What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:
Reminder:
Do You Dig History?
Saturday, May 4, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Riverfront’s first ever “Dig Day” is coming to Promenade Park on Saturday, May 4. Bring your kids and join us between 12:00-3:00 p.m. for a day of delightful discovery about paleontology and archaeology! Self-led activities will be available through the program, as well as guided activities at specific times. Be sure to be ready for impromptu dinosaur photos. This free event is designed specifically for youth ages 3-12 and families. Find the full schedule at https://riverfrontfw.org/do-you-dig-history/
Featuring:
Mother’s Day Plant Sale
Friday-Sunday, May 10-12
Friday 1:00-7:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
McMillen Park Community Center, 3901 Abbott Street
Just in time for spring planting, the Botanical Conservatory offers over 700 varieties of plants at the annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale. Shop masses of locally grown herbs, vegetable starts, flowering perennials and native plants joining a host of annuals, mixed containers, hanging baskets, houseplants, bonsai and a variety of seeds. Essentials like potting soil and compost worms are also available. A team of knowledgeable plant advisors are even ready to answer questions and offer suggestions! This annual fundraiser supports Fort Wayne’s very own Botanical Conservatory. Sponsored by Majic 95.1 WAJI, Fox55 and Koester’s Body & Frame Shop.
Petal Picasso: Crafting Masterpieces for Mom
Friday, May 10, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion
Craft a heartfelt floral mason jar with or for your mom this Mother’s Day! These crafts can be used as flower vases, candle holders and more. One jar is included in your family registration, so multiple kids can work together creating the perfect gift. You are welcome to register for multiple jars. Register online at bit.ly/RiverfrontFW or call 260-427-6000.
Mother’s Day in the Garden
Saturday & Sunday, May 11 & 12, Public hours
Plan a special outing to the Botanical Conservatory where Moms get in free during Mother’s Day weekend. Together, browse the Conservatory Shop, visit live butterflies and admire all the lovely garden displays. The first 800 mothers to visit receive a free plant! Sponsored by Majic 95.1 WAJI and 21Alive.
Kickboxing with 9Round
Sunday, May 12, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion
Kick and punch your way through a great workout at this free monthly exercise class. Instructors will lead participants in a calorie burning journey like no other.
Yoga on the Riverfront
Sunday, May 12, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion
This free, relaxing one-hour flow yoga class is designed for all skill levels and led by owner of Discover Yoga, Chelsea Vona. Bring your own yoga mat to Promenade Park or borrow one for the class.
Sunday Heritage Concert Series
Sunday, May 12, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion
Kyla J will bring her high vibrational (i.e. positive) and uplifting music and spoken word to Riverfront Fort Wayne. The presentation is free and open to all ages. Seating will be on a first come first served basis.
Also Happening:
Color in Motion: Live Butterfly Exhibit
Until June 23, public hours
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
Live butterflies have landed at the Botanical Conservatory bringing with them an array of natural beauty and wonder. Watch in awe, their wings in flight, as they flash with color pigments and refracted light. Observe exotic butterflies emerging from their chrysalides right before your eyes! An epic display of multicolored flowers and foliage elevates this annual spring exhibit. Sponsored by: the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, “In memory of Jo Ann and William Wyatt,” the Fort Wayne Park Foundation, 97.3 WMEE and 21Alive.
Trek the Trails
Tuesday, May 7, Meet at 6:00 p.m.
Fellowship Missionary Church, 2536 East Tillman Road
The 2024 Trek the Trails season continues on Tuesday evenings. Meet at Fellowship Missionary Church for a 7.2 mile bike ride. Parking is available in back of the church. 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 UAW Local #2209, Three Rivers Velo Sport and Bike Fort Wayne and is presented by the City of Fort Wayne and Fort Wayne Trails. 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: https://www.fortwayneparks.org/trails/news-events.html
Dani Kiefer: Wild and Free
Until - June 22, public hours
Foellinger Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Dani Kiefer is a teacher, graphic designer, illustrator and fine artist. She received a Bachelor of Arts in graphic design and photography from the University of Saint Francis in 1999. Upon graduation, she moved to Chicago and began designing exhibits and marketing materials for the Field Museum of Natural History. She continued her career in Chicago at the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Lincoln Park Zoo where her brand design for the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo was awarded first place by the American Association of Museums. She currently teaches part-time at Concordia Lutheran High School, leads art workshops in her home studio and designs communication materials and illustrations for a variety of clients. "I’m drawn to wildflowers. They thrive in the most unlikely of circumstances. They are strong, resilient, patient, trusting, wild and free."
