What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:
Reminder:
Rockin’ the Rink
Saturday, January 18, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Headwaters Park Ice Rink, 333 S. Clinton Street
Get ready to lace up you skates and groove to the beat at Rockin’ the Rink! Join us for unforgettable night with live music creating the perfect play list. General admission and skate rental fees apply. Headwaters Park ice rink sponsored by: WANE 15, Loud 103.3 and Hot 107.9.
Featuring:
14th annual Winterval
Saturday, January 25, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Multiple locations in downtown Fort Wayne
Celebrate the frosty fun and coziness of the season with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. Take a hike, make a craft, play miniature golf with ice sculpture hazards, shop local vendors, visit sled dogs, learn how to curl, engage with Fort Wayne history, get cozy and watch live ice sculpture carving.
New in 2025:
- Go Polar at the Plaza will feature an outdoor ice sculpture gallery, inflatable slide, live entertainment (1:00 – 3:00 p.m.) and local food trucks at the AEP Power Plaza, 110 E. Berry Street from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
- Winter Cozy: Fire & Ice welcomes families to bundle up and join a blend of warm and cool attractions including an ice carving contest, live music by Austin Bridges, games and photo opportunities in an igloo from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. S’mores bar available while supplies last. Ted’s Snack + Bar will also be available to purchase food and beverages. Winter Cozy powered by Fire & Ice Heating & Cooling.
See the attached program for all the Winterval details. Winterval is hosted by the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department in conjunction with partners; Botanical Conservatory, Historic Fort Wayne, Allen County Public Library, Science Central, Fort Wayne Curling Club and LC Nature Park. Sponsors include: 97.3 fm WMEE and 21 Alive.
Thursday Theme Nights: Broadway Night
Thursday, January 23, 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 Park ice rink sponsored by: WANE 15, Loud 103.3 and Hot 107.9.
Public Meeting on Open Space Design within the Treeline District
Tuesday, January 21, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation will host a public meeting to gather input on the design for an open public space within the new Treeline District anticipated for the north side of the St. Marys River which was announced in mid-2024. This area is bound by Harrison Street, the St. Marys River, Wells Street and Second Street. The public is welcome to join anytime within those hours. Activities are planned to help gather input. It is estimated that participation will take about 20 minutes, but all are welcome to stay longer within those hours to interact with the Planning Team.
Open House: McMillen Family Pavilion in Franke Park
Wednesday, January 22, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
1750 Goshen Avenue
Step inside the brand new McMillen Family Pavilion in Franke Park during an open house event. See the 6,000 square foot event hall with a capacity for 400 people, the lobby with original murals from local artists, the spacious warming kitchen and universally accessible features. Staff will be available to discuss rental opportunities and refreshments will be served while supplies last.
Wild Walkers
Friday, January 24, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Salamonie State Forest Hominy Ridge in Wabash
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. Find the full 2025 schedule at this link https://www.fortwayneparks.org/images/PDF/Salomon/2025_Wild_Walkers_Schedule.pdf.
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
Admission will be $6 for skaters age three and above, free for age two and below. Skate rental will be $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. 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.
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.
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.
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. 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 begins for The Amazing Winterval Race
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 is open and continues 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.
