What's Happening in the Parks: Jun. 3-9

What’s Happening in the Parks

The week ahead

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

Reminder:

City Pools Open for the Season Saturday, June 1, 12:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Bob Arnold Northside Park Pool, East State Blvd. and Parnell Avenue

McMillen Park Pool, Oxford Street, East of Anthony Blvd.

Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation will open Northside and McMillen Pools for the season on Saturday, June 1. Public swim hours will be 12:30-5:00 p.m. A free swim for youth with disabilities will be held weekly beginning on Sunday, June 9, from 5:15 –6:15 p.m. at Northside Pool. For more information about special swim programs, lessons, punch cards, season passes and pool/pavilion rentals, visit www.FortWayneParks.org.

Kids’ Fishing Derby

Saturday, June 1, 8:00 – 11:30 a.m. (Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.)

Hurshtown Reservoir, 16000 Rothman Road, Grabill

Foster patience, coordination and an appreciation for nature in kids up to age 16 at the annual Kids’ Fishing Derby. Bring your own tackle, bait and bucket to join this free catch and release derby. Prizes will be awarded for the biggest fish caught in five age categories as well as an overall biggest catch. Each participant may enter one fish. No fishing license is required for this special event. An adult must accompany all contestants. Awards will be handed out at 11:30 a.m. (must be present to win) Admission to Hurshtown Reservoir is $5 per car.

Sweet Breeze specialty tour: Bird Watching

Saturday, June 1, 10:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Promenade Park South Dock, 202 West Superior Street

Go birdwatching on the river with members of the Stockbridge Audubon Society on this Sweet Breeze specialty tour! Guests are encouraged to bring binoculars and camera on this two-hour tour which will go as far as the boat can on the three rivers to make sure you see as many species as possible! This specialty tour is $40 per person. 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.

Registration for the Fort Wayne Senior Games continues

June 3-27

FWPR Community Center, 233 West Main Street and other locations in Fort Wayne

Since 1979, the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center has hosted the annual Senior Games. The popular event has expanded over the past 45 years. It offers 40 fun and challenging sports and game events for men and women age 50 and above. The games promote the benefits of remaining active and physically fit and encourage all adults over age 50 to adopt a healthy, enjoyable lifestyle. Events are planned June 3 until June 27. Registrations June 3 and after will be $2 per event. Fort Wayne Senior Games event registrations are accepted up to two business days prior to the event. Download the entry form on the www.FortWayneParks.org website, or stop by the Community Center to pick it up. Follow the instructions and join the fun.

Featuring:

Paint with Your Pup

Sunday, June 2, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Promenade Park Auer Lawn, 202 West Superior Street

Let your dog unleash their inner artist! Pups will create canvas paw-jects and get some spreadable treats in the process. Afterwards, capture the creative moments with your pup in the designated photo booth. Registration deadline is May 30, but walk-ins are welcome as space is available for credit card purchase only. Cost is $10.

 Lifetime Sports Academy Begins

Monday to Friday, June 3 – July 19

McMillen Park, 3901 Abbott Street

The Lifetime Sports Academy is open to boys and girls ages 7-18 and offers free group lessons in the lifetime sports of golf, tennis and swimming. The program operates Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Group lessons in golf, tennis and swimming will focus on skill development, training and participation and will be taught by certified coaches and highly trained professionals and volunteers. Participants may come as often as they wish and stay as long as they like. The Fort Wayne Community Schools summer lunch program will also be available at McMillen Park for Academy participants. The Lifetime Sports Academy is funded by the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department and Lifetime Sports Academy Committee and is offered FREE to area youth. Registration forms are available to download at www.FortWayneParks.org, or call 260-427-6000 to request a brochure.

Park & Play Returns

Monday-Friday, June 3, 10:00 – 12:30 a.m. and 1:30 – 4:00p.m. until July 28

Park & Play staff will bring free fun and games for youth ages 5 and up to a variety of Parks with two mobile recreation units. Two morning and two afternoon sessions Monday to Thursday and one session on Fridays will include a selection of sports, games, arts and crafts, fitness, nature and outdoor educational activities.

The schedule in June includes the following times and locations:

20^th Season of the Salomon Farmers’ Market Kicks Off

Wednesday, June 5, 4:00-7:00 p.m. and continuing each Wednesday until Sept. 4

Salomon Farm Park 817 West Dupont Road

Find fresh produce, baked goods, honey and artisan crafts at this mid-week market. On June 5, enjoy the sounds of The Shepherd’s Brass while you shop. Stop by and say hello to the herd members—Mickie and Frankie the Highland Coos as well as the goats, miniature horse and sheep.

 Storytime in the Park

Wednesday, June 5, 9:30 – 10:00 a.m., and continuing *Wednesdays until July 31

Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street

Join Allen County Public Library on Wednesday mornings for fresh air and children’s literature at Promenade Park. Sessions will be held under the awning of the Park Foundation Pavilion. No pre-registration is required for these free story sessions. There will be no Storytime on the *Juneteenth holiday (June 19).

 Open Swim for Youth with Disabilities

Sunday, June 9, 5:15 – 6:15 p.m., and continuing each Sunday until July 27

Northside Pool, East State Blvd. and Parnell Avenue

Northside Pool will host open swims for children with disabilities or special needs for one hour on Sunday evenings. The swim is free. Please check in before entering the pool. A parent must accompany each child in the water.

Kickboxing with 9Round

Sunday, June 9, 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, June 9, 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: Fort Wayne Children’s Choir

Sunday, June 9, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Park Foundation Pavilion

The Fort Wayne Children’s Choir will bring their harmonies and uplifting music 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, 1100 South Calhoun Street

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.

Sweet Breeze Tours

Thursday, June 6, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. (60 minute tour), 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. (60 minute tour)

Saturday, June 8, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (90-minute tour), 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. (45-minute tour)

Sunday, June 9, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (90 minute tour), 2:45 – 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, $23 for a 60 minute tour 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. Walk-ups are welcome at the dock as space is available. Specialty tours are scheduled throughout the season. Visit the website to see all of the options. 

Trek the Trails

Tuesday, June 4, Meet at 6:00 p.m.

Covington Elementary School, 2430 West Hamilton Road (main parking lot)

The 2024 Trek the Trails season continues on Tuesday evenings. Meet for a 7.37 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."