What's Happening in the Parks: Apr. 14-20

What’s Happening in the Parks

The week ahead

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

Reminder:

Kickboxing with 9Round

Sunday, April 13, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Park Foundation Pavilion

Kick and punch your way through a great workout at this free monthly exercise class. Instructors will lead participants in a calorie burning journey like no other.

Yoga on the Riverfront

Sunday, April 13, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Park Foundation Pavilion

This free, relaxing one-hour flow yoga class is designed for all skill levels and led by owner of Discover Yoga, Chelsea Vona. Bring your own yoga mat to Promenade Park or borrow one for the class.

Wild Walkers

Friday, April 11, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Pehkokia Woods, 1570 Flaxmill Road, Huntington

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:

Color in Motion: Live Butterfly Exhibit!

Tuesday, April 15 – June 22, public hours

Live butterflies have landed at the Botanical Conservatory bringing with them an array of natural beauty and wonder. Watch in awe, their wings in flight, as they flash with color pigments and refracted light. Observe exotic butterflies emerging from their chrysalides right before your eyes! An epic display of multicolored flowers and foliage elevates this annual spring exhibit. Sponsored by: the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Fort Wayne Park Foundation, “In memory of Jo Ann and William Wyatt,” 21Alive and 97.3 WMEE.

Bunny Tales in the Garden

Friday and Saturday, April 18 and 19, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Hop from one garden to the next while enjoying cheerful floral displays, interactive activities and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny. Children are encouraged to follow the trail through the Conservatory’s lush displays to discover the ‘ending’ to the Bunny’s tale—an in-person visit with the Easter Bunny! (Note: Bunny takes a break from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 to 2:00 p.m. A highlight of the event is the Color in Motion Live Butterfly Tent, where visitors can step inside and experience butterflies up close in a vibrant, interactive setting. Due to anticipated attendance, the Butterfly Tent will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with timed entries in five-minute intervals to ensure a positive experience for all participants. General admission fees apply. Sponsored by: Majic 95.1 WAJI, Fox55 and Koester’s Body & Frame Shop.

Also Happening:

City Golf Courses are open for play

Daily beginning at 8:00 a.m., April 12 – 18

Daily beginning at 7:30 a.m., April 19 – 25

Daily beginning at 7:00 a.m., April 26 until the end of the season

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

As of April fifth, the first start time has shifted to 8:30 a.m. and start time will adjust earlier by 30 minutes each Saturday in April until reaching 7:00 a.m. on April 26, weather permitting. 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.

Slightly Used Bulb Sale

Until 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. 

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 (session five only, 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.