June 25, 2021

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 June 28:

Young Naturalist Series: River Otters

Thursday, July 1, 5 p.m.

Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street

Kids “otter” take this class if they love otters! Not only will participants learn about the life of a river otter, they will also create their own otter puppet friend, search for signs of otters, and play otter-themed games. Young Naturalists (ages 6-12) are invited to an hour of outdoor learning with crafts, games, and fascinating nature. This program is FREE, however, space is limited to 20 children plus their grownups, so pre-registration is required. To sign up, please contact Alli Dickey at 260-427-6012 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

$1 Night Insight: Botanical Fireworks

Thursday, July 1, 6 p.m.

Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street

Ever noticed how many real-live plants are comparable to fireworks? On the first Thursday night of the month, receive discounted admission of just $1 per person and even take advantage of free parking! Also, be sure to drop in on the DNI: $1 Night Insight for a fun themed activity from 6:00-7:00 p.m. No registration required.

“Visions of the Old West” Garden Exhibit

July 3 – November 14, Public hours

Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street

Stroll down the main street of a not-quite-Ghost Town, listen to ragtime tunes from the honky-tonk saloon and appreciate the wild and rugged beauty of cacti, succulents and wildflowers in the surrounding hillsides. Pump water from the community well, play a game of cracker-barrel checkers in the shade and look over the “WANTED” posters for local outlaws. Summer annuals will make way for autumn chrysanthemums in warm russets, tawny golds and blazing orange. Sponsored by the  M.E. Raker Foundation and Wilson Foundation.

Storytime on the Riverfront

Mondays, June 7-August 30, 10:00-11:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Auer Lawn, Promenade Park, 202 W. Superior St.

Join the Allen County Public Library and Riverfront Fort Wayne on Mondays in a story time session at 10:00 or 11:00 a.m. for fresh air, sunshine and children’s literature! Come to either session — no pre-registration is required.

Northside and McMillen Pools open daily

Northside Pool is open daily for open swim 12:30 – 5 p.m. and Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 7 - 9 p.m. McMillen Pool is open daily 1:30 – 7 p.m. Pools will have some restrictions based on current CDC guidelines. For more information about special swim programs and lessons, visit FortWayneParks.org.

Free Summer Program

Register at FortWayneParks.org

Cooper Youth Center, Jennings Youth Center, McMillen Park Youth Center, Weisser Park Youth Center

Children will enjoy fun and engaging activities with friendly staff. Morning and afternoon snacks are included along with free lunch provided by Fort Wayne Community Schools. Face coverings are required and social distancing protocols will be followed. Morning session participants will pick up a lunch “to go” at the end of the session. Afternoon session participants will pick up a lunch upon arrival for that session.

Lifetime Sports Academy at McMillen Park

Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Register at FortWayneParks.org

The Lifetime Sports Academy is open to boys and girls ages 7-18 and offers free group lessons in the lifetime sports of golf, tennis and swimming. The program operates Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Group lessons in golf, tennis and swimming will focus on skill development, training, and participation and will be taught by certified coaches and highly trained professionals and volunteers. Participants may come as often as they wish and stay as long as they like. The Fort Wayne Community Schools summer lunch program will also be available at McMillen Park for Academy participants. The Lifetime Sports Academy is funded by the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department and Lifetime Sports Academy Committee and is offered FREE to area youth.

2021 Senior Games

June 5-July 8

Community Center, 233 W. Main St. and various locations

The goal of Senior Games is to promote the benefits of remaining active and physically fit as we age and to encourage all adults over 50 to adopt a healthy lifestyle. To comply with social distancing recommendations, our nearly 30 events will be spread out over a 5-week period. The event will end with an awards ceremony on July 8.

2021 Salomon Farmers’ Market

Wednesdays, 4:00-7:00 p.m. through September 1

Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Our vendors produce their goods within a 75-mile radius of and are required to grow their own fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. We strive to find vendors who embrace sustainable and organic growing practices. The market also may include baked goods, honey, handmade crafts, food, entertainment and children’s activities.

Instructor-Supervised AARP Fitness Park Intro Sessions

Wednesdays through July 21

Community Center, 233 W. Main Street

The outdoor fitness park at the Community Center features various pieces of equipment that use one’s own body weight as resistance making them appropriate for any age, gender or ability. The park is open to all ages for use any time, however, a certified instructor will be available at times to demonstrate the proper use of equipment. There is no pre-registration required for these sessions. If you prefer a more structured setting, sign up by July 6 for a Fit Class. All FitLot fitness programs are FREE!

Jobs Available at Parks and Recreation!

Now Hiring in Several Areas

Summer jobs are currently available in a variety of both outdoor and indoor facilities. Most of the jobs require applicants to be 18 years or older, but some positions are available for younger people 16 and up. Those interested in reviewing currently available positions can visit the City of Fort Wayne jobs site at cityoffortwayne.org/jobs-with-the-city.

Trek the Trails Rockhill Park Trailhead

Tuesday, June 22, 6:10 p.m.

Trailhead in Rockhill Park, 1400 Catalpa St.

Join local trail users for weekly bike rides this summer to experience Fort Wayne on two wheels. Participants are asked to wear helmets and bring water along for the ride. All participants ride at their own risk. Tuesday rides will continue through the fall. Rides begin promptly at 6:10 p.m. For more information, call the City of Fort Wayne Greenways & Trails Office at 427-6228 or Fort Wayne Trails, Inc. at 969-0079.

Golf Courses Open Daily

Foster Park, Shoaff Park, and McMillen Park

Foster, Shoaff and McMillen Park Golf Courses are open daily, depending on weather and course conditions. Golfers are asked to call ahead to confirm course availability and to reserve tee times:

• McMillen Park Golf Course (260-427-6710)
• Shoaff Park Golf Course (260-427-6745)
• Foster Park Golf Course (260-427-6735)

###