What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:
Reminder:
City Pools to Open for the Season
Saturday, May 31, 12:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Bob Arnold Northside Park Pool, East State Blvd. and Parnell Avenue
McMillen Park Pool, Oxford Street, East of Anthony Blvd.
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation will open Northside and McMillen Pools for the season on Saturday, May 31. Public swim hours will be 12:30-5:00 p.m. A free swim for youth with disabilities will be held weekly on Sundays, from 5:15 – 6:15 p.m. at Northside Pool. For information about special swim programs, lessons, punch cards, season passes and pool/pavilion rentals, visit www.FortWayneParks.org.
Registration for the Fort Wayne Senior Games continues
Register by Friday, May 30, for best rates, otherwise can register two days in advance of event
FWPR Community Center, 233 West Main Street
Since 1979, the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center has hosted the annual Senior Games. The popular event has expanded over the past 46 years. It offers over 40 fun and challenging sports and game events for men and women age 50 and above. The games promote the benefits of remaining active and physically fit and encourage all older adults to adopt a healthy, enjoyable lifestyle. Events are planned June 2 until July 2. Registrations after May 30 are $2 per event. Fort Wayne Senior Games event registrations are also accepted up to two business days prior to the event. Download the entry form on www.FortWayneParks.org, or stop by the Community Center to pick it up. Follow the instructions and join the fun.
Featuring:
Justin Moore and Joe Nichols with special guest Austin Michael
Thursday, June 5, 7:30 p.m., gates open at 6:30 p.m.
Foellinger Theatre, 3411 Sherman Blvd.
Multi-platinum-selling country artists Justin Moore and Joe Nichols will feature a 90-minute set of Moore’s biggest hits, as well as new music, including “Small Town USA,” “Bait A Hook,” and his latest “Time’s Ticking.” Moore recently notched his 13th No. 1 single with "This is My Dirt" and he released his 12-track ‘This is My Dirt’ album featuring Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton and Randy Houser in October.
Nichols will join the tour as direct support, performing his collection of chart-topping hits including “Sunny and 75,” “Brokenheartsville,” “Gimmie That Girl,” “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off” and more along with his latest single, “Better Than You,” a duet with rising star Annie Bosko. Nichols is currently on tour supporting the release of his 11th studio album, Honky Tonks and Country Songs. Bleacher seats are just $35. Ticketing is available in person at the Parks and Recreation Department (705 East State Blvd) and via the website: www.foellingertheatre.org.
Electric Riverfront
Friday, June 6, 5:30 – 11:00 p.m.
Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
It’s an electrifying night of music, dance and high-energy vibes in Promenade Park! The evening kicks off with Los Electro, a dynamic Latin rock band, setting the stage for an unforgettable night. Throughout the evening DJs from O’Sullivan’s “Tronic Thursday” will keep the energy flowing across two stages. But the beats don’t stop there! Experience an epic dance battle, where the best local talent will compete and show their skills. For a more immersive experience, head to the Wells Street Bridge for Silent Disco, where you can jam out and control the soundtrack. For the latest lineup and details, follow the Riverfront Fort Wayne Facebook event page. This event is free to the public and all ages are welcome. Thank you to event partners Fort Underground Coalition, Artisan Productions & Entertainment, and O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub.
Kids’ Fishing Derby
Saturday, June 7, 8:00 – 11:30 a.m. (Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.)
Hurshtown Reservoir, 16000 Rothman Road, Grabill
Foster patience, coordination and an appreciation for nature in kids up to age 16 at the annual Kids’ Fishing Derby. Bring your own tackle, bait and bucket to join this free catch and release derby. Prizes will be awarded for the biggest fish caught in five age categories as well as an overall biggest catch. Each participant may enter one fish. No fishing license is required for this special event. An adult must accompany all contestants. Awards will be handed out at 11:30 a.m. (must be present to win) There is no charge for the Derby, admission to Hurshtown Reservoir is $5 per car.
Salomon Farmers’ Market Opens for the Season
Wednesday, June 4, 4:00-7:00 p.m. and continuing each Wednesday until September 3
Salomon Farm Park, 317 West Dupont Road
Find fresh produce, baked goods, honey and artisan crafts at this mid-week market. Stop by and say hello to the newest members of the herd—Lucky and London the Valais Blacknose Sheep or Mickie and Frankie the Highland Coos as well as the goats, a miniature horse and more.
Park & Play Mobile Recreations Returns
Monday, June 6 – August 1
Park & Play staff will bring free fun and games for youth ages 5 and up to a variety of Parks with two mobile recreation units. Two morning and two afternoon sessions Monday to Thursday and one session on Fridays will include a selection of sports, games, arts and crafts, fitness, nature and outdoor educational activities.
The schedule includes the following times and locations:
- Mondays & Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Hanna Homestead, Gay & Lewis Streets
- Lakeside Park, 1401 Lake Avenue
- Mondays & Tuesdays, 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
- Packard Park, 427 Kinsmoor Avenue
- Waynedale Park, Koons & Elzey Streets
- Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10:00-12:30 p.m.
- Psi Ote Park, Wenonah Lane
- Tillman Park, 600 E. Tillman Road
- Wednesdays & Thursdays, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
- Lions Park, 3299 Carew Street
- Hamilton Park, Spring & Cherokee Streets
- Monday to Friday, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
- Cooper Center, Reservoir Park, 2300 South Clinton
- Funtastic Fridays, 12:00-1:30 p.m.
- Various locations; visit Park & Play link.
Kickboxing with 9Round
Sunday, June 8, 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, June 8, 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.
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.
Sweet Breeze Tours
Saturday, May 31, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. (90-minute), 5:45 – 6:30 p.m. (45-minute)
Sunday, June 1, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (90-minute), 3:45 – 4:30 p.m. (45-minute)
Thursday, June 5, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. (60-minute), 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. (60-minute)
South Dock, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street.
Travel Fort Wayne’s rivers on Sweet Breeze, an authentic 1840 canal boat replica. This fully accessible tour provides an opportunity to learn something new about Fort Wayne through its riverfront. Choose 90 or 45-minute cruise options. Tickets are $30 per person for a 90-minute cruise and $20 per person for 45-minute cruise. Reservations can be made online (until midnight on day prior to tour) at www.RideSweetBreeze.org or via the Fort Wayne Parks App; in person at the Parks and Recreation Offices (705 East State Blvd.) or by phone 260-427-6000 during normal business hours. Walk-ups are welcome at the dock as space is available by cash or credit card. Specialty tours are scheduled throughout the season. Visit the website or app to see all the options.
Registration continues for Farmin’ Fun Day Camp & PODS
Set a course for exploration about plants, animals and life on the farm at the hands-on Farmin’ Fun Day Camp at Salomon Farm. Select weeks are available for ages 6-11.
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 offers 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.
