What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:
Reminder:
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, shop, visit sled dogs, learn how to curl, engage with Fort Wayne history, get cozy and watch live ice sculpture carving at five different locatons.
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 @HeadwatersParkFW and @FortWayneParks. Headwaters Park ice rink sponsored by: WANE 15, Loud 103.3 and Hot 107.9.
Featuring:
Foster Park Entrance public meeting
January 29, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Sears Pavilion, Indian Village Park, 1701 Bluffton Road
Following feedback from two open house meetings in July 2024, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation is prepared to present two conceptual design options for the reimagined Foster Park Entrance. The public is invited to review the designs and provide additional input on the project at an open house meeting on January 29, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the Indian Village Park Sears Pavilion, 1701 Bluffton Road.
The new design will seek to address not only the infrastructure and maintenance needs following the culmination of the Three Rivers Protection and Overflow Reduction Tunnel (3RPORT), but will also consider recreational amenities, landscape enhancements, pedestrian and vehicular circulation as well as the interface of a new plan with the existing beauty of Foster Park and its surroundings.
The redesign planning process is expected to be complete in late spring to early summer of 2025.
Practice Makes Perfect with the Fort Wayne Ice Skating Club
February 1, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Headwaters Park Ice Rink, 333 South Clinton Street
For beginner skaters ages 10 and under, this is their chance to learn from members of the Fort Wayne Ice Skating Club, and see a demonstration of what can be done with enough practice! Individual attention is not guaranteed as this will be taking place in a group setting. Sign up online at https://riverfrontfw.org/event/44238/, or call 260-427-6000 by January 27. Fee: $5. Walk-ins are welcome if space is available for credit card only.
Orchid Show
February 1, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m., Potting Demo 12:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.
February 2, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Cultivate a passion for Orchids when blooming varieties are beautifully on display by local society members who are ready to answer all your growing questions. Saturday guests will not want to miss one of two live potting demonstrations! Plants and potting materials will be available for purchase. Show entry is included with general admission to the Botanical Conservatory. Presented by: The Three Rivers Orchid Society.
Sweetheart Orchid Display
February 1 – March 2, Public hours
Be allured by the colorful mystique of Orchids on display in the Botanical Conservatory’s Tropical House. Experience captivating, long-lasting blooms in an intimately devoted space that mirrors the everlasting love shared with those closest to you. Orchids and other noteworthy plants are available for purchase in the Conservatory Shop. The display is included with general admission.
Lunar New Year Celebration: K-Pop Dance
Saturday, February 1, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Join us for the second Lunar New Year celebration! Returning are many favorites from 2024, starting with a costume contest! Join in and show off your moves during Random Dance and then sing your favorite song during karaoke. Afterwards, visit one or more of our activities including a selfie station, games, calligraphy and a Tree of Wisdom to place your New Year’s wishes. Activities are planned for all ages, so the entire family can participate! Music requests are encouraged for dancing. Lunar New Year Celebration is partnering with Korean Fest, as a free celebration of diversity. All are welcome to participate.
$1 Thursday Skate Nights
Thursdays, January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Headwaters Park Ice Rink, 333 South Clinton Street
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation announces that reduced admission skating and skate rental is planned for Thursday evenings beginning January 30 until February 20 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.at the Headwaters Park Ice Skating Rink. The $1 admission skate days are thanks to a donation by Marcia Crawford and Grant Crawford who wish 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. Reduced admission and $1 skate rentals will be offered for guests on Jan. 30, Feb. 6, 13, and 20.
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. Thanks to a donation by Marcia Crawford and Grant Crawford, reduced admission skating and skate rental opportunities will be available on 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!
Until 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
Until 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.
