May 13, 2022
Contact: April McCampbell
P: 260-427-6024
C: 260-241-1932
Manager of Communications
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What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week of May 15-22:
“Emergence: Live Butterfly Exhibit”
April 23-June 26, Public hours
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
The live butterfly exhibit continues at the Botanical Conservatory bringing 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.
Paint with Your Pup
Sunday, May 15, 1:00-3:00p.m.
Auer Lawn, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Your pup is the artist in this creative enrichment activity. For a $10 registration fee, each pup will be provided with an 8x10” canvas, paint and dog-safe sunflower butter to complete a masterpiece. Afterwards, stop by the photo booth where your dog can pose with his painting. Your dog will not be in contact with the paint, but will be encouraged to eat the sunflower butter as part of the process. Each dog must be accompanied by at least one dog handler. If registering more than one dog, it must be under another name from your household. Please plan to keep your dog leashed, and pick up after him or her. Register online at www.fortwayneparks.org or call 260-427-6000 during normal business hours. Registrations will be accepted on site for the Paint With Your Pup activity (with cash or card) but pre-registration ensures materials for your pup.
Trek the Trails Bike Ride
Tuesday, May 17, 6:00 p.m.
Covington Elementary School, 2430 West Hamilton Road .
The 2022 Trek the Trails season continues on Tuesday evenings. Meet at Covington Elementary School for a 7.5 mile ride. There is no cost to participate. All experience levels are welcome and participation is at your own risk. Riders are encouraged to wear helmets. Trek the Trails is sponsored by Trek Bikes Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Harley Davidson, and UAW 2209. Follow the City of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Trails, Fort Wayne Running Club, and Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation on social media for weather-related updates. For a complete list of locations and dates, visit: http://www.fortwayneparks.org/trails/news-events.html.
Mid-Week Mellow Out
Wednesday, May 18, 6:30-7:30p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 2020 West Superior Street
Experience physical, mental, and emotional relaxation with this free Restor-ative Yoga and Singing Bowls session. Instructor Diane Rogers of Rooted Connection will begin and end the session with sound therapy using the calming vibrations of the singing bowls.
Yoga mats can be provided if needed. To experience the full benefits, we recommend bringing a blanket or large towel and a pillow for your comfort. Please call 427-6000 to pre-register.
Spring Wild Edible Plant Walk
Thursday, May 19, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Salomon Farm Park, 817 West Dupont Road
Learn how to forage for food in your own backyard! This class will identify common edible wild plants in our area and their toxic look a-likes. Participants will have opportunities to taste some wild edible plants, learn how those plants can be used for food and medicine, and when and how to harvest them. Carrie Vrabel is a wild food forager who teaches regularly at state and county parks. She is certified by the state of Indiana as a Wild Mushroom Identification Expert, and is the founder of Wild Edible Indiana. This class is designed for ages 8 and above. Admission is $18 per person. All minors must be accompanied by a paying adult. Please register online at FortWayneParks.org, or by phone (427-6000) by 5:00 p.m. on May 16.
$1 Admission to the Botanical Conservatory
Thursday, May 19, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
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.
Spring Bonsai Show
Saturday, May 21, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Friemann Botanical Conservatory, 110 South Calhoun Street
Stroll through a miniature forest of familiar trees and meet with members of the Fort Wayne Bonsai Club to learn about this fascinating art form. An array of bonsai specimen and pots will be available for cash-only purchase from the Club. Show entry is included with general admission.
Sunday Heritage Concert Series: Fort Wayne Ballet
May 22, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Old National Bank Plaza, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Start your summer with Fort Wayne Ballet’s professional company of dancers and great music from their Firefly Tour performance in the Old National Bank Plaza. This special Sunday Heritage Concert brings a variety of amazing dance performances into the heart of our community. We encourage you to bring your own lawn chair. Concerts are free and open to all ages.
Iris Flower Show
May 22, Noon – 3:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Friemann Botanical Conservatory, 110 South Calhoun Street
Enjoy the best of this year’s blooms and visit with the Northeast Indiana Iris Society, a local group of gardeners with a passion for growing Irises. These showy flowers are on display with stunning color and a range of species. Attendees may vote for their favorite Iris. Show entry is included with general admission.
Summer Fun Times Program Guide is now available
Be prepared for summer fun in the Parks when you pick up a copy of this extensive listing of Parks programming for all ages. Print versions are available at Parks facilities including the Administration Offices at 705 East State Blvd. and the main Allen County Public Library and branches. It is also accessible online at www.FortWayneParks.org.
Masks are recommended inside city and park facilities but are no longer required as of March 1, 2022.
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