What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:
Reminder:
The Great Train Connection
Friday to Sunday, March 14 – 16, public hours
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street
All aboard the Botanical Conservatory’s Great Train Connection! As part of this special event, journey through the profuse railroad history of Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana, maneuver trains via timesaver switching puzzles and imagine yourself as the conductor of various model train sets ranging from tiny N scale up to G scale. It’s a “freight time” for the whole family—especially the littlest engines. General admission fees apply. Sponsored by: US 93.3.
Wild Walkers
Friday, March 14, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Eagle Marsh, 7185 Engle 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. Find the full 2025 schedule at this link https://www.fortwayneparks.org/images/PDF/Salomon/2025_Wild_Walkers_Schedule.pdf.
Featuring:
Spring Celebration
Saturday, March 22, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Celebrate the start of spring with a global twist at Promenade Park. This year will feature craft stations featuring spring traditions from Thailand, the Middle East, Germany and Bulgaria. Riverfront’s traditional spring celebration activities will also be back and better than ever with animal presentations from Indiana Wild and Soarin’ Hawk Raptor Rehabilitation Center, a plant walk, chalk art stations and more! Food trucks and music will round out the experience.
Registration begins March 24 for Summer Day Camps
Choose your adventure at the classic Franke Park Day Camp, the hands-on Farmin’ Fun Day Camp at Salomon Farm, River Camp or the popular Camp ACTI-Venture excursions based out of the Botanical Conservatory. PODS, or Positive Days of Summer offer half-day options for kids ages 5-13 at the Community Center and feature numerous themes. Download the brochure for more details. Registration may be made online at FortWayneParks.org, in-person, by mail, fax or drop box at 705 East State Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46805.
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department will offer program scholarships for qualified children as funds are available. Scholarship policy details are listed here.
Also Happening:
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, public hours
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.
###
