Tillman Park

Size in acres: 70

Since 1966

Park hours: 6 am-11 pm daily.

Tillman Park is located at 600 Tillman Road. For more detailed location information, check out the General Park Map or Tillman Park Map.

History

The ground-breaking ceremonies for the construction of the new Stewart-McMillen Tennis Center at Tillman Park were held on July 22, 1976.  The Center was made possible by at $350,000 gift from the McMillen Foundation, located in Tillman Park, which was an undeveloped 70 acre tract at that time.  The foundation President Harold McMillen stated that the facility be named the "Stewart McMillen Tennis Center" in memory of his brother who died in 1958. The park now contains many popular amenities including the Stewart McMillen Tennis Center.

For additional history and photos, check out the Tillman history powerpoint!

Championship Caliber Disc Golf Course

Tillman Park now offers a championship caliber disc golf course. At a grand opening on July 13, 2018 officials from the disc golf community joined Parks and Recreation Director, Steve McDaniel as they opened the Disc Golf Course at Tillman Park.

The newest disc golf course is a championship caliber course with many par 4’s and some par 5’s as well as the normal par 3’s.  View the Press Release.

Click here to view the full Tillman Park Disc Golf Course map.

Find out more: Fort Disc Golf Club

WHAT TO DO

    

Scroll down for more information about our park features:

Ball Diamonds

Baseball players of all ages can enjoy the well-lit ball diamonds at Tillman Park. For more information on ball diamonds, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Rivergreenway

The path winding through Tillman Park also connects to the Rivergreenway at Foster and farther north to Johnny Appleseed Park.

Playground

Check out the Engage Fort Wayne link to learn more about the Tillman Park playground project!   

Picnicking

Bring the whole family for a picnic in the picnicking area at Tillman Park, featuring several tables in a shaded area.

Tennis & Pickleball Courts

8 dual striped tennis and pickleball courts are now available.

Shoaff Park 

Size in acres: 184.5

Since 1955

Shoaff Park is located at 6401 St. Joe Rd., Fort Wayne. For more detailed location information, check out the General Park Map, or Park Map 

Park hours: 6 am-11 pm daily.

History

Nearly all of Shoaff Park's land was purchased in 1955 with a generous donation by Mr. and Mrs. Fred B. Shoaff.  The Conklin Pavilion was a gift from Mrs. Ella Conklin left to Fort Wayne's residents as part of her last will and testament.  Though Shoaff's most distinguishing feature is the natural beauty of its wooden areas, it is also distinguished by the fact that is offers the most amenities of any park. 

For additional history and photos, check out the Shoaff Park history powerpoint! 

WHAT TO DO

Scroll down for more information about our park features:

Sports

Ball Diamonds, Soccer fields, Frisbee Golf Course, Basketball courts, and Tennis courts are all available for use. Note: the baseball diamond is rented out by Bishop Dwenger High School. For more information, contact Larry Windmiller 486-6222.

Boating

Shoaff Park has 1.3 miles of river bank and a boat ramp.

Golf Course

Shoaff Park Golf Course is a great place to learn the game of golf. The course plays to a par of 54 and offers golfers a wide variety of challenges.

Frisbee/Disc Golf

 A Frisbee/disc Golf Course (18 holes) is also located at Shoaff for your enjoyment. (Photo from Swinney's disc golf course)

Click here to view the full Shoaff Park Disc Golf Course map.

Find out more: Fort Disc Golf Club

Pavilions

Conklin
Location: 6401 St. Joe Road
Capacity: 288

Riverlodge

Location: 6401 St. Joe Road Capacity: 200

Check out the Pavilion Page for more information.

Playground

The playground offers multiple slides and additional fun features for the kids. It is conveniently located next to the splashpad for hours of fun!

Splash Pad 

 
Kids of all ages enjoy the Splashpad/Sprayground (open seasonally).


Shoaff Park Restrooms & Open Air Shelter



A restroom facility including an open air shelter is conveniently located next to the playground/sprayground area in the park.

A restroom near is located near the Ball Diamond area in the park. 


Trails

Exercise enthusiasts in Shoaff park have three different options depending on their level of interest. The trails offer a soothing escape from the surrounding city.

Shoaff Park Walking Trails Map is now available.

Mystery of Continuity and Change Sculpture

A brand new sculpture has arrived at Shoaff Park! Check out this Press Release to learn more!

Photo of West Swinney Park

West Swinney Park 
 

Size in acres: East-46 , West-48

East Since: 1869, West: 1918

Swinney Park is located at 1600 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN. For more detailed location information, check out the General Park Map, Swinney East and Swinney West Park Maps 

  

History

In his last will and testament, Colonel Thomas W. Swinney decreed that the land on which he had built his majestic home in 1844 should be given to Fort Wayne for the benefit of the entire community upon the death of his three daughters who were to inherit the property.  In 1893, the City entered into a thirty-year lease agreement with the Swinney daughters for use of the land.  The lease terminated in 1923 only a few weeks after the death of the last surviving daughter, and the City finally took possession of the land.  Swinney is actually two separate parks, West Swinney and East Swinney. 

In addition to being one of the City's finest parks, Swinney Park has also served as the site of the annual Allen County Fair and as the site of Trier's Amusement Park. From a period of 1920-1953 various organizations leased West Swinney Park and operated an amusement park.  The first proprieter was George F. Trier who leased the land from 1920-1940 and thus the name Trier Park.  In 1953 the Park Board decided to turn the park into a more typical park and cease the concession operation.

Colonel Swinney's beautiful home itself was originally a twenty-three room Federal style structure that was converted to a Victorian Italianate by his three daughters.  In 1926, the Swinney House became the home of the Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Museum and the museum remained there until 1979 when it was moved to its current location on East Berry Street.  It was at that time the Old Fort Settlers, Inc. entered into a lease with the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department and are still occupying the homestead.  In May of 1981, the property was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

 

WHAT TO DO

Scroll down for more information about our park features. 

East Swinney                             West Swinney

Fishing                                    Ball Diamonds
Natural Open Space               Japanese Pavilion
Rivergreenway                        Natural Open Space
Tennis Courts                         18 Hole Disc Golf Course
Swinney Homestead              Basketball Court


Ball Diamonds



West Swinney has one ball diamond located near the Japanese Pavilion. For more information on ball diamonds, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


Playground

Both East and West Swinney have a playground.

Disc Golf Course

Both East and West Swinney have Disc Golf Courses available. At East Swinney the course wraps around the Swinney Pond and along the St. Marys River and is a mostly open course. West Swinney Plays along the river and around a pond with small hills and large trees.

Click here to view a full map of the East Swinney Park Disc Golf Course and here for the full map of the West Swinney Park Disc Golf Course.

Find out more: Fort Disc Golf Club

Basketball

The basketball court is located between the Playground and Japanese Pavilion! 

Japanese Pavilion

The Swinney Japanese Pavilion is available for rental during the season.


Mechanic Street Bridge

Complete demolition of existing bridge and construction of new bridge is anticipated to take place late summer/fall of 2024 with an approximate completion and open to the public date of October 31, 2024. 

Check out Engage Fort Wayne to follow the project more closely.


East Swinney Park 

Photo of East Swinney Park

Natural Open Space / Trails

Swinney Park, both East and West, has plenty of natural open space to find a quiet spot to visit nature in the midst of a bustling city.


Rivergreenway

The West Jefferson Trail is part of the Rivergreenway. This 1.11 mile pathway begins in at the St. Mary's River Pathway just southeast of the swimming pool and runs West through West Swinney Park and then adjacent to West Jefferson Boulevard and in to Rockhill Park.

Tennis Courts

Tennis courts are open to the public on a first come, first served basis or can be reserved by calling Daryn at 260.427.6003.  The courts were resurfaced in 2015!

Swinney Homestead                

Swinney Homestead is maintained by Settlers Inc. and open during public events they schedule.

The herb garden and log cabin are also maintained by Settlers Inc

A Special Welcome to our NEW Valais Blacknose Sheep!

Two Valais (va-LAY) Blacknose Sheep have now joined the flourishing Highland Cows (aka Coos), Nigerian dwarf goats, pigs, miniature horse, rabbits and chickens which make their home at this beautiful landmark working farm and park.

To celebrate the arrival, Salomon will host special meet and greet sessions by appointment with the Valais Blacknose Sheep this winter.  Be among the first to interact with London and Lucky. Each private session will include 30 minutes of exclusive interaction with the two lambs for up to four people. Pet, feed and take pictures of your visit with your cell phone. 

Check out the new "Linda Likes It" segment on Channel 21 to get an in depth look at the new sheep!

For more information regarding the Sheep & Cow Meet and Greets check out the new Sheep Snuggles & Highland Cow Meet & Greet Blog!

Salomon Farm Park

817 W. Dupont Rd.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.

Salomon Farm Park was launched in 1996 through the generous donation of land by Chris Salomon.  Mr. Salomon, his daughter Lynn, and Salomon's wife Maxine had discussed and conceived, perhaps twenty years earlier, the potential of their beautiful landmark farm becoming a historic working farm and park for others to experience.  With the assistance and grateful acceptance of the Fort Wayne Board of Park Commissioners and the Parks and Recreation Department, the Salomon family wishes have come true.  Construction on the Wolf Family Learning Center began in 2000 and was completed in 2001. Salomon Farm Camp was introduced in the summer of 2002 and sold out in its first year, leading to the 4,000 square foot expansion of the Wolf Family Learning Center in 2018.  Other recent changes at Salomon Farm Park include the Homestead dedication in 2019 and the Salomon Farm Covered Bridge in 2020.  

For additional history and photos, check out the Salomon history powerpoint!

Click here to view the Salomon Farm Brochure to learn everything you need to know about the park!

Interested in Rental Opportunities?  Check out the link today! 

 
Upcoming Events 

Learn more about our upcoming events and programs including cooking classes, Blacksmithing, Foraging, and lots of other classes!

For more information about cooking classes at Salomon Farm Park be sure to check out the our new blog!

Give Goat Yoga at the Farm a try soon! 

Be prepared to have goats snuggle beside you, nibble on your hair, climb on your back, and above all else, melt your heart. Space is limited so register early!

Click here to register for the May 17 Goat Yoga session! (Note, this session is FULL so look for information in the Summer Fun Times for the next opportunity)

Have you met Frankie and Mickey? They are Highland Mini Cows that now call Salomon home!! You can stop in and visit them anytime for free.  For exclusive inside the fence access, check out specific programs we have!  Check out our next Meet & Greet's  and register today!

Salomon Farm Park is a true historic gem and a perfect location for walking, biking, bird watching, photography and much more.  The Salomon's established the farm in 1871, but visitors will notice the endearing 1930's theme.  Stop by for a visit to admire historic buildings, relax at the wetlands, or enjoy our fully paved 1.8 mile trail around the property.  Follow us on Facebook for news, updates, and announcements!    If you have additional questions, feel free to e-mail us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Salomon Farm is located on the northern edge of Fort Wayne.  From I-69, take the Dupont Road exit (#116) and head west on Dupont Road for 2.7 miles.  Salomon Farm Park is on the left (south) side of the road.  If you are coming from SR 3, turn east onto Dupont Road.  The park is on the right (south) side of the road approximately 1/2 mile from the SR 3 & Dupont Road intersection. Click here for a Park Map or here for a General Park Map.

Rental Opportunities at Salomon Farm Park

Check out the rental opportunities link to learn more! 

Check out the rental flyer to learn more about rental opportunities and pricing information.

Also check out the catering flyer to learn about exclusive caterers and bar services for Salomon rentals!

 
Want to check out our goats and have exclusive access?  Look for opportunities in the near future! 


Check out additional maps of the property before you visit:

Salomon Crops Map
Salomon Park Map (May-October) 

 

The period selected for the operating theme for Salomon Park is the 1930s. This era is a very significant watershed in farm life, as the 1930s represent a lengthy era of similar aspects of agriculture and domestic life. It also is somewhat unique to the "museum" genre as an era with great personal interest to older Americans as well as great opportunities for appeal, education, entertainment, and recreation for younger visitors.

Salomon Farm Park offers many exciting programs and classes for adults and children related to nature.

 

Curious about Salomon Farm Park? 

Want to see more videos? Check out the Salomon Farm Video link 

Blogs

Salomon Farm Park Q & A 
 

Salomon Farm Volunteers

Salomon Farm Park is always looking for volunteers (individuals and groups) to help with activities and events at the Farm. If you are interested in getting involved, call Salomon Farm Park (260-427-6790) or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  

Photo credit: Captured Moments by Leslie

Additional Information

Be sure to visit our Salomon Farm Park Facebook page!