Thieme 1

 

Thieme Drive and Overlook

Size in acres: less than one acre

Since 1911

Thieme Drive, and the Thieme Overlook, is a linear parkway and formal viewing platform between W. Main Street and W. Washington Boulevard along the St. Marys River. For more detailed directions check out the General Park Map, or Thieme Drive/Orff Park and Overlook Map.

History

Thieme Drive and its overlook were designed as a demonstration project by nationally significant landscape architect and planner George Kessler as a model river parkway. The drive and its formal London Plane trees served as a scenic entrance to Swinney Park from W. Main Street. It was an example of the possibilities for river development of the Fort Wayne Park and Boulevard System, also designed by Kessler and completed in 1912. Construction was funded by Theodore F. Thieme, owner of Wayne Knitting Mills. The Thieme Overlook is designed in the “City Beautiful” style. It has a decorative concrete balustrade with a sculpted tribute to Thieme at the center. The Overlook provides a view of the St. Marys River and the City Beautiful style Carole Lombard Bridge.


Thieme Drive 10 08 1


WHAT TO DO

The Rivergreenway passes through on Thieme Drive; stop and watch the river flow by at the Overlook. The West Central Historic District is adjacent to Thieme Drive; ride or drive some of Fort Wayne’s best historic residential streets.

 

 

 

 

 

 IMG_0059.jpg_resize.jpg

Powell Park    

Size in acres: 0.18 Acres

Official City Park since 2022

Park hours: 6 am-11 pm daily.

Powell Park is located at 2620 Weisser Park Avenue at the intersection of Pontiac and Weisser Park Avenue.  For more detailed location information, check out the General Park Map

Check out the Engage Fort Wayne link to learn more about Powell Park!


IMG 7417sm


History: The park like setting was officially renamed in honor of Lester and Hester Powell, who tirelessly maintained the area for the last 20 years. With the park newly refreshed and invested in as a part of the Southeast Strategy Update, City departments will showcase other ways the Southeast Strategy is progressing and some action items that have already been implemented. Read more....

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



IMG 7418sm

 
WHAT TO DO

Scroll down for more information about our park features:


IMG_0060.jpg_resize.jpg


The newly reconstructed neighborhood park, located in the Renaissance Pointe neighborhood, offers a basketball court, gathering space for families, and areas to rest.


IMG 7424sm

 

 

 
2019_vfw_promenade_park_skyline_tree_canopy_trail_sweet_breeze.jpg

Promenade Park 
202 W. Superior Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana
(260) 427-6000 

Open: 6 am-11 pm daily

Learn more about the Riverfront
Promenade Park Map
General Park Map
Check out the Riverfront brochure
Promenade Summer Events blog
 

Promenade Park, the first phase of our transformational Riverfront Fort Wayne Project opened in 2019!  Highlights of the opening weekend included the ribbon cutting and various arts performances,  boating and recreation as well as nature and our rivers’ ecosystem activities. 

Follow us on social media and sign up for the newsletter at RiverfrontFW.org to stay current on updates!

Before you visit the park check out the Parking Options

 

IMG 3714 sm


The Grand Opening Celebration was held for Promenade Park August 9-11, 2019.  Approximately 35,000 people came to visit the park that weekend.  Park visitors continue to visit the park and enjoy all the amenities the park offers!  Please check out the Park Amenity list and the Parking Map (Visit Fort Wayne) to learn more about the park.  Feel free to visit daily from 6 am-11 pm! 

For additional history and photos, check out thePromenade history powerpoint! 

IMG 1757sm

 
Thanks for celebrating Dragon Boat Races with us!

Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation and Riverfront Fort Wayne celebrated the fifth year of Promenade Park at the  “Dragon Boat Races” on August 2-3, 2024. Around 3,000 people joined us for the celebration to learn more about Dragon Boat Racing, take part in family friendly activities provided by the Fort Wayne Chinese Friends and Family, watch traditional Chinese performances, participate in Yoga, or especially to compete in the 2024 Races!  We are so thankful for the 18 teams that competed this year as well as the Fort Wayne Chinese Friends and Family Association and McDonalds Owners/Operators of Greater Indiana and Southwest Michigan for making this event possible. Want to see more pictures and check out the teams? Check out the Dragon Boat Races link to learn more!

IMG 1757sm


Mark your calendar to celebrate Dragon Boat Races with us again on August 1 & 2, 2025!  

More information is available at RiverfrontFW.org or 260-427-6000.

2 A pic 1


Riverfront IIA officially opened on June 27, 2023!  Pictured above Steve McDaniel, Director (far left), Mayor Tom Henry (in the middle) and the four Park Commissioners. Construction for IIB will be at least a year and a half. Check out additional information on IIA and IIB on this link: Riverfront IIA/11B link


riverfront_matthewhockman_IMG_7221_edit_med-res_6MB.jpg

Calendar

RFW-Logo-Hori-RGB-01

We're lighting up the river with year-round programs.  

  

family at promenade sm



Upcoming events include: Sunday Heritage Concert Series, Muddy River Concert Series, Yoga on the Riverfront, (Break) Dance Promenade: Street Style, Dance Promenade: Latin Dance Fundamentals,   Kickboxing with 9Round, Dragon Boat Races,  Open Streets, Bioswale Tour,  River Rangers, Storytime at the Park, Confluence Kitchen: Latin America, Be Your Own Artist: String Art Leaf, Be a Tourist in Your Hometown, Spirit of History Walking  tour, Spooky Critter Houses: Bat Boxes, River Rangers: Getting Batty at Promenade, Riverfront Hlloweeen Hunt, Free Family Fishing Day and much MORE! Check out the on-line calendar for information on all of these exciting programs!

  

 68239915 2311453279094493 4915324645588074496 o 2311453275761160

 

Volunteer or Become a Sponsor for a Riverfront Event!

Are you interested in volunteering or sponsoring an event for Riverfront Fort Wayne? We have plenty of great opportunities for volunteers and sponsors to help Riverfront events and programs be successful! Interested? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (260) 427-6248.

 

67872069 2311453532427801 2382156194287452160 o 2311453529094468

IMG_1847.JPG

PNC Playground
The PNC Playground is a fully accessible playground to be enjoyed by all! Do you have questions about the PNC Playground?  

 

4_SensoryBagItemsDisplayed_1000x525.jpg


Sensory Bags

KultureCity sensory bags are available to check out at the Park Foundation Pavilion at Promenade Park. These sensory bags are designed to help sensory needs in both adults and children. Filled with items that can help lessen sensory overload and also engage, the bag items are also easily cleaned and sterilized for multiple uses. Learn more about Sensory Bags plus view any upcoming programs!

 

Family canopy walk sm

 

Parkview Tree Canopy Trail

The Parkview Tree Canopy Trail is a stunner offering unique views of Promenade Park as well as the ever evolving skyline.  


 Paddlers   


Canoes & Kayaks

If you have your own canoes, kayaks, paddleboards  or other watercraft feel free to explore Promenade Park by water!  Fort Wayne Outfitters rents watercraft too and is adjacent to the park! For motorized watercraft please be aware of the New Law Aims to Address Increased River Traffic Safety by establishing the Idle Speed Zone that went into effect on June 8, 2023.


2019_VFW_Promenade_Park_Skyline_Kayaks_07_v3.jpg

 

Sweet Breeze

Ride aboard Sweet Breeze, Fort Wayne’s authentic canal boat replica. Purchase TICKETS NOW!


 Canal sm

Doermer Kids' Canal & Rotary Fountain

The Doermer Kids' Canal & Rotary Fountain are popular draws for both the very young and old alike. 

Please note, the Promenade Water Rill is now closed for the season.  Check back in May 2025 for opening information. 

 

 

pavilion sm


Rental Opportunities in Promenade Park 

Generally, the spaces available for rent in Promenade Park are the Park Foundation Pavilion (inside and outside), Auer Lawn and Sweetwater Band Shell East, Old National Bank Plaza and Sweetwater Band Shell west, and the historic Wells Street Bridge. The only space that is entirely covered, and therefore weather-proof, is the indoor portion of the Park Foundation Pavilion.

Additional information about Rental Opportunities at Promenade Park is now available. 

Please e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to inquire about dates available for your next gathering.

 

equipment sm


Fun & Games

At Promenade Park there are 3 Ping Pong Tables, 2 Cornhole games and 1 Foosball table for your enjoyment! 


  Ted SB outside

 

teds snack + bar  

At teds snack + bar guests are able to grab a convient bite to eat, or a quick snack as well as cold refreshments.  

Plus teds is participating in the DORA District as well as has ice cream for you to enjoy! 



Teds snack bar

Learn more about teds snack + bar by checking out their web site: teds snack + bar.   



JG Dining Garden sm

 

The Journal Gazette Foundation Dining Gardens

The Dining Gardens provide a perfect opportunity to either bring your favorite food for a picnic or stop in at a local eatery including teds Snack + Bar (located in the park) and then relax at one of the convenient dining areas in the park.


band shell sm


Sweetwater Bandshell and the Old National Bank Plaza


Looking for inter entertainment?   Go to RiverFrontFW.org to learn more! 

 

 convergence at Night


Promenade Park Sculpture

Mayor Tom Henry and Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel officially unveiled the first piece of Promenade Park to the public on July 26, 2019. “Convergence, Linda Howard, 2018, presented by the Waterfield Foundation” sits on the southeast corner of Promenade Park, near the intersection of Superior and Harrison streets. Mayor Henry and McDaniel shared their excitement for the sculpture, especially as it means the opening of the first phase of Riverfront Fort Wayne is getting closer.  Read more...


SB pic 10sm


Little Creek Bioswale


What is the Little Creek Bioswale? Learn more...

If you would like to dig deeper into bioswales, check out: "What are bioswales? 
A Q & A article with Eric Ummel produced by Thelocalfw.com!

Along with the Q & A article you can check out the Channel 21's Walk in the Park episode about Bioswales!

This project is partly funded by:
GLRI logo
 

 
pavilion 1


Park Foundation Pavilion


The Fort Wayne Park Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce its support of Promenade Park by raising funds for the construction of the Park Foundation Pavilion. With generous contributions from area foundations and individuals, the Foundation raised $1,000,000 which was generously matched with $500,000 from the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne. In addition, the Park Foundation pledged $150,000 from its unrestricted endowment funds to support the project.  

Check out the
News Release for additional information or the Riverfront web site!

Ready to find out more about how to reserve the Park Foundation Pavilion for your event?  Please e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  


 

steps small


Riverfront Endowment Donations

The Fort Wayne Park Foundation invites families to become a part of local history by supporting Promenade Park. A gift of $500 will be recognized with an inscription on a Greenscape Step within the Park. It's similar to buying a brick. The purpose of this campaign is to create a legacy endowment for Promenade Park. The Promenade Endowment will help support improvements, updates and programming along the rivers, and will be operated by the Fort Wayne Park Foundation, a nonprofit charity. All donations are tax-deductible and can be made securely at the Park Foundation website. Learn more: https://fwparkfoundation.org/product/donate/ 

DSC04542 sm

 

Donations

Donations are needed for Promenade Park for an on-going maintenance endowment.  Individual donations may be given on-line.  For corporate donations please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Manager of Development, at 260-427-6026.   

IMG_0083.jpg_resize.jpg

IMG_0086.jpg_resize.jpg

IMG_0101.jpg-RESIZE.jpg


DJI 0276

 

 

2024 McKinnie Commons Events

McKinnie_pt4.png

For the last Connections event of the summer we had The G-Money Band, Park & Play, Citilink, Fort Wayne Housing Authority, Center for Non-Violence, Allen County Health Department, AND we had the Ice Hut truck (hot dogs, walking tacos, and snow cones)!    

Thanks for joining the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department for the summer McKinnie Commons Connections events.  The free events welcomed the community to come together for entertainment, food and learning opportunities.  We are now planning for next summer!  We will be posting a feedback survey very soon so we can create new experiences in 2025!

 

 Mckinnie_commons_collage.png



We celebrated the 3rd McKinnie Commons Connections with:

 

Untitled 2024 07 01T100602.729

The second McKinnie Commons Connections Event was a great success with new games, a DJ, and new learning opportunities!

Mckinnie_Collage.png

Photos from our first McKinnie Commons Connections Event featuring music, informational booths, and games for kids!

Check out the McKinnie Commons Connections blog to learn more about these new events events!

IMG_0055.jpg_Resize.jpg

Check out the Engage Fort Wayne link to learn more about McKinnie Commons!

General Park Map

Previous events

IMG_0893.JPG
Park and Play stopped by McKinnie Commons for their "Art in the Park" Event!

Light collage1 sm


McKinnie Commons Lighting Ceremony

What a delightul night celebrating Unity in our Community with around 200 people!  We are thankful for all those that helped us celebrate a new holiday tradition in southeast Fort Wayne as the Unity display was lighted, refreshments were sampled and live music and entertainment was enjoyed by all! We truly were inspired by this collaborative effort!  Be sure to check back in 2024 to see what other new events we have planned! 


Light collage2 sm

 
 

Fzv1hCFWYAIIYpE

McKinnie Commons (1825 McKinnie Ave.) officially opened on June 28th, 2023!  Read more about McKinnie Commons!  

Enjoy some photos of the Opening Celebration:


Fzv1hCGWwAAgOvl

 Fzv1hCGXsAU3tde

Fzv1hCJWYAAhrsF

IMG 2104

IMG 2113

IMG 2114

IMG 2127

 

 

 

2016_VFW_Franklin_School_Park_02_edit-large.jpg

Franklin School Park
 
 

Size in acres: 4.25 acres

Since: March 2016

Franklin School Park is located at 1903 Saint Mary's Avenue. 

Park hours: 6 am-11 pm daily.

History

Franklin School Park sits on the site of the former Franklin School building.  The school was built in 1921  and was last used for students in 1981. Fort Wayne Community Schools sold the building to the U.S. Navy, which used it for a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Center. The Fort Wayne Police Department also used the building until moving out in April 2012, which left it vacant. In 2016, the City demolished the building leaving only the building's entrance arches to be re-used as design elements for the new park. 

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

General Park Map


IMG_0324.JPG

 

Pavilion:

 IMG_0322.JPG

For more information about the David Hefner Pavilion click here!

Phase I

The renovation of the arches has been completed.  This phase also includes construction of family restrooms in the pavilion, site work and a new splash pad. 


Franklin school photo

IMG 1426 2 IMG 1429 2

 
Grand Opening of Franklin School Park Phase 1

Phase I of Franklin School Park opened in 2016.  The splash pad is available seasonally from 9 am-9 pm.  The park is open from 6 am-11 pm daily.  Enjoy the below photos of the completed project.

Franklin 1
 DSCN3095 2

DSCN3086IMG 20160901 095558253

Phase II

DSCF0334 DSCF0369

The photos show the new parking lot and concrete patio with sidewalk as well as the pavilion under construction.  

 

 IMG 4682      Pavilion with sidewalks in front

 

The inside of the pavilion includes new restroom facilities, a kitchen, and a large multi-purpose room that can now be used as a year-round rental facility.  The renovation also included all new heating and air conditioning so the building can be used all year.  The site work consisted of a new parking lot with lighting, a new concrete patio with trees, seat walls, and a new sidewalk connecting to the street.

 
IMG 4693      pavilion at night from side 2


The new David Hefner Pavilion and the $1.8 million Franklin School Park is now complete.  Read more about the project and all of the neighborhood advocates and community leaders that came together to make this project a reality. 

 

Franklin Park  Franklin Park 3

Franklin Park 5  Franklin Park 6

 

 

 

 

RFW Logo Hori RGB 01

ENGAGE FORT WAYNE

IMAP.NEW

NOW AVAILABLE!  Search for parks, trails, activities and more.

We want your feedback!

new_blue_64x64Take our on-line survey now!
This quick and easy survey will only take 1 minute or less and will provide us with valuable information!

Translate Content

enfrderues