What's Happening in the Parks: Mar. 31-Apr. 6

What’s Happening in the Parks

The week ahead

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

Reminder:

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.

Featuring:

Children’s Gently-used Book Swap & Sale

Tuesday to Thursday, April 1-3, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center, 233 West Main Street

From pop-ups to paperbacks, this annual book swap & sale is an opportunity to trade-in books that have already been read for something new. Toddlers to teens may swap up to five books per day. Purchasing is unlimited and open to kids and adults. Prices start at 25¢ up to $1. Other items such as magazines, cards, CDs and puzzles are also available. Donations of these items are accepted year round.

Retiree Rambles

Thursday, April 3, 10:00 a.m.

Lindenwood Nature Preserve, 600 Lindenwood Avenue

Make new friends and take an easy mid-morning hike at Fort Wayne Park and Recreation’s Nature Preserve. Meet by the office at the park entrance on the first Thursday of the month and pick a trail. It’s free and no registration is needed. 

Also Happening:

City Golf Courses are open for play

Daily beginning at 10:00 a.m. at least through the end of March.

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

The first start time will be 10:00 a.m. at least until the end of March. 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.

Registration continues for Summer Day Camps

Choose your adventure at the hands-on Farmin’ Fun Day Camp at Salomon Farm or the popular Camp ACTI-Venture excursions based out of the Botanical Conservatory (select sessions available). 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. Sessions for Franke Park Day Camp are filled.

Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department will offer program scholarships for qualified children as funds are available. Scholarship policy details are listed here.

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.