What types of programs will you offer this season? 

Our Spring Fun Times is now available!  We are offering many fun and exciting programs for you.  

Please note, the Summer Fun Times will be available on May 8th and registration will start at that time. 


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A few highlights include: Botanical Speedway, Color in Motion at the Conservatory, Sunday Heritage Concerts, Free Seminars, Spring Hikes, Special Interest Classes, Trips & Travel, Sports & Fitness....and Spring FUN for all ages!

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Riverfront FUN!!

Upcoming events include: Sunday Heritage Concert Series, Dance Promenade: West Coast Swing, Fort Wayne Ballet’s Firefly Tour, Be Your Own Artist, Sweet Spring Cookie Decorating, Historical Tie Dye, Kickboxing with 9Round, Yoga on the Riverfront, Petal Picasso: Crafting Masterpieces for Mom, Kickboxing with 9Round, and much MORE! Check out the on-line calendar for information on all of these exciting programs!

 

 

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Color in motion is up next at the Botanical Conservatory!


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What about Golf? I’d really like to get out and play. 


Starting in April, first tee time will be 8:30 am and will continue to get earlier incrementally.

McMillen Park Golf Course (260-427-6710)  

Shoaff Park Golf Course (260-427-6745)       

Foster Park Golf Course (260-427-6735) 

 

treasure of tucany

Treasures of Tuscany trip planned for October 2024!

 
I'd like to take a Day Trip or maybe even contemplate a longer trip?  When can I do this?

We hope to resume our Day travel program in the future. We are, however, offering some extended trips. Check out the Day & Extended Travel link to learn more.

 

Foster walking path


How can I stay connected to you socially? 


You can reach out via our Social Media channels: Facebook, Twitter, YouTubeInstagram, LinkedIn, and our Podcast link. 

 

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What are your park hours? Do they even close? 

All 89 Parks generally remain open (weather permitting).  At times we need to close a park due to storm damage or high river levels. Our park hours are 6 am-11 pm daily. 

 

Shoaff splash pads


Do the spraygrounds close?  


The spraygrounds traditionally open for Memorial Day weekend and close in September (weather permitting) .   All Spraygrounds have now CLOSED for the season.  Check back in May for opening information. 

 

When will the drinking fountains & restrooms be opened for the season?

Drinking fountains and restrooms are currently being opened for the season. By Memorial Day all facilities will be open.  Until that time, please keep this in mind as you plan your next trip to the park.        


I am seeing people not abiding by park rules and I am not sure what to do?

If you notice issues with the public at a particular park please report to the Police Non-Emergency number (260-427-1222) as we rely on the Police for enforcement issues. If it is an emergency, please dial 911.


Lakeside Pavilion

I have a pavilion reservation and I am unsure what to do?

Book a pavilion on-line or call our office at 260-427-6000 if you have questions.  Or you can stop by!   

 

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I have a dog but do not have a dog pass. Can I get one?

Sure!

To obtain a membership to our Dog Parks you may either come into the office with your most recent vet records showing your dog is current on the rabies, parvo and distemper vaccinations or:

Click on this link:  https://eform.acfw.net/lfserver/PawsterParkPoochPlaygroundPass;

Fill out the form and attach your most recent vet records showing your dog is current on the rabies, parvo and distemper vaccinations;

Await a call from the office staff to obtain your credit card information;Stop by the office and pick up your gate key and dog tag

Your dogs will thank you for it!


The membership is $40 and expires on December 31st. If you were to wait until July 1st or after to purchase the membership it is $20. If you have additional questions, just give us a call at 260-427-6000.

 

How do I contact your office? I have other questions that are not covered here.

The Administrative Office (705 E. State Blvd.) is OPEN to the public from Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm. If you prefer, you can reach out to us via phone: 260-427-6000.  


 

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Numerous Ways You Can Enjoy Fort Wayne Parks from Home
Still Here, Always FUN, Going Strong!

Fort Wayne's City Parks are open both in-person and on-line!  

Be sure to visit this link often as we will be updating with new virtual activities for you!  Let us know if you have other ideas for Behind the Scenes tours by commenting on our Talk to Us 2! form or via one of our social media platforms.

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Be sure to check out : FWParks4FUN!  This link has a list of virtual games & activities including, HITT Workout, Reset Your Life with Essential Oils, Crafts Video, and much MORE! Check out this link often for additional activities and visit a park SOON!

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Needing some "summer inspiration"?  Be sure to check out:www.botanicalconservatory.org to get your fill!

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If you need even more "summer inspiration" check out the Lindenwood Facebook page where you will learn more about our natural world!

Salomon cow feeding


Maybe you'd rather "see" animals on a farm?  If so, check out the Salomon Facebook page to learn more about our animals!

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Photo Credit: Visit Fort Wayne

"Visit" one of our 89 Parks!

While you're staying home, you can virtually explore all of our 89 parks and more! 

Come check out our many beautiful parks!

Parks Podcast

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On July 20, 2020 the Parks Podcast featuring guests from our Team was launched.  Recent topics include: Winterval (Patti Davis & Sarah Umbdenstock), On the Water (Eden Lamb & Amanda Black) and much more! Check out our Parks Podcasts link and be ready to listen in as we focus on other areas of the Department.  If you like our Parks Podcasts be sure to check out our Blogs too where you can learn about Salomon Farm Park, Bird Migration, the Great Tree Canopy Comeback, Rock spring break on a budget, our Sweet Breeze Operation and much more!



What about going on a hike at Franke Park Day Camp?  

Join Chris Freehill (Franke Park Day Camp Supervisor)  for a virtual hike to various camp spots including some of your favorites like swinging tree, bloody gorge, bullet hill and more! If you haven't been to camp before this will be a great overview!  
 

"See some of our Parks from the Sky"

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Lakeside Park



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Shoaff Park


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Shoaff Park Golf Course

 

Learn more about our Golf Courses

Get ready for Paddle Trips


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Read the blog on Getting Ready for Summer Paddle Trips now...so you are ready to take your next adventure!

"Visit" Promenade Park

Promenade Park opened August 9-11, 2019.  Take a trip back in time to when it was still being worked on and watch the video. 
Enjoy a virtual look at Promenade Park on April 24, 2020!

Read A "Throwback Thursday" Blog on the Culture of Japan!

Throwback Thursday Culture of Japan


Are you curious about the Japanese culture?  Read a blog on The Culture of Japan.   


Are you ready to "fish"?

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Until you are ready to fish there are a couple of blogs you may enjoy reading!

The Fish of Our Rivers


"Stop by" Lawton Greenhouses

Have you wondered what the Lawton Greenhouses look like inside?  What may be growing this time of year?  If so, you will find the video very intriguing! 

"Visit" Salomon Farm Park for a hike or to visit the animals up close and personal!

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Salomon Farm Park (817 W Dupont Road) is a true historic gem and a perfect location for walking, biking, bird watching and much more. You can now take a virtual hike to explore the property...or "visit" some of our "famous" animals in Animal Enrichment hours where you may just learn a few things you can do at home with your pets too! 

Interested in learning more about Salomon Farm Park? Check out this video of Fort Wayne favorite field being planted: https://www.facebook.com/SalomonFarmPark/videos/708015143385340 back in 2022!


Take a "hike" at Lindenwood Nature Preserve 


Try some Yoga at Home

Have you always wanted to try some yoga but not sure where to start?  Start...TODAY!  Check out additional yoga classes on the Community Center's Facebook link!


If you are not sure you are ready for Yoga...but you could use some basic exercise...  

We are now posting videos of various exercise classes (including Everyday Exercise, Cardio Flex, Sit Down Yoga, Senior Yoga and more)  so if you like this video check out more on the Community Center's Facebook link or if you prefer, check out all of the classes on-line on the Exercise class link!

Have you ever wondered about Essential Oils?

If you've wanted to learn more about Essential Oils and why they are so popular now, check out this video to learn more! 

Check out Winterval!


Check out the Winterval video video and mark your calendar for future Winterval fun in January of 2025

"See" a flashback to the Butterfly Exhibit before it takes FLIGHT!

Enjoy this "flashback" from a previous Butterfly Exhibt set-up.


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Use Google Maps Street View to "walk" through some of our parks!



Google Maps Street View provides a way to “walk” through some of our larger parks while you’re staying home. Just drag the small person icon from the bottom of the screen onto one of the highlighted trails. Once you see the 360 image of the park you can click around the screen for different views, and click the arrows on the trails to move around.

Lakeside: https://goo.gl/maps/6XF5vMYYBywd85LE8

McMillen: https://goo.gl/maps/GqSV3h2ZiRnXPTM99

Foster: https://goo.gl/maps/p5mkjSXbxXMDUpqH7

Headwaters: https://goo.gl/maps/j751vVDKRUnzKHWb9

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History

Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel cut the ribbon on the restored Salomon Farm Homestead on September 5, 2019.   

The Salomon family immigrated from Lahde, Westfalen, Prussia in 1871 and settled where Salomon Farm Park sits today. Many of the projects on this working farm have been completely community funded and supported, including the restoration of the Homestead. Financial support for this project was provided by generous private donors, foundations, and grants. Furnishings are all circa 1930’s family heirlooms gifted to the park from citizens in Fort Wayne and surrounding counties. These heirlooms represent Salomon Farm Park’s and the Parks and Recreation Department’s commitment to protecting and celebrating Indiana heritage.

Citizens now can rent the Salomon Homestead, especially as a compliment to Old Barn wedding parties. Area history programs will utilize the Homestead, and the space will be open for public tours during special events.

Press Release: Ribbon Cutting

Features of the Homestead include:

*Available for rental all year long

*Gorgeous antiqued interior

*Capacity: 25

*Climate controlled (heating and air conditioning)

*Great for small gatherings, birthday parties, club meetings, tea parties, or to have a unique place for your wedding party to get ready for your big day!


Click here for more information about renting the Homestead.


Donor Recognition

 

The Salomon Homestead renovation was possible because of generous donations of several individuals and organizations including:

  • Wilson Foundation
  • English Bonter Mitchell Foundation
  • Spencer Foundation
  • Dekko Foundation
  • Sweetwater Sound
  • And of course, Don and Virginia Wolf, who have been longtime supporters of this park.

 

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Photo Credit: Denny Beck

 

Contact:    Rob Hines

                 P: 260-427-6028

                 C: 260-241-1932

                 Public Information Officer

                 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week of October 21, 2019:

 

Safe Haven Family Fun Night

Thursday, October 24, 6-7:30 pm

McMillen Park Community Center, 3901 Abbott St.

Bring the whole family to McMillen Park Community Center for this FREE night of fun. Enjoy arts and crafts, games, food, and music!

 

Rental Opportunities in Promenade Park 

When you choose Promenade Park as the venue for your event, you’re choosing a space that’s new, exciting, bustling, and scenic. When it opened in August 2019, Promenade Park became the newest city park in Fort Wayne, and quickly rose to become a premier destination for residents and visitors alike.

Boasting amenities such as teds Snack + Bar, the PNC Playground, the Parkview Tree Canopy Trail, and the Sweetwater Band Shell, this is more than just a park – it’s the perfect venue for events of all kind. Contact us today about booking Promenade Park for your next event, and join us as we ensure Riverfront Fort Wayne is Always Moving.

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Promenade Park has multiple spaces for rent that meet different needs and capacities. Explore your options below. (Please note: all capacities are the maximum and we reserve the right to deny rental if a prospective rental may endanger guests or the public, exceed capacities allowed by fire code, may reasonably damage park amenities, etc.)

Park Foundation Pavilion
Wells Street Bridge
Old National Plaza & Sweetwater Band Shell West 
Auer Lawn & Sweetwater Band Shell

Other Rental Opportunities


Ready to book? 

 

 

 

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Upcoming Events

Explore the Trails!
30 Apr 2024   6:00 pm -
Swinney Homestead Open House
3 May 2024  10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Settlers, Inc. Annual Herb and Perennial Plant Sale
4 May 2024   9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Mother's Day Plant Sale
10 May 2024   1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Mother's Day Plant Sale
11 May 2024  10:00 am - 4:00 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