Parks - Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation

Sensory Events

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Calm Water Sensory Tent

Riverfront Fort Wayne’s Calm Water Sensory Tent is a mobile sensory room designed to mimic stationary sensory rooms used for individuals with autism, dementia, sensory processing disorders, and more. The individual’s experience in the tent is entirely customized and targets sensory seeking or avoidant needs. Adult supervision is required. Stays in the tent last 15 minutes and time slots are on a first come, first served basis during events. For questions, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Calm Water Sensory Tent is proudly sponsored by AWS Foundation.

The Calm Walter Sensory Tent will be available at special events held throughout the year.

Podcast on Special Inclusive Programming

Check out a podcast with Riley Hollenbaugh, Riverfront Program and Events Manager, as he discusses special inclusive programming this winter at Promenade Park.

Paint with a Purpose: Family Art & Sensory Expo

Sunday, June 23, 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Park Foundation Pavilion

Promenade Park, 202 W. Superior St.

Riverfront Fort Wayne and Mental Health America of Northeast Indiana have partnered to bring you Paint with a Purpose: Family Art and Sensory Expo, an event that combines family fun and wellness. This FREE and inclusive event features activities and booths hosted by organizations who facilitate education and sensory-friendly fun! Mark your calendars now for this day filled with art, play, and access to resources in our community that offer sensory and adaptive services. While the expo is free to attend, additional activities may have costs.

Additional Resources

Riparian News

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The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department has initiated a riparian management plan that will improve and protect the shoreline and water quality for generations to come.

View the City of Fort Wayne's Riparian Management Plan

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Riparian photos before/after a portion of Bloomingdale Park was worked on.

Riparian photo of the Great Tree Canopy Comeback

Volunteers Needed for Riverfront Cleanups (Riparian Management)

If you would like to participate in a Riverfront cleanup, please sign up online to find the scheduled time that works best for you.

If you have a group of 10 or more volunteers, please contact KayeC Jones at 260-427-6408 to arrange a cleanup for your group.

Volunteers will clip honeysuckle limbs from bushes, cut down the remaining trunks with handsaws and carry the brush to an area in the park. All tools and work gloves will be provided. The honeysuckle stems are not prickly and the brush isn’t heavy. This is a family-friendly activity so children are welcome, too. Please dress for the weather! Close-toed shoes, like tennis shoes, are recommended.

Thanks to over 2,122 volunteers who have dedicated 8,991 volunteer man-hours by removing 90 tons of invasive species and more than 38,288 pounds of trash from banks and waterways. The volunteer investment saved the city a total of $171,014 to date!

Pictures of Before/After Work

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