What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:
Reminder:
Thursday Theme Nights: Skate into the New Year
Thursday, January 2, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Headwaters Park, 333 South Clinton Street
Bring your friends and family together for a night of fun on the ice! General admission ($6) and skate fees ($3) apply. Stay up to date on Facebook pages for @HeadwatersParkFW and @FortWayneParks. Headwaters Ice Rink sponsored by: WANE 15, Loud 103.3 and Hot 107.9.
Registration begins for The Amazing Winterval Race
Friday, January 3 – January 15 (or until space is filled)
The Amazing Winterval Race offers a series of clues and complete physical, mental or just plain ridiculous challenges for teams of two (age 18+) on January 25. Grab a friend and explore Fort Wayne in a new way–with prizes on the line! The race ends with a victory party where special prize packages will be awarded to the top three teams. Teams are responsible for their own transportation. T-shirts will be provided and must be worn by all participants throughout the event. Registration begins Friday January 3 and continues through January 15 or until space is filled (code # 143900-S1). Fee: $89 per team. Max. 40 teams. Registration will be available online at www.FortWayneParks.org or by phone at 260-427-6000 on Friday, January 3.
Featuring:
Winter Showcase Exhibit: Floor is Lava!
January 11 – April 6, public hours
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street
It’s the hottest garden around as visitors to the Botanical Conservatory experience the daring feats of a favorite childhood game! This winter, don’t miss your landing, as you navigate a challenging set of obstacles for all ages and abilities. Fiery hues of reds and oranges flood the challenge course amidst towering tropical plants under the shadows of a roaring volcano. Don’t fall in–the Floor is Lava! Sponsored by: English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Magee-O’Connor Foundation, Fort Wayne Park Foundation, PNC Charitable Trusts and 103.9 Wayne FM.
Thursday Theme Nights: School Spirit Night
Thursday, January 9, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Headwaters Park, 333 South Clinton Street
Bring your friends and family together for a night of fun on the ice! General admission ($6) and skate fees ($3) apply. Stay up to date on Facebook pages for @HeadwatersParkFW and @FortWayneParks. Headwaters Ice Rink sponsored by: WANE 15, Loud 103.3 and Hot 107.9.
Registration available for Winterval H.S. Doubles Pickleball Tourney
Saturday, January 25, 10:00 – 12:00 p.m.
McMillen Park Community Center, 3901 Abbott Street
High School students can show off their skills and dive into some friendly competition in the first Winterval Pickleball Tournament just for them. Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation is partnering with the Fort Wayne Pickleball Club for a round-robin format tournament which will give everyone a chance to play in multiple matches. Students can register with a partner or solo and be matched with another single player. Players do not need to be experts, but should have a basic understanding on the game. Players should bring their own paddle, wear comfortable clothes, and plan to spend a fun morning on the pickleball court with other high school players! Register online at fortwayneparks.org. Registration Deadline: January 14, 2025.
Kickboxing with 9Round
Sunday, January 12, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street, 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, January 12, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street, 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.
Open Mic Jam Session
Sunday, January 12, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street, Park Foundation Pavilion
Bring your instrument, lyrics, poetry or story to the Park Foundation Pavilion for a free open mic jam session hosted by a new local band, The Jarr. Come share your talent and experience their new music. To sign up in advance for a spot, call 260-427-6216 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Lisa Heintzman: Innovative Abstractor
January 11 – April 5
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street
See paintings inspired by the energy and emotions that Lisa Heintzman experiences. Heintzman is very observant of how one motion affects the next and how simple daily life has so many moments all compiled into one day. The artist paints abstract art with these emotions and perfect imperfections of each moment. Time is suspended in the paintings. Heintzman believes beauty is necessary and the intent and purpose is to help view the imperfect world by bringing calmness, joy and serenity of the movements in the paintings.
Also Happening:
Headwaters Ice Rink
Wednesday – Friday, 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday, 12:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Headwaters Park, 333 South Clinton Street
The rink will be open Wednesday to Sunday beginning January 6. Admission is $6 for skaters age three and above, free for age two and below. Skate rental is $3. An array of special programming is planned at Headwaters Ice Rink for the season includes Thursday Theme Nights, live music for Rockin’ the Rink in mid-January, skating demonstrations and a meet and greet with a very special guest character. Thanks to a donation by Marcia Crawford and Grant Crawford, reduced admission skating and skate rental opportunities will be available Thursday nights in late January and February to celebrate the memory and community service of Dr. John Crawford, a physician and radiation oncologist and 20-year member of the Fort Wayne City Council. Discover all of the details in the Winter edition of the Fun Times activity guide. For the latest parking map, please go to www.fortwayneparks.org and search Headwaters Park. Ten-punch skating passes will be available to purchase at the rink, located at 333 South Clinton Street in downtown Fort Wayne, during normal operation hours.
*After January 6, the rink will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Additional or extended hours will be announced throughout the season. Stay up to date on Facebook pages for @HeadwatersParkFW and @FortWayneParks. Headwaters Park ice rink sponsored by: WANE 15, Loud 103.3 and Hot 107.9.
Kick-off for Wild Walkers, 2025
Friday, January 10, 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Salomon Farm Park, 817 West Dupont Road
This adult hiking group meets the second and fourth Fridays of each month for a walk on the wild side. Each hike features a different natural area in the region (parks, wetlands, nature preserve, etc.) and carpooling is available when necessary.
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