscent of historic features in the park, it will also introduce soaring views of the natural beauty surrounding it. The multi-use pavilion will have a grand view of the park, will be the largest pavilion in our park system, and will expand recreational programs and rental capacity to 400+ people.
  • A second phase of the restoration of Spy Run Creek will begin construction early 2024.  This project will stabilize failing streambanks, increase flood storage, and provide ecological benefits through improved water quality and animal habitat, in addition to increasing the recreational value of the stream. 
  • Phase I Project Budget = $20 million 

Franke Master Plan


Moody Park Redevelopment


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Moody Park Master Plan: Completed and adopted by the Board of Park Commissioners. Currently in fund-raising phase.  

Check out the: Moody Park Redevelopment plan



Packard Park Redevelopment Plan

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Packard Park Redevelopment is underway; the design team is in the process of completing construction documents based on the Packard Park Master Plan developed by Park’s Planning staff in coordination with the surrounding neighborhood.  Construction is expected to begin in mid 2024; the newly renovated park 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
 
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Brewer Park Redevelopment is underway; the design team is in the process of completing construction documents based on the Brewer Park Master Plan developed by Park’s Planning staff in coordination with the surrounding neighborhood. Construction is expected to begin in mid 2024; the newly renovated park 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. We anticipate final master plan adoption to be completed late Spring 2024.

 

 If you are looking for a planning document that is not listed, please contact Alec Johnson, 260-427-6425.

 

 

 

The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department will be applying for a Gold Medal from the National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA) again very soon.  As we go about this process we want to keep you informed.  Thanks for the tremendous support you have demonstrated for the department over the years!

 

Pictures representing Downtown Redevelopment in the past year:

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 Downtown living has increased significantly, thanks to redevelopment for apartments, restaurants and entertainment.

 

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One of the oldest sections of downtown, the Landing, was under construction through 2018-2019.  Note the new commissioned mural by the Fort Wayne Public Art Project: http:visitfortwayne.com/art/publicart   

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This picture is of the Landing before completed and the official grand opening in October of 2019.  For more information, please visit: http:visitfortwayne.com/thelanding 



Master Plan


Are you curious about the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department's Master Plan?  If so, you may want to review the plan.
Master Plan (2018-2022)
Master Plan Summary (2018-2022)
Comprehensive Plan Summary 



Program Brochures

Quarterly we produce the Fun Times publication.  The Fun Times is our most comprehensive marketing piece covering virtually everything we offer in this community.

Check out the current Fun Times Brochure

Drone Technology

The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department has 2 certified Drone pilots on staff.  The use of Drone technology allows for videos and pictures of parks from different perspectives.  A few photos are showcased below: 


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Conservatory Connector  
The drone operator was able to take video and still pictures as construction progressed at the Botanical Conservatory’s walkway connecting it to a stairtower (gray roof).

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Cyclocross Tournament 
Big events are spread over large areas of park land, making it impossible to see what is happening on the ground. Our drone allows us to see events like this mountain bike tournament.

 

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Damage to field
During a very rainy season the drone pictures provided an overview of severe damage that was done to a playing field.

 

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Flooding of St. Marys River
Fort Wayne’s rivers are known to flood frequently, and the drone allows us to see how extensively our parks are flooded. In this case, the St. Marys River flooded a large swath of Foster Park Golf Course.

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McMillen Aquatics Center
Drone photos like this (of an aquatic center) provides wonderful views of facilities that may be unknown to potential users. They can see these photos online, and our marketing staff can use them to promote our programs.

 

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New Roof-large pavilion
Photos and video of the new roof on a large pavilion provided a safer and faster way for our staff to observe this extensive project.

 

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Salomon Historic Farm


 

 

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Upcoming Events

Bunny Tales in the Garden
29 Mar 2024  10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday Heritage Concerts
14 Apr 2024   2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Color in Motion
16 Apr 2024  10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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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