What's Happening in the Parks: October 3-9

September 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 October 3-9:

Featuring:

Splash Pads and Promenade Water Rill to close at the end of the day, October 9

Daily, 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

Nine locations around the city of Fort Wayne

Buckner Park (6114 Bass Road), Franklin School Park (1903 Saint Marys Avenue), Kreager Park/Taylor’s Dream (7225 North River Road), McCormick Park (2300 Raymond Avenue), Memorial Park (2301 Maumee Avenue), Promenade Park (202 W. Superior Street), Robert E. Meyers Park (Inside North Gate of Parkview Field on Jefferson Blvd.), Shoaff Park ( 6401 St. Joe Road) and Waynedale Park (2900 Koons Street).

Active Aging Week

October 3-7

Community Center, 233 West Main Street (unless otherwise noted)

It’s healthy, friendly, competitive fun for those who are age 50 and above. Participants choose up to 14 completely free events such as cornhole, kayaking, golf, billiards, disc golf, table tennis, Bocce, Wii tournament and more. To sign up, just call 260-427-6460 or stop by the Community Center. Please register at least two days prior to the scheduled event. A full listing of the Tournaments and all activities is in the Fall edition of the Fun Times. You can also find the listing online on page 47 at https://www.fortwayneparks.org/images/stories/funtimes/Fall_22_Interactive.pdf. Prizes are awarded to top finishers and the first 100 registered participants receive a t-shirt. Active Aging Week is sponsored by American Senior Communities, North Senior Living and Evergreen Village at Fort Wayne.

Botanical Brew

Friday, October 7, 4:00-10:00 p.m.

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street

Meet your friends downtown at the Botanical Conservatory for a sampling of all things brewed! Your taste buds are sure to be delighted with some local favorites as you sample coffee, tea, cider, craft beer, wine and spirits. Wander the gardens to also enjoy featured food trucks and entertainers busking throughout. Packaged beverages will be available for purchase. No outside food or beverage is permitted. Admission is $10 per person. Sponsored by 89.1 WBOI, WANE 15 and Fort Wayne Metals.

 Pumpkin Path Display

October 4-30, public hours

Enjoy fall surroundings in the outdoor Exploration Garden decorated in its seasonal best. As part of this interactive display, you are invited to join in a scavenger hunt and see discover what there is to see! You are also welcome to pose with festive photo ops along the way. Included with regular Conservatory admission. Sponsored by Majic 95.1 WAJI and Classic Hits 101.7.

Also happening:

¡FitLot Fiesta!

Friday, September 30, 4:30-7:00 p.m.

Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center, 233 West Main Street

Join the free FitLot Fiesta as we celebrate the AARP Sponsored Outdoor Fitness Park. The party will feature:

• Refreshment from the Mercado’s food truck
• Live music by Sunny Taylor
• Demonstrations by certified instructor beginning at 5:30p.m.
• Games
• Giveaways, while supplies last

This centrally located, easy-to-access, shaded park is open to the public free of charge. The structure is part of a nationwide project sponsored by AARP and fitness equipment manufacturer, Fitlot. It is designed to offer stretching, strength-building, and cardio movements for all ages, varying abilities and to allow more equitable access to fitness opportunities. For more information about the AARP Sponsored Outdoor Fitness Park and the classes offered at the Community Center, call 260-427-6460 or visit www.FortWayneParks.org.

 Chess in Freimann Square, Opening Day

Saturday, October 1, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Freimann Square, 201 East Main Street

Take a Stan Chess Club, Fort Wayne Chess Club and Three Rivers Chess Club invite all to enjoy an afternoon at the chess tables installed recently at the centrally-located Freimann Square Park. The event will feature chess puzzles, a speed tournament  from 3:00-5:00 p.m. and casual games of chess. Beginners and experienced chess players are welcome to attend. Contact Brian Walker at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 260-443-1147 for more details.

 Trek the Trails Bike Ride

Tuesday, October 4, 6:00 p.m.

Turnstone, 3320 N. Clinton Street

The 2022 Trek the Trails season continues on Tuesday evenings. Meet in Lot C on the north side, adjacent to Livingston Avenue for a 4 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.

 Bee the Change / $1 Thursday Nights

Thursday, October 6, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street

On the first Thursday of the month beginning at 5:30 p.m., a special Bee the Change activity will offer a positive reflection of self-worth and the potential for positive impact in the community. The October Bee the Change theme is “Happy ‘Green’ Halloween”. No registration is required. Also catch a glimpse of a day in Paris: City of Light & Love in the showcase garden along with the Tropical and Desert gardens in 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, October 6, 6:00 p.m.

Turnstone, 3320 N. Clinton Street

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

 Weekend Sweet Breeze Cruises

Saturday, October 8, 1:00 p.m. (90 minute), 2:45 p.m. (45 minute), 3:45 pm. (90 minute)

Sunday, October 9, 1:00p.m. (90 minute), 2:45 p.m. (45 minute), 3:45 pm. (90 minute)

South Dock, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street

Travel Fort Wayne’s rivers on Sweet Breeze, an authentic 1840 canal boat replica. This fully accessible tour provides an opportunity to learn something new about Fort Wayne through its riverfront. Choose 90 minute or a 45 minute cruise options on weekends. Tickets are $27 per person for a 90-minute cruise, and $17 per person for 45-minute cruise. Reservations can be made online at www.RideSweetBreeze.org, in person at the Parks and Recreation Offices (705 East State Blvd.) or by phone 260-427-6000 during normal business hours.

 Sensory Expo

October 9, 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Park Foundation Pavilion

Learn about Sensory Processing Disorders, connect with local organizations that offer sensory and adaptive services, play with sensory toys, and see how our community can learn to be inclusive. Meet therapy dogs from Three Rivers Visiting Dogs, tour the Calm Water Sensory Tent, and much more. Also happening that day: Sensory Friendly Yoga class from 10:30-11:30 a.m., a Sensory Friendly concert by Remember When Duets that includes earmuffs (as needed) from 2:00-2:45 p.m. An “instrument petting zoo” will follow the performance where guests can explore the brass instruments up close. For questions, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The Sensory Expo is free and open to all ages and abilities.

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