April 22, 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.
What’s Happening in the Parks
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week of Apr. 25-May 1:
“Emergence: Live Butterfly Exhibit” Opens
April 23-June 26, Public hours
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Live butterflies return to the Botanical Conservatory bringing with them an array of natural beauty and wonder! As plants and butterflies emerge with warmer weather, we too unfurl like the tendrils of plants and the wings of butterflies. Flying, climbing and vining, they remind us of our own inner workings and what it takes to reach greater heights. Come “hang out” and enjoy a twist in this year’s exhibit where vines and butterflies intertwine! Learn more at botanicalconservatory.org. Sponsored by The English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Richard Fox and Family, The Waterfield Foundation, Ian and Mimi Rolland Foundation, WPTA21 and 97.3 WMEE.
Trek the Trails & Tread the Trails kick-off events
Tuesday, April 26, 6:00 p.m.
Salomon Farm Park, 817 West Dupont Road (park at Old Barn and follow signs)
The 2022 Trek the Trails season begins and also includes a Trails Kickoff Party, hosted by Fort Wayne Trails Inc. in the Old Barn immediately following the bike ride. The bike ride is expected to end at approximately 7:15 p.m. The new Tread the Trails program, which will usually take place on Thursdays this summer, will also begin Tuesday, April 26, 6:00 p.m. at Salomon Farm Park. There is no cost to participate in the Trek the Trails bike ride or the Tread the Trails run/walk. All experience levels are welcome and participation is at your own risk. Tread the Trails is presented by the City of Fort Wayne, the Fort Wayne Running Club, Fort Wayne Trails and the City of New Haven. Tickets for the Kickoff Party cost $10 and may be purchased before the event at https://fwt.donorwrangler.com/donate/?id=19. Tickets will be available at the event, as well.
Registration opens for Free Tree Seedlings
Now through April 28
In celebration of Arbor Day, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation in partnership with Trees Indiana will offer over 150 seedlings to the public (one per household) via a simple phone registration. Four types of tree seedlings will be offered on a first come first served basis and include: Shumard Oak, Pecan, White Pine and Norway Spruce. Those who want a free tree seedling should call 260-427-6000 during normal business hours now through April 28 to reserve a seedling. The bare root seedlings must be picked up on Friday, April 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Foster Park West parking lot off of Winchester Road between the soccer fields.
$1 Admission to the Botanical Conservatory
Thursday, April 28, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
New in 2022, the Conservatory admission is just $1 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. every Thursday. Plus, Civic Center Garage parking is validated for free.
Poem Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, April 30, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
April is national poetry month and Riverfront Fort Wayne is celebrating with a Poem Scavenger Hunt at Promenade Park. Pick up a clue card at the blue Riverfront tent, find all the poems and return the card to be entered into a drawing to win a prize package. This event is free and open to all ages.
Tails on Trails Kick-off
Saturday, April 30, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Foster Park Pavilion #1, 3900 Old Mill Road
Those who would like to make a shelter doggy’s day, and make their own day a little brighter, are invited to learn more about the Tails on Trails new volunteer program. It offers a pleasant walk on one of Fort Wayne’s beautiful trails for a volunteer and a fun, exercise-filled outing for an adoptable dog. During the event, those interested in possibly volunteering for the new program can take a guided walk with adoptable dogs from Humane Fort Wayne. The kick-off is an “Adoptables-Only” event, so participants are asked to leave their pets at home while they get to know the adoptable pets from Humane Fort Wayne. Tails on Trails is a partnership between Humane Fort Wayne, the City of Fort Wayne and Fort Wayne Trails.
Hurshtown Reservoir Opens for the Season on Sunday, May 1
Regular hours of operation: Tuesday-Sunday, 7:30 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.
1600 Roth Road, Grabill, IN
Hurshtown Reservoir may be the best fishing spot in Allen County. It also features a 2.75 mile walking path, area for picnics, kayak and row boat rentals. Season passes are available at the reservoir. For more information call 260-427-6000 or the reservoir at 260-627-3390 during hours of operation.
Registration continues for Learn to Swim Lessons
Learn-to-Swim is offered in conjunction with the American Red Cross and adheres to national standards for Red Cross aquatic programs. Classes are held at Northside Pool in Bob Arnold Park (Parnell Ave. at E. State Blvd.) and are open to boys and girls ages 1-15. Each Learn-to-Swim session consists of eight 45-minute lessons held Tuesday through Friday over a two week period. Pre-school and Toddler lessons are 30 minutes. Four Learn-to-Swim sessions will be offered this summer. Participants must be of minimum age by June 1, 2022. Register online at www.fortwayneparks.org, by phone at 260-427-6000, in-person at 705 East State Blvd. (business hours, Monday – Friday), or download the form from the website and mail, fax or use the drop-box at 705 East State Blvd.
City Driving Ranges Are Open, Carts are in Service
Foster, Shoaff and McMillen Park Golf Courses are open for the season. City golf courses begin operations at sunrise and close 30 minutes prior to sunset, weather permitting. When inclement weather occurs, courses may close for a short period, or for the day, depending on the severity of the weather. To check on course availability or to schedule tee times, call the golf course clubhouse where you plan to play.
Foster Park Golf Course, 427-6735, www.fostergolfcourse.com
McMillen Park Golf Course and Driving Range, 427-6710, www.mcmillengolfcourse.com
Shoaff Park Golf Course and Driving Range, 427-6745, www.shoaffgolfcourse.com
Season memberships are on sale at the Main Parks Office (705 East State Blvd.) and at all of the clubhouses. To schedule league reservations, an outing for a business or tournaments, contact Gary Whitacre, manager of Golf Operations by phone at 260-427-6016 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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