2023

Bowser Park Improvements Honor Past, Embrace Future

August 16, 2023

Contact: April McCampbell

P: 260-427-6024

C: 260-241-1932

Manager of Communications

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Bowser Park Improvements Honor Past, Embrace Future

Centennial marker, neighborhood art mural and pavilion upgrades revealed

Fort Wayne, Ind –In celebration of reaching the 100-year milestone, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel dedicated improvements to Bowser Park today along with Fort Wayne Deputy Mayor Karl Bandemer, park and neighborhood representatives and public officials.

The park sign now proudly displays a Centennial Legacy Park insignia. In addition, an art mural by artist Lyndy Bazile evokes civic pride in the park and neighborhood and stands just yards away from the original stone marker provided by Sylvanus and Sarah Bowser in 1923. The stone is inscribed “for the comfort and pleasure of our neighbors and their children for all time to come.” Interior and exterior upgrades to the pavilion feature updated restrooms and walkways to make them accessible to people with disabilities, concrete improvements and a new roof.

“It’s important to honor the intent of the Bowser family here on the land that they donated 100 years ago,” said Director Steve McDaniel. “Sylvanus Bowser was a successful inventor and investor here in the southeast side of town. This park remains as a part of his legacy. It’s beautiful to see the connection and pride that the Renaissance Neighborhood has created in this space. It is our goal that this park will continue to serve as a cherished recreational gathering place for families, friends and neighbors.”

Deputy Mayor Bandemer remarks “Being good stewards of our centennial parks recognizes our past heritage and provides hope for our future citizens. Happy anniversary to Bowser Park. It now joins 25 other Legacy Parks in the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department.”

To see a complete list of Fort Wayne Legacy Parks, visit www.fortwayneparks.org/parks/legacy-parks.html.

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What’s Happening in the Parks: August 4-11

What’s Happening in the Parks

The week ahead

Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:

Reminder

Fort Wayne Dragon Boat Races

Friday, August 4, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 5, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Awards Ceremony at 3:00 p.m.)

Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street

Save a spot on your calendar to experience the culture and competition of the Fort Wayne Dragon Boat Races on August 4 and 5. This two-day event begins on Friday with family-friendly activities and live performances by the Chinese Friends & Family Assoc., plus a concert by the band, We Are Checkmark at 7:00 p.m. Try your hand at a little calligraphy, pose in the photo booth, get temporarily inked with a tattoo, play a little ping pong and try Kung Fu Tea. Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel will kick off the opening ceremony at 8:30 p.m., followed by the Dragon Dance and the Floating Fire Pit Finale featuring Fire Dancers at 9:30 p.m. Teds snack + bar will offer snacks, sandwiches, and beverages, as well as Tropical Sno shaved ice and a full bar for purchase.

Come back on Saturday beginning at 8:00 a.m. for some Tai Chi, watch the Dotting of the Eyes Ceremony with Mayor Henry at 9:30 a.m. then cheer on your favorite team as they race on the St. Marys River. Additional activities for children are planned from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. including foam boat and dragon puppets construction and a sensory “sink or float” experiment. Take a break from the sun in the pavilion and plaza and appreciate art displays and take part in cultural activities like calligraphy, temporary tattoos and a giant dragon community art project. Food trucks; Banh Mi Pho, AcaiBowl and Flora and Lily’s will be parked along Harrison Street beginning at 10:00 a.m. Kulture City Sensory Bags will be available while supplies last. Final heats will begin at 2:00 p.m. followed by the awards ceremony at 3:00 p.m.

Due to the Fort Wayne Dragon Boat Races, the Sweet Breeze Canal Boat weekend tours will operate with limited tours on Saturday, August 5, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Tours will resume on Sunday, August 6, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Available options can be found online at www.FortWayneParks.org.

City Pools to Close for the Season on August 5

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 operate the pools safely.

The final day to enjoy the Aquatic Centers at McMillen Park and Bob Arnold Northside Park will be Saturday, August 5, for normal public swimming from 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. They will close for the season at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.

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

What's Happening in the Parks: July 31-August 6

July 28, 2023

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

The week ahead

Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:

Reminder

Fort Wayne Children’s Choir

Friday, July 28, 7:00 p.m.

Foellinger Theatre, 3411 Sherman Blvd.

Come hear the eight Fort Wayne Children’s Choir ensembles sing their first concert of the 2023-2024 season: "Christmas in July" Admission is free.

Stayin’ Alive

Saturday, July 29, 8:00 p.m.

Foellinger Theatre, 3411 Sherman Blvd.

STAYIN’ ALIVE offers to their audiences the songs and sights of a full Bee Gees playlist, singing blockbusters such as “Night Fever”, “Jive Talkin’”, “How Deep is Your Love”, “You Should be Dancing”, “Nights on Broadway” and “Stayin’ Alive.” In addition, they perform softer poetic ballads such as “I Started a Joke”, “Massachusetts”, “Fanny be Tender”, “Words” and “To Love Somebody” among other great hits. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or in person at the Parks and Recreation Department, 705 East State Blvd. during regular office hours or at the Foellinger Theatre Box Office from 6:00 –10:00 p.m. on concert days.

Parks Celebrates 75 Years of Community at Jennings Recreation Center

July 26, 2023

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 Community at Jennings Recreation Center

Fort Wayne, Ind –Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation marked the 75^th Anniversary of the Jennings Recreation Center at a press conference today with Mayor Tom Henry, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel, Jennings Center Advisory Board Member Rev. Willie Gilbert, neighbors and public officials. Youth presented Mayor Henry with a special card to show their appreciation for the free programming available for kids throughout the year.