What's Happening in the Parks: Mar. 24-30

What’s Happening in the Parks

The week ahead

Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:

Reminder:

Spring Celebration

Saturday, March 22, 11:00a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street

Celebrate the start of spring with a global twist at Promenade Park. Experience 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, a plant walk, chalk art stations and more! Food trucks and music will round out the experience. Due to precautions related to the spread of bird flu among the flock, Soarin’ Hawk Raptor Rehabilitation is unable to participate as previously announced. We look forward to welcoming them back to the Riverfront in the future.

City Golf Courses to Open

Saturday, March 22, 10:00 a.m.

Foster Park Golf Course, 3900 Old Mill Road  

McMillen Park Golf Course, Oxford Street, east of Anthony Blvd.

Shoaff Park Golf Course, 6401 St. Joe Road

Foster, Shoaff and McMillen Park Golf Courses will open for the 2025 season on Saturday, March 22, at 10:00 a.m., weather permitting. If a frost occurs, the start time may be delayed. After opening day, the first start time will be 10:00 a.m. at least until the end of the month. Cart conditions for each course and opening for the driving ranges at Shoaff and McMillen will be determined day-to-day. Please call to inquire.

Work by City Utilities along Hartman Road adjacent to Foster Park will continue through the summer to protect the St. Marys River from combined sewer overflows and reduce backup in nearby neighborhoods. These improvements will bring long-term benefits by connecting to the Deep Rock Tunnel, which became operational last November. As a result, the front and back nines have been reversed and one temporary green and a few temporary tees will be in place at Foster Park Golf Course for the 2025 golfing season:

• Hole number 13 will have a temporary green.
• Four holes will play from shorter tees.
• The par for the course will be 35/35-70.

Please note: Foster Park Golf Course will be presented and played as-is.

City golf courses begin operations at sunrise and close 30 minutes prior to sunset, weather permitting. When inclement weather occurs, courses may close for a short period, or for the day, depending on the severity of the weather. To check on course availability or to schedule tee times, call the golf course clubhouse where you plan to play.

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 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.

Featuring:

Slightly Used Bulb Sale

March 26 – May 4, public hours

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street

This annual sale features slightly used tulips, daffodils and hyacinths from the Botanical Conservatory’s winter exhibit. Located in the outdoor Sales Garden, bulbs are $1.95/pot and are ready to plant in preparation for next year’s bloom! Purchases are made through the Conservatory Shop while supplies last. Admission is not required to shop. 

Wild Walkers

Friday, March 28, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Bicentennial Woods, 340 East Shoaff 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.

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.