What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:
Reminder:
National Pollinator Week
Until Saturday, June 22, public hours
Join us to celebrate National Pollinator Week at the Botanical Conservatory! Get a thrill out of the Conservatory’s Live Butterfly Exhibit and Observation Bee Hive both having returned for another season. In addition, explore the amazing world of pollinators and learn, too, the importance of pollinators in our world. Regular admission rates apply.
Paint with a Purpose: Family Art & Sensory Expo
Sunday, June 23, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Riverfront Fort Wayne and Mental Health America of Northeast Indiana have partnered to bring the Paint with a Purpose: Family Art and Sensory Expo event that combines family fun and wellness. This free and inclusive event features activities and booths hosted by organizations who facilitate education and sensory-friendly fun! Mark your calendars now for this day filled with art, play and access to resources in our community that offer sensory and adaptive services. While the expo is free to attend, additional activities may have costs.
Featuring:
Raise a Glass! Exhibit Opening
Saturday, June 29 – November 17, public hours
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
The Botanical Conservatory is celebrating 40 years! Since 1983, this unique botanical venue has served as a cultural anchor in Fort Wayne, having welcomed nearly three million visitors from near and far! During its 40th anniversary, the Botanical Conservatory is capturing vivid streams of light and reflecting into glimmers of a vibrant future. Raise your glass to the continued health, happiness and success of this community treasure. Sponsored by: Fort Wayne Park Foundation, English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Majic 95.1, WANE 15 and Sycamore Tree Care.
From Concept to Celebration
June 29 – November 16, public hours
Foellinger Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
This visual timeline displays the history of the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory from an original idea to our current-day fortieth anniversary! Images, news articles and short stories provide historical context during the celebratory Raise a Glass! Garden Exhibit. Enjoy this unique display as a collaboration of archives from both the Foellinger Foundation and the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory.
Muddy River Concert Series
Wednesday, June 26, 6:00 p.m.
Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Enjoy live local music on the Riverfront from Wallen Road on June 26, along with food and drink to purchase from Teds snack + bar at the Promenade Park Café.
Sweet Breeze Specialty tour, Enchanted River Excursion: Princess Party
Saturday, June 29, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
South Dock, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Area princesses are welcome to join this specialty cruise wearing their finest dress and tiara for a river tour with a live princess! This two-hour event will include a staff-led craft on the dock. Reservations can be made online (until midnight on day prior to tour) 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.
McKinnie Commons Connections
Sunday, June 30, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., Thursday, July 11, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 28, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
McKinnie Commons, 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.
Also Happening:
Sweet Breeze Tours
Thursday, June 27, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. (60 minute tour), 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. (60 minute tour)
Saturday, June 29, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (90-minute tour), 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. (45-minute tour)
Sunday, June 30, 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 (until midnight on day prior to tour) 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 by cash or credit card. Specialty tours are scheduled throughout the season. Visit the website to see all of the options.
20th Season of the Salomon Farmers’ Market
Wednesday, June 26, 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.
Trek the Trails
Tuesday, June 25, Meet at 6:00 p.m.
Indian Trails Park, 10313 Aboite Center Road (meet south of playground)
The 2024 Trek the Trails season continues on Tuesday evenings. Meet for a 7.7 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 27, Meet at 6:00 p.m.
Indian Trails Park, 10313 Aboite Center Road (meet south of playground)
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.
