What's Happening in the Parks: Jun. 10-16

What’s Happening in the Parks

The week ahead

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

Reminder:

Registration for the Fort Wayne Senior Games continues

Until June 24

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 until June 27. Registrations are $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.

Lifetime Sports Academy continues

Monday to Friday, until 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. Stop by on weekdays between 9a.m.-3p.m. to register, download a form at www.FortWayneParks.org, or call 260-427-6000 to request a brochure.

Park & Play continues

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:

Featuring:

Muddy River Concert Series

Wednesday, June 12, 6:00 p.m.

Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street

Enjoy live local music on the Riverfront from Los Electro on June 12, along with food and drink to purchase from Teds snack + bar at the Promenade Park Café.

Foellinger Theatre Community Concert: Fort Wayne Area Community Band

The much-loved free Community Concerts return to the Foellinger Theatre in June and July. All are welcome to take a seat in the covered outdoor theatre to experience live music on the hillside. On Tuesday, June 11, the Fort Wayne Area Community Band will present “Music for All Ages” beginning at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be available at reasonable rates at the concession stands. The free Community Concerts are sponsored by PBS Fort Wayne. For more information about concerts and events at the Foellinger Theatre, please visit FoellingerTheatre.org.  

McKinnie Commons Connections

Thursday, June 13, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Corner of McKinnie Avenue and South Anthony Blvd.

Join Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation on the second Thursday and final Sunday in June and July. The McKinnie Commons Connections events welcome the community to gather for entertainment, food and learning opportunities to foster conversation.

Father’s Day in the Garden

Saturday, June 15, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, June 16, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Treat Dad, Granddad and Father Figures to a special outing at the Botanical Conservatory where they get in free on Father’s Day weekend. Make it a family outing with live butterflies and beautiful garden displays where the first 300 Fathers to visit receive a free plant! On Sunday from 12:00-3:00 p.m., make the day extra special while enjoying lawn games and live music from the G-Money Band in addition to beer and delectables available for purchase from Hop River Brewing Company and The Spicy Bird. Sponsored by: 96.3 XKE.

20^th Season of the Salomon Farmers’ Market

Wednesday, June 12, 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. 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 12, 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 16, 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.

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 13, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. (60 minute tour), 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. (60 minute tour)

Saturday, June 15, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (90-minute tour), 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. (45-minute tour)

Sunday, June 16, 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 11, Meet at 6:00 p.m.

Cookie Cottage, 620 West Washington Center Road (park behind building)

The 2024 Trek the Trails season continues on Tuesday evenings. Meet for a 8.1 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

Tread the Trails

Thursday, June 13, Meet at 6:00 p.m.

Cookie Cottage, 620 West Washington Center Road (park behind building)

Fort Wayne Running Club and the City of New Haven have joined the City of Fort Wayne and Fort Wayne Trails, Inc. to provide guided 1 mile/5k walks/runs beginning at different locations throughout the area! These 5k walks/runs are offered every other Thursday. All mobility aids are welcome at Tread the Trails, and participants are encouraged to lengthen/shorten the route as preferred. 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."