2023

March 1, 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.

Applications for Citizen-Match Tree Planting Program Now Accepted

Submit applications by July 1, 2023

Fort Wayne, Ind –Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation invites the residents of Fort Wayne to improve neighborhood appeal, cool air temperatures, cleanse pollutants from the air and produce oxygen by planting more trees. All of those benefits and many more are experienced when trees are present in the environment. If the price of purchasing and planting trees sounds expensive, there is good news. The Citizen-Match Tree Planting Program offers a variety of shade tree options for just $50 per tree while supplies last. Trees will have a 1 to 1.5 inch diameter trunk and stand six to 10 feet in height. The price includes planting the tree in the park strip between the street and the property line as well as oversight by the City Arborist. This oversight doesn’t stop after the tree is planted. The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Forestry Team is responsible to maintain the publicly-owned urban canopy comprised of approximately 50,000 street trees along nearly 1300 miles of roadway as well as 20,000 trees found within the its 87 parks. In order to achieve the best outcomes, the application provides clear instructions for tree placement within the public park strip along the street. Citizen-match trees may not be planted on private property. If someone is still concerned about the price, they can check the fee waiver option which is based on household size and income. Trees will be planted in the fall between October 1 and December 31.

When asked how this program benefits homeowners and the city of Fort Wayne, superintendent of Urban Forestry Derek Veit said, “Trees offer significant financial benefits through reduced energy costs and increased property values. Some of the environmental benefits include decreased energy consumption, stormwater management, and decreased ground and air pollutants.” Veit continued, “Trees tie neighborhoods to community and increase connections between neighbors. Our City’s tree canopy is a critical element of our infrastructure that sets us apart from many other communities.”

To participate, residents can fill out an application found online http://www.fortwayneparks.org/street-trees/street-tree-application-main.html by July 1, 2023. People can also call 260-427-6400 or stop by the Lawton Park to pick up and submit a paper copy.

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March 6, 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.

Train with Better Than Ezra to Play at Foellinger Theatre

General sales begin March 10

Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation announces that Fort Wayne’s Foellinger Theatre will host Train with Better Than Ezra, on August 9, 2022. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Train is a multi-GRAMMY and Billboard Award-winning band from San Francisco that has had 14 songs on Billboard’s Hot 100 list since the release of their debut self-titled album. Train's climb to the top began in 1994, as the original five-member band tenaciously built a loyal hometown following, leading up to their debut album, released by Columbia in 1998.

Whether you caught a house party gig after Better Than Ezra formed in 1988 at Louisiana State University, heard “Good” on the radio once it hit #1 during 1995, became a fan following Taylor Swift’s famous cover of “Breathless” in 2010, or saw them headlining sheds in 2018, you most likely never forgot that initial introduction to the New Orleans quartet founded by Kevin Griffin [lead vocals, guitar, piano] and Tom Drummond [bass, backing vocals].

Pre-sale tickets are available via Ticketmaster beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 9, 2022 at this link: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/05005E63BA6B39CD with code: SAVE. All general and in-person sales at the Parks and Recreation Department (705 East State Blvd.) begin Friday, March 10, at 10:00 a.m. For more information, visit www.fortwayneparks.org and click on Purchase Theatre Tickets.

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March 3, 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.

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

Featuring:

Sensory Workshop Series: Sensory Pillows

Friday, March 10, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Park Foundation Pavilion, 202 West Superior Street

Take control of your sensory needs through crafts, discussions with sensory professionals and other resources. This spring Riverfront Fort Wayne will offer one DIY craft that involves all five senses on the second Friday of each month. The March project is a Sensory Pillow, which is customizable to anyone’s sensory, motor, or memory needs. Sessions begin promptly at 6:10 p.m. Thanks to the generosity of the AWS Foundation, this program is offered free to the public, however registration is required. Sign up online at www.fortwayneparks.org or by calling 260-427-6000. Deadline is two days prior to the workshop.

The Great Train Connection

March 10-12, public hours

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street

Connect with Fort Wayne’s rich railroad history at the Botanical Conservatory where local railroad clubs present various displays ranging from G scale to HO to tiny N scale model trains and more. It’s a “freight time” for the whole family—especially the littlest engines! General admission fees apply. This display is sponsored by US 93.3.

Dance Promenade!

March 8, 6:00-9:00 p.m. and each Wednesday until March 29

Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street

Learn some new moves at the riverfront. Shuffle into the Park Foundation Pavilion on Wednesday nights to learn and practice a new style of dance. Instructors from a variety of local dance groups and schools will offer lessons at the beginning of the night followed by open dancing. The type of dance will rotate to include styles from Bachata to Cha Cha Cha and also traditional cultural dances. All ages and abilities are welcome. Register in advance for $10 per class online at www.fortwayneparks.org or by calling 260-427-6000. Drop-ins are available for $12 per session if space is allows. Maximum: 100.

“California Dreamin’” Showcase Exhibit

Until April 16, Public hours

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street

Calling all mamas and papas—find your inner beach bum at the Botanical Conservatory. Bring on the good vibes and hang loose at the botanical boardwalk accented with sun-loving tropical plants and vivid waves of color. Let the kiddos spring into the spirit of surf, sand and sun! Be sure to experience this Cali-cool winter exhibit. Sponsored by the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Howard P. Arnold Foundation, Magee-O’Connor Foundation, PNC Charitable Trusts, The Waterfield Foundation, WANE 15 and 103.9 Wayne FM.

Also happening:

February 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.

Fort Wayne, Ind. – Riverfront Fort Wayne presents the following events and programs in March:

Dance Promenade!

March 1, 6:00-9:00 p.m. and each Wednesday until March 29

Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street

Learn some new moves at the riverfront. Shuffle into the Park Foundation Pavilion on Wednesday nights to learn and practice a new style of dance. Instructors from a variety of local dance groups and schools will offer lessons at the beginning of the night followed by open dancing. The type of dance will rotate to include styles from Bachata to the Salsa and also traditional cultural dances. All ages and abilities are welcome. Register in advance for $10 per class online at www.fortwayneparks.org or by calling 260-427-6000. Drop-ins are available for $12 per session if space is allows. 

Sensory Workshop Series: Sensory Pillows

Friday, March 10, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Park Foundation Pavilion, 202 West Superior Street

Take control of your sensory needs through crafts, discussions with sensory professionals and other resources. This spring Riverfront Fort Wayne will offer one DIY craft that involves all five senses on the second Friday of each month. The March project is a Sensory Pillow, which is customizable to anyone’s sensory, motor, or memory needs. Sessions begin promptly at 6:10 p.m. Thanks to the generosity of the AWS Foundation, this program is offered free to the public, however registration is required. Sign up online at www.fortwayneparks.org or by calling 260-427-6000. Deadlines are two days prior to each workshop .

Spring Celebration at Promenade Park!

Saturday, March 25, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Park Foundation Pavilion, 202 West Superior Street

Spring is the season of new beginnings. Fresh blooms open, animals awaken, and the earth seems to come to life once more. Come out and join the celebration at Promenade Park. It begins with an educational and entertaining presentation from the Soarin’ Hawk Raptor Rehabilitation Center. See their amazing birds of prey up-close from 12:00-1:00 p.m. in the pavilion. After the presentation, continue the family fun on a birdwatching tour, making bird seed crafts, and learning the basics of birdwatching. Binoculars and craft materials for kids and adults will be provided. Finally, don’t leave the park without making a fun paper bag kite craft and completing our scavenger hunt that will have you exploring the fresh sights, smells, and sounds of the beginning of Spring. Stop by anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. for this FREE event.