Bob Arnold Northside Park
Size in acres: 37.47
Since 1978
Park hours: 6 am-11 pm daily.
Northside Park is located at E. State Blvd. and Parnell Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN, 46805. For more detailed location information, check out the General Park Map or Park Map
History
Bob Arnold Northside Park was formerly the State School and Training Center. When the State School's facilities were moved, the Board of Park Commissioners petitioned the State of Indiana to deed the property to the City of Fort Wayne for the purpose of building a park. The land was deeded to the city in 1979 for the first time. In 1981 a bond package was secured to fund the project. Northside Park officially opened on June 4, 1983. The name was changed from Northside Park to Bob Arnold Park in 1999 after the retirement of Bob Arnold, a previous long standing Director of the Fort Wayne Park & Recreation Department, who retired with 45 years of service to the city.
For additional history and photos, check out the Bob Arnold Northside Park history powerpoint!
Scroll down for more information about our park features:
WHAT TO DO
Disc Golf
Disc Golf is a combination of frisbee and golf, a game where you will use a Frisbee to make it inside the basket target that are across various location in Bob Arnold Northside Park.
Check out the NEW Disc Golf layout
Find out more: Fort Disc Golf Club
Pavilions
Psi Ote Barn (Lower)
Location: Northside Park, E. State & Parnell
Capacity: 80
Psi Ote Barn (Upper) Location: Northside Park, E. State & Parnell Capacity: 96
More information is available on the renting pavilions page.
BasketBall
Basketball court is located near the playground and available to use.
Playground
Check out the Engage Fort Wayne link to learn more about the Northside Park playground project!
The new additions will enhance the variety of playground activities available to children, including climbing, sliding, swinging, and a range of balance activities, as well as opportunities for rocking and spinning. Its thoughtful design will integrate with the park’s existing amenities, such as the community pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, and ballfields, to provide a complete recreational experience.
The new inclusive equipment is tailored to support the physical, social, and emotional development of children ages 2-12 and is accessible for all abilities, ensuring every child can play and learn. Parents and caregivers can enjoy as they supervise from the comfort of the existing seat-back benches beneath the shade trees.
Tennis Courts
Tennis courts are available* to test out your swinging skills.
*Northside High School and scheduled programs have priority.
An informal soccer field is available to play on. The field is near the tennis courts.
Swimming Pool
Northside pool, open during the summer season, offers water slides, a splash pad (zero depth area), shade umbrellas, learn to swim lessons, concessions, and plenty of fun!
Main Office
The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department's main office is located in Northside Park.
Mailing address: 705 E. State Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46805. Fax number (260) 427-6020
Phone number (260) 427-6000.
Click here to watch a step by step video on how to access the Parks and Recreation main office.