What's Happening in the Parks: May 23-29

May 20, 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.

The week ahead

Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week of May 23-29:

“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.

Trek the Trails Bike Ride

Tuesday, May 24, 6:00 p.m.

Fellowship Missionary Church, 2536 East Tillman Road

The 2022 Trek the Trails season continues on Tuesday evenings. Meet at Fellowship Missionary Church 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.

$1 Admission to the Botanical Conservatory

Thursday, May 26, 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.

Tread the Trails

Thursday, May 26, 6:00 p.m.

Fellowship Missionary Church, 2536 East Tillman Road

Tread the Trails is for individuals of all skill levels; runners, walkers and wheelchair users are invited to participate. All Tread the Trails events are five kilometers in distance, with the option for a longer or shorter experience if the participant chooses. All should be prepared with water. Individuals participate at their own risk. Tread the Trails takes place every other Thursday. Tread the Trails is organized by Fort Wayne Public Works and Fort Wayne Trails in partnership with the Fort Wayne Running Club and the City of New Haven. For a complete list of locations and dates, visit: http://www.fortwayneparks.org/trails/news-events.html.

Wild Walkers: LC Nature Park & Preserve

Friday, May 27, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

9744 Aboite Road, Roanoke

Explore some of northeast Indiana’s finest outdoor areas with a nature-oriented group. Wild Walkers is an adult hiking group that meets the second and fourth Fridays of each month. Each hike features a different natural area in the region. Carpooling is available when necessary. See the full 2022 schedule on www.fortwayneparks.org.

City Water Playgrounds Opening

Saturday, May 28, 9:00 a.m.

The nine area Water Playgrounds will open for the season on Saturday, May 28 at 9:00 a.m. They are located at the following parks:

 Spring Wild Edible Plant Walk

Saturday, May 28, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 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 25.

Sweet Breeze Tours Begin

Saturday and Sunday, May 28 and 29, 1:00-2:30 p.m., 2:45-3:30 p.m.

Promenade Park Boat Deck, 202 West Superior Street

Relax and enjoy a guided cruise on the Fort Wayne Rivers. Sweet Breeze, Fort Wayne’s authentic canal boat replica is offering 45 and 90 minute tour lengths. This fully accessible tour will be a fun experience for everyone! Each tour provides an opportunity to learn something new about Fort Wayne through its riverfront. Tickets are $27 per person for the 90-minute cruise and $17 per person for the 45-minute cruise. For the full list of dates, go to www.RideSweetBreeze.org. For information about private tours please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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.

###