2022

August 1, 2022

Contact:   April McCampbell

                 P: 260-427-6024

                 C: 260-241-1932

                 Manager of Communications

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

Fort Wayne, Ind – City Pools will begin the process of closing this week as staff prepare to go back to school. Due to this loss of seasonal staff, there will no longer be the required number of certified lifeguards needed to safely operate the pools.

McMillen Park Pool will close early, effective August 1 due to unforeseen staffing issues. Northside Pool will be open on Tuesday to Saturday for normal public swimming from 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. and will close for the season at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 6. McMillen Pool memberships will be honored at Northside through August 6.

The nine area Water Playgrounds will remain open until further notice. They are located at the following parks:

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July 29, 2022

Contact:   April McCampbell

                 P: 260-427-6024

                 C: 260-241-1932

                 Manager of Communications

                 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 August 1-7:

River, Set, Go! Featuring the Fort Wayne Dragon Boat Races

Saturday, August 6, 9:15 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Promenade Park, 202 W. Superior St.

Riverfront Fort Wayne and Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation invite everyone to the 3rd annual River, Set, Go! featuring the Fort Wayne Dragon Boat Races. Dragon boat racing originates from China and features 21-person teams paddling down the rivers towards victory as the drums beat out a frenzied rhythm. River, Set, Go! offers an opening ceremony with the Chinese Friends and Families Association at 9:15 a.m. followed by the thrilling spectacle of racing, floating yoga and lawn games in the afternoon, live bands and a paddle parade in the evening, and a floating fire pit finale to cap off an exciting day! Sponsored by ABC 21 WPTA, 97.3 WMEE and Steel Dynamics, Inc.

July 25, 2022

Contact:   April McCampbell

                 P: 260-427-6024

                 C: 260-241-1932

                 Manager of Communications

                 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 July 24-31:

Franke Park Day Camp 75^th Anniversary Celebration

Tuesday, July 26, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Franke Park Day Camp, 3411 Sherman Blvd.

Franke Park Day Camp is just as popular today as it was 75 years ago. This celebration and open house will include guided hikes to Bullet Hill, Singing Tree, 75^th anniversary t-shirts for sale ($10, cash only), a drawing for a child to win a free week at Franke Park Day Camp in 2023, a special ceremony, commemorative giveaways while supplies last and more.

July 26, 2022

Contact:   April McCampbell

                 P: 260-427-6024

                 C: 260-241-1932

                 Manager of Communications

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

Parks Celebrates 75 Years of Franke Park Day Camp 

 An Estimated 105,400 Children Have Engaged in the Longest Running Children’s Program in the Department

Fort Wayne, Ind –Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation celebrated the 75^th Anniversary of Franke Park Day Camp with a special public open house event today. The festivities featured opportunities for guests to take a guided hike to Bullet Hill, experience Singing Tree, appear in a commemorative photo taken with a drone, enjoy special giveaways (while supplies lasted), buy a 75^th Anniversary t-shirt and revel in a ceremony packed with fun facts about the longest running children’s program within the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department.

“Since it’s beginning in 1946, Franke Park Day Camp has provided unforgettable childhood experiences for thousands of area youth” said Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director, Steve McDaniel. He continued, “with its strong emphasis on nature education and basic camping skills, Franke Park Day Camp provides an environment which fosters cooperation, problem-solving and socialization as well as the dirty, muddy outdoor fun that kids of all ages enjoy.”

The program continues to be a family tradition with former campers sending their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to experience the adventures, camaraderie and outdoor education. Franke Park Day Camp was sold out for the summer of 2022.

“I’m thankful for the continued excellence in programming that Franke Park Day Camp brings to Fort Wayne youth” said Mayor Tom Henry. He added “We truly are fortunate to have such dedicated Camp Committee members, parent volunteers and city employees behind the scenes. They are an integral part of the program’s success.”

Franke Park Day Camp is open to all children ages 4 to 11, with opportunities for those up to age 18 to participate as counselors in training. Campers must be of minimum age by June 1 of each year. Financial assistance is available on a limited basis. Registration begins in March each year. Visit www.FortWayneParks.org, or follow Fort Wayne Parks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for up to date information on Franke Park Day Camp and other park programming for residents and visitors to Fort Wayne.

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