What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:
Reminder:
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
Featuring:
Trek the Trails
Tuesday, May 13, Meet at 6:00 p.m.
Tread the Trails
Thursday, May 15 Meet at 6:00 p.m.
Cookie Cottage, 620 West Washington Center Road
The 2025 season of Trek the Trails and Tread the Trails has begun. Meet on Tuesday for an 8.13-mile bike ride or on Thursday for a one mile or 5K run/walk. There is no cost to participate. All experience levels are welcome, and participation is at your own risk. Riders are encouraged to wear helmets and to also bring a front white light and rear red light/reflector. Trek the Trails is presented by the City of Fort Wayne and Fort Wayne Trails and proudly sponsored by Northeastern REMC, UAW Local #2209, VS Engineering and Old Fort Bicycle. Tread the Trails is presented by the City of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Trails Inc. and The Fort Wayne Running Club. Follow the City of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Trails, Fort Wayne Running Club and Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation on social media for weather-related updates. For a complete list of locations and dates, visit: https://www.fortwayneparks.org/trails/news-events.html.
Book Sales at the Community Center
Tuesday – Thursday, May 13 - 15
Parks and Recreation Community Center, 233 West Main Street
Book sales are open to the public and feature hardback books for $1, paperback books for 50¢ and DVDs for $1. Other items such as magazines, cards, CDs and puzzles are also available. Donations of these items are accepted year-round.
Spring Bonsai Show
Saturday, May 17, public hours
Embrace peace and harmony while immersed in a bonsai display presented by the Fort Wayne Bonsai Club. Members are present and pleased to discuss this art form while answering any questions you may have. For those who would like to cultivate tranquility at home, a selection of beginning bonsai specimen and pots are available for cash-only purchase. Show entry is included with general admission.
INPS Native Plant Swap
Saturday, May 17, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Lindenwood Nature Preserve, 600 Lindenwood Avenue
Join the Indiana Native Plant Society in supporting local biodiversity! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this is a great opportunity to exchange native plants and seeds with fellow enthusiasts. Bring your extras and take home something new for your garden. Nothing to share? INPS will have free plants and seeds to get you started. Walk to the campfire circle and look for the picnic tables. No pre-registration is required. Carpooling is recommended.
Community Extravaganza
Saturday, May 17, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
McMillen Park Center, 3901 Abbott Street
Free games, fun, prizes and food will be offered for families at the annual Community Extravaganza. This event will also include commercial vendors and community resource booths such as a pop-up job fair where those age 16 and above can apply for a job with Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation. Parents can also register children (ages 5-18) for the free summer youth program. For more information, visit fortwayneparks.org or call McMillen Park Community Center at 260-427-2420.
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.
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 and ACTIVenture 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.
