What's Happening in the Parks: May 5 - 11

What’s Happening in the Parks

The week ahead

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

Reminder:

Hurshtown Reservoir opens for the season

Thursday, May 1, 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

16000 Roth Road, Grabill, IN

Hurshtown Reservoir may be the best fishing spot in Allen County. It also features a 2.75-mile walking path, areas for picnics plus kayak and rowboat rentals. It’s open daily seasonally May to mid-October. Admission is $5 per car or $1 to walk or bike in. Season passes are available to purchase at the reservoir. For more information, call 260-427-6000 or 260-627-3390 during hours of operation.

Ticket Sales Begin for Sweet Breeze Canal Boat Tours

Thursday, May 1

Plan to travel Fort Wayne’s rivers on Sweet Breeze, the 1840’s canal boat replica this summer. History tours begin on Memorial Day weekend, May 24 and 25. Saturday Specialty Tours include fan favorites like Bird Watching and Princess Party as well as live music and other themes. This fully accessible tour provides an opportunity to learn something new about Fort Wayne through its riverfront. Choose 90 minute, 60 minute or 45 minute cruise options. Ticket prices range between $15 to $30 for history tours depending on length and day of the week. Specialty tours are priced based on the tour. Reservations can be made online at www.RideSweetBreeze.org, in person at the Parks and Recreation Offices (705 East State Blvd.) or by phone 260-427-6000 during normal business hours beginning on May 1. 

Johnny Appleseed Campground opens for the season

Thursday, May 1 through October

1500 Harry Baals Drive

The popular campground tucked into Johnny Appleseed Park welcomes campers and RVs seasonally. Don’t miss the park playground, boat ramp and fishing as well as Rivergreenway access within an easy walk from the campground. The camp is pet-friendly and offers discounted fees to use the Camp Canine Dog Park (with proof of specific vaccinations). Free WIFI is included and most camp sites have access to electricity and water. Learn more online: Johnny Appleseed Campground, or call 260-427-6000.      

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. 

Featuring:

Mother’s Day Plant Sale

Friday, May 9, 1:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 10, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 11, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Just in time for spring planting, the Botanical Conservatory offers over 700 varieties of plants at the annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale. Shop masses of locally grown herbs, vegetable starts, flowering perennials and native plants joining a host of annuals, mixed containers, hanging baskets, bonsai and houseplants. Essentials like potting soil and compost worms are also available. A team of knowledgeable plant advisors are even ready to answer questions and offer suggestions! This annual fundraiser supports Fort Wayne’s very own Botanical Conservatory. Sponsored by: Majic 95.1 WAJI, Fox55 and Koester’s Body & Frame Shop.

Mother’s Day in the Garden

Saturday & Sunday, May 10 & 11, public hours

Plan a special outing to the Botanical Conservatory where Moms get in free during Mother’s Day weekend. Together, browse the Conservatory Shop, visit live butterflies and admire lovely garden displays. Mothers receive a free plant while supplies last! Sponsored by: Aunt Millie’s, Majic 95.1 WAJI and 21Alive.

Kickboxing with 9Round

Sunday, May 11, 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, May 11, 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, May 9, 8:45 – 10:30 a.m.

Spurgeon Woodland Reserve, 9478 N. 600 W., Ligonier, IN

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:

Color in Motion: Live Butterfly Exhibit!

Until June 22, public hours

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street

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.

City Golf Courses are open for play

Daily beginning at 7:00 a.m., 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

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 Camp & PODS

Choose your adventure at the hands-on Farmin’ Fun Day Camp at Salomon Farm. 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.

Grace Yencer: Gentle Turning

Until June 22

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street

Grace Yencer has been creating art for as long as she can remember, inspired by a childhood dream of becoming an artist or art teacher. Yencer’s love for snail mail sparked an early career in greeting cards, but she soon shifted focus to art as self-expression. With roots in the Midwest, her style reflects both a sense of nostalgia and a playful exploration of the world around her, making her pieces as heartfelt as they are visually engaging. Her work invites you to pause, look closer and maybe catch a hint of sorrow in the details. “To create one’s world takes courage,” Georgia O’Keeffe.