What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:
Reminder:
Spring Bonsai Show
Saturday, May 18, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Embrace peace and harmony while immersed in a bonsai display presented by the Fort Wayne Bonsai Club. Members are present and pleased to discuss this art form. For those who would like to cultivate tranquility at home, a selection of beginning bonsai specimen and pots are available for cash-only purchase. Show entry included with general admission.
Historical Tie Dye
Saturday, May 18, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion
For most of human history, dyes were derived from nature. People cooked plants until they produced the desired pigment. Explore this fabric dying technique with your own tie dye t-shirt. With natural dyes, the color may not be as vibrant as you may be used to (like with modern clothing). All dyes have been pre-tested and there will be fabric samples to help you choose your color or colors. A plain white t-shirt is included. All ages are welcome. Register online at bit.ly/RiverfrontFW or call 260-427-6000.
Featuring:
Splashpads Open for the Season
Saturday, May 25, 9:00 a.m.
The nine area Water Playgrounds will open for the season on Saturday, May 25 at 9:00 a.m. They are located at the following parks:
|
Buckner Park |
6114 Bass Road |
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
|
Franklin School Park |
1903 Saint Marys Avenue |
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
|
Kreager Park (Taylor’s Dream) |
7225 North River Road |
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
|
McCormick Park |
2300 Raymond Avenue & Holly Avenue |
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
|
Memorial Park |
2301 Maumee Avenue & Glasgow Avenue |
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
|
Promenade Park |
202 W. Superior Street |
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
|
Robert E. Meyers Park |
Inside North Gate of Parkview Field on Jefferson Blvd. |
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday, on days with no scheduled events) |
|
Shoaff Park |
6401 St. Joe Road |
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
|
Waynedale Park |
2900 Koons Street & Elzey Street |
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
Sweet Breeze Tours begin
Saturday, May 25, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (90-minute tour), 2:45 -3:30 p.m. (45-minute tour)
Sunday, May 26, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (90 minute tour), 2:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m. (45-minute tour)
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 45 minute cruise options. Tickets are $30 per person for a 90-minute cruise, and $20 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. Specialty tours will begin the morning of Saturday, June 1, with the popular Bird Watching Tour with members of the Stockbridge Audubon Society. Visit the website to see all of the options this season.
Dragon Boat 101
Thursday, May 23, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion
Interested in taking part in this year’s Fort Wayne Dragon Boat Races, but not sure where to start? Attend this informational session to learn all things Dragon Boats—what it is, how to create a team, the event schedule and more!
Iris Flower Show
Sunday, May 26, 12:00-3:00 p.m.
Revel in the beauty of showy spring blooms. Members of the Northeast Indiana Iris Society display a sublime array of prized blooms in various varieties. Be sure to vote for your favorite! Members are also happy to offer helpful growing advice. Show entry is included with general admission.
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 21, Meet at 6:00 p.m.
Kreager Park, North River Road
The 2024 Trek the Trails season continues on Tuesday evenings. Meet near the tennis courts at Kreager Park for a 7.5 mile bike 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 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."
