What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:
Reminder:
Final Santa & Reindeer Saturday
Saturdays, December 23, 12:00–4:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Santa returns to the Botanical Conservatory for one final Saturday before Christmas! Strike a pose with the man in red while enjoying indoor scenery accompanied by the “Timeless Tradition” holiday exhibit. Please note: Santa takes a break from 2:00-2:30 p.m. While visiting, you also won’t want to miss out on an outdoor appearance with a friendly and majestic reindeer. Regular admission fees apply. Sponsored by: Air-Xray, PBS Fort Wayne and Majic 95.1.
Holiday Showcase Exhibit: Timeless Tradition, 40 Years
Until January 7, 2024, public hours
Foellinger-Friemann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Holidays at the Botanical Conservatory have delighted the community as a family favorite over the last 40 years. Its gardens in light and scenes of merriment contribute to a warm holiday spirit in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne. Fresh cut evergreens, a lush poinsettia tree and deep ruby undertones are the backdrop to this year’s memories. Join us in celebrating an oasis of growth and tradition. Sponsored by the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Waterfield Foundation, Wilson Foundation, M.E. Raker Foundation, Air Xray, PBS Fort Wayne and Majic 95.1.The Conservatory will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Headwaters Park Ice Rink
Tuesday-Thursday, 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Extended hours December 26, 27, 28, 29, 12:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday, 12:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Headwaters Park, 333 South Clinton Street
Enjoy skating outside in downtown Fort Wayne. Admission is $6 for age 3 and above and free for age 2 and under. Skate rental is $3. Ice conditions are subject to weather. Call 260-427-2929 to check if the weather is questionable. On Fridays in December, the rink will open at noon. Stay up to date on special holiday hours and parking on the @HeadwatersParkFW Facebook page and FortWayneParks.org. Ten-punch admission cards for the Headwaters Ice Rink are now available for sale at the rink admission trailer (10 admissions/$50) or at the Main Office (705 E. State Blvd.) Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Credit cards are accepted. The ice rink will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Art Display features Julia Meek: Fort Wayne Traditions
Until January 5
Artist Reception: December 10, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Friemann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Fort Wayne native Julia is a radio host, graphic artist and legendary community volunteer who has contributed to Northeast Indiana Public Radio both on- and off-air for forty years. Besides being WBOI's arts & culture reporter, she currently co-produces and hosts “Folktales” and “Meet the Music.” She also hosts live concerts and festival stages in northeast Indiana and coordinates special programs with Gregg Coyle, Director of Clyde Theatre. Known for her accessible arts and cultural offerings, Julia's list of achievements includes Easter Seals ARC's 26-year Portraits of Pride series and two decades of Cityscapes and Schooldays renderings, countless private commissions, multiple Mastodons on Parade, Canal Society of Indiana co-founder, Three Rivers Festival Millennial Artist and Fort Wayne's 1st Female Muralist designation as well as various works of public art including a recent mural in the Landing neighborhood. The Conservatory will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Featuring:
Chilly Challenge Bike Ride
January 1, 1:00 p.m.
Psi Ote Upper Pavilion, Bob Arnold Northside Park, Parnell Avenue at E. State Blvd.
Start the new year with a chilly (chili) and challenging cycling adventure! Choose one of two routes on city street and greenway paths with distance options from five to 20 miles. The rides depart from the Psi Ote Pavilion promptly at 1:00 p.m. Participants are encouraged to allow ample time to unload bike(s), sign a waiver from and gear up for a winter ride. Route maps will be provided. All routes will return to the lodge for a steaming bowl of chili and tasty accompaniments to warm up and entice your taste buds. All food items are donated by the Three Rivers Velo Sport club members. For more information about the ride please visit the 3RVS bike club’s website at www.3rvs.com. The Chilly Challenge is co-sponsored by the Three Rivers Velo Sport (3RVS) bicycling club and the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department and is free and open to all ages.
Coming Soon:
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation is accepting registrations for classes in January and February.
Learn something new when you design a Magical Mini Moss Mushroom Terrarium or relax your mind and body with guided T’ai Chi in the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. Jump into an Aqua Dance class, join a weekly Yoga community or find some edible inspiration with the Salomon Farm Chefs. These activities and many more are featured in the Winter Fun Times, https://www.fortwayneparks.org/images/stories/funtimes/Winter_24_web.pdf. Registration is available online at www.FortWayneParks.org or by phone during regular business hours at 260-427-6000.
