December 15, 2020

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 Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department is providing an update on the department’s 2020 capital improvement projects and programs. Over 55 projects were completed in 2020 and the City of Fort Wayne invested approximately $3 million in Parks and Recreation Department improvements this year.

"I continue to be impressed by the outstanding work being performed by the men and women of the Parks and Recreation Department. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, the staff has adjusted and provided residents with safe programming and recreational opportunities. At the same time, we were able to complete several important projects to enhance our parks," said Mayor Henry. "We're fortunate to live in a community that values parks as an integral part of our daily lives. I'm looking forward to 2021 as we'll have more initiatives to look forward to as we commit resources to help make Fort Wayne the best city possible."

The completed 2020 Capital Improvement Projects include:

• ADA Improvements: Sidewalks (Eastside, McCulloch, Miner, Northside Park, Lakeside Park) and Tillman Park - New ADA Bleachers
• Conservatory Roof Replacement
• Kettler Pavilion Hardscape Improvements
• Parks Paving (Lakeside, Northside, Johnny Appleseed)
• McMillen Pavilion Renovations
• McCulloch Pavilion Renovations
• Northside & McMillen Aquatic Centers – Renovations
• Buckner Park LWCF Grant
• Thomas Property Acquisition (partial amount of purchase)
• Memorial Park Trails
• Salomon Main Drive Paving & South End Drainage
• Wells Street Bridge Grant Project

2021 promises to be very exciting with several projects scheduled to begin soon, including:

• ADA Improvements: Foster West Sidewalk, Kreager Park Soccer Restroom Bldg Sidewalk, Kreager Park Tennis Bleachers, Lafayette Park New Sidewalk, Lakeside Sidewalk Replacement, Northside Softball Bleachers, Weisser Park Southwest Sidewalk
• Roosevelt Boardwalk Repair
• Shoaff Golf Storage Building
• Resurfacing (Roads\Parking Lots\Tennis Courts\Basketball Courts)
• Weisser Playground Replacement
• Community Center Roof
• Kettler Pavilion Interior and Exterior Improvements
• Swinney Park - Mechanic Street Bridge Engineering Design

“I want to recognize our Parks and Recreation team for their continued dedication to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Fort Wayne, even as our community endured the many challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic presented this year,” said Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel. “On behalf of our department, I also want to thank Mayor Henry, Fort Wayne City Council, the Board of Park Commissioners and our many private donors for another successful year.”

The City will continue to invest in the Parks & Recreation Department, with $3 million of public funding slated for 2021.

Visit www.fortwayneparks.org/invest for more information about 2020 projects.

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