Yearly Highlights

 

Highlights of 2023

Headwaters Transitions to Parks

After 30 years of direction under The Headwaters Park Commission (in 1993) and the Headwaters Park Alliance (beginning in 2001), Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation assumed management and day-to-day operations of Headwaters Park prior to the 2023 festival season. The transition was smooth and led to a successful operation of the Headwaters Ice Rink with creative recreational programming throughout the season.

Tree City USA Award

The National Arbor Day Foundation awarded the City of Fort Wayne with its 33^rd consecutive Tree City USA designation. The Parks Department announced that the city received the Growth Award for the 18^th consecutive year, for demonstrating environmental improvement and an outstanding level of tree care.

New Park & Play Program Brings the Fun to Youth

This mobile recreation unit called Park & Play brings a selection of sports, games, arts and crafts, fitness, nature and outdoor educational activities to youth ages five and above throughout the summer. This program supplements other summer activities for youth in neighborhood parks.

Lifetime Sports Academy Celebrates 25 Years

Teaching the life-long sports of tennis, golf and swimming at no cost is key to the mission of the LSA that was started by Jerry Fox, Tom Jehl and Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation. More then 850 participants in 2023 and over 31,300 since its inception in 1998 have developed skills to use throughout their lifetimes.

Parks Celebrates 75 Years of Community at the Jennings Recreation Center

The 75^th anniversary of the Jennings Recreation Center was celebrated with a carnival-themed open house. The festivities featured tours of the facility, food and refreshments, games, horse-drawn wagon rides, animals, face painting and a bounce house. The center officially opened in the summer of 1948 as the McCulloch Recreation Center and was renamed in 1992 after longtime director Albert George Jennings. It is known for being a safe haven and meeting location for kids and families and for hosting many special programs.

Jennings Wassail Reunion Marks 70 Years

The annual Wassail Reunion at the Jennings Recreation Center gathered community members of all ages to kick off the holiday season with a festive program of music, poetry, dance, refreshments and the traditional wassail punch. This annual event is also a celebration of Ubuntu community at the East Central neighborhood center.

Other Notable Achievements:

• Opened McKinnie Commons with City of Fort Wayne Community Development and Councilwoman Sharon Tucker.
• Powell Park joined Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation via City of Fort Wayne Community Development and the Southeast Strategy.
• Refreshed Sheldon Park with a new playground, sidewalks and benches.
• Accepted the Outstanding Agency Award for 2022 from the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association in November 2023.
• Drafted and presented the Hanna Homestead Master Plan to Board of Park Commissioners.
• Completed the Moody Park Master Plan which was adopted by Board of Park Commissioners.
• Completed Foster Park Golf Master Plan which was adopted by Board of Park Commissioners.
  
  

Highlights of 2022

• 30 New Pickleball Courts: Celebrated the addition of 30 new pickleball courts in five City parks. This $180,881.00 project resurfaced and converted courts at Foster, Lakeside, Hamilton and Kettler Parks and restriped courts at Tillman Park. The additional courts accommodate the increasing local interest in a growing sport with fans of all ages. The new courts join existing courts at McMillen, Lions and Waynedale Parks for a total of 36 outdoor and six indoor courts.
• Parks Celebrates 75 Years of Franke Park Day Camp: Marked the 75th anniversary of Franke Park Day Camp with a special public open house. The festivities featured opportunities for guests to take a guided hike to Bullet Hill, experience Singing Tree, appear in a commemorative photo taken with a drone, enjoy special giveaways (while supplies lasted), buy a 75th Anniversary t-shirt and revel in a ceremony packed with fun facts about the longest running children’s program within the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department.
• The program continues to be a family tradition with former campers sending their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to experience the adventures, camaraderie and outdoor education. Franke Park Day Camp was sold out for the summer of 2022.
• Basketball Court Enhancements and Colorful Mural Revealed: Announced completion of a public private partnership to resurface and enhance two basketball courts in Ivan Lebamoff Reservoir Park. The surface of the courts features a vibrant thematic mural installed by local artist Andre Portee. The $30,000 project also includes new backboards, painted rims and new benches. It is funded by Fort Financial Credit Union with resurfacing and new striping by Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation and with support from the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.
• Riverfront Fort Wayne Partnership with KultureCity: KultureCity has partnered with Riverfront Fort Wayne to make Promenade Park and all of the programs and events that the venue hosts to be sensory inclusive. This new initiative will promote an accommodating and positive experience for all guests and fans with a sensory issue who visit Riverfront Fort Wayne.
• Fort Wayne Parks restoration of Pavilion 3 in Foster Park: Completed a multi-year effort to historically restore the 1930’s era rustic stone and timber open-air picnic shelter and the surrounding Oak Grove recreational site. This public-private partnership with Friends of the Park of Allen County and South West Area Partnership brings new life and opportunity for reengagement with a little-known section of Foster Park.
• Historic 19th Century Wells Street Bridge Project Completed: Revealed the replacement of all decorative knee portal components in the truss of the historic 19th century Wells Street Bridge at Promenade Park. The completion of the $131,405 bridge project is significant as it is one of only a few examples of a truss bridge of the 1880s era that still survives. This project was funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior and the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund Program and is being administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology.
• Tree City USA Award: The National Arbor Day Foundation awarded the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department with its 32^nd consecutive Tree City USA designation. The Parks Department announced that the city received the Growth Award for the 17^th consecutive year, which highlights innovative programs and projects and demonstrates an increased commitment of resources for urban forestry.

New Projects and Renovations:

• Conservatory Roof Replacement
• Community Center parking lot paving
• Foellinger Theatre entrance sidewalk and drainage improvements
• Jennings Center playground structure replacement, landscape improvements
• Kreager Park Taylor’s Dream playground safety surface replacement
• McMillen Park Golf Course cart paths paving
• Freimann Square Anthony Wayne and Swinney Park General Foster Monument cleaning and waxing
• Freimann Square installation of four chess tables
• Salomon Farm Park Old Barn siding improvements and painting
  
  

 
Photo Credit: Denny Beck

Highlights of 2021

Awards Recognizing Park Excellence

• Promenade Park was recently named a winner of the 2021 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Americas Awards for Excellence. Winning projects include 10 from the United States and two from Canada, and represent the highest standards of achievement in the land use profession.
• Promenade Park was a Finalist in the GLOBAL Awards for Excellence from the Urban Land Institute for 2021.
• The 2021 AIA Indiana Design Honor Award was given to Promenade Park.
• Promenade Park also won the Architizer A+ Awards for People’s Choice in 2021.
• The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department was honored with two 2020 IPRA Awards of Excellence during an Indiana Park and Recreation Association event on November 4, 2021. The department’s Confluence Kitchen program received the Inclusive Program Award and Community Center Manager Patti Davis was recognized as the IPRA Outstanding Professional of the Year.
• In the Fort Wayne Newspaper’s 2021 Reader’s Choice Awards! Johnny Appleseed Festival was chosen as the Best Community Festival, Promenade Park was the Best Park, and the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo won in four categories (Best Children's Entertainment, Best City Attraction, Best Family Friendly Event and Best Local Attraction).
• The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo won in two categories (Best All Year Fun and Best Summer "Must Do" Bucket List) of the 2021 Hoosier Choice Awards.
• Fort Wayne has been named a “Tree City USA” for the 31st year in a row. This designation--awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters--was earned for the City of Fort Wayne’s tree canopy stewardship and continued commitment to a green city. Fort Wayne also earned their 16th Growth Award from the National Arbor Day Foundation for a higher standard of forestry management of the City’s 65,000 public trees.
  
  

New Projects and Renovations

•  Franke Park Renaissance Design Plan
•  ADA Improvements at Northside, Kreager, Cooper Center
•  Botanical Conservatory Megaflora Art Installation
•  Kettler Park Open-Air Pavilion Renovation
•  McMillen Park Golf Course Golf Cart Paths Replacement
•  Memorial Park Allen Co. Veterans Memorial Monument Relocation
•  Promenade Park Playground Restroom Building Addition
•  Weisser Park Playground Replacement
•  Youth Centers Kitchen Improvements Including New Appliances
  
  

 

Highlights of 2020

Awards Recognizing Park Excellence


As the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department continues to celebrate the first year of Promenade Park, several awards recognized the park in 2020.

• 2019 Project of the Year by Fort Wayne Magazine. Promenade Park is the first local development to receive this distinction.
• 2020 Excellence in Construction award from the BCA (Building Contractors Association of Northeast Indiana) New Construction – Over $6 million
• ASLA STL (American Society of Landscape Architects St. Louis) – Merit Award (2020) Design – Constructed Projects, Over $500,000 Construction Budget
• ASLA IL (American Society of Landscape Architects Illinois) – Merit Award (2020) General Design – Constructed Projects
• ASLA (American Society of Landscape Architects) Central States – Award of Excellence (2020) // (Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota) Design (Built) *Awarded to only one (1) project
• INASLA (Indiana American Society of Landscape Architects) – Award of Excellence (2020) Design - Constructed Projects, Over $500,000 Construction Budget * Awarded to only one (1) project
• Indiana ACEC (American Council of Engineering Companies) 2020 Engineering Excellence Honor Award
• Honorable Mention in Cities category for Fast Company’s 2020 Innovation by Design Award 

Salomon Farm Park’s Old Barn was named the Best Historic Wedding Venue in Northern Indiana by LUXlife 2020 Global Wedding Awards.

Fort Wayne has been named a “Tree City USA” for the 30th year in a row. This designation--awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters--was earned for the City of Fort Wayne’s tree canopy stewardship and continued commitment to a green city. Fort Wayne also earned their 15th Growth Award from the National Arbor Day Foundation for a higher standard of forestry management of the City’s 65,000 public trees. 

New Projects and Renovations

• Conservatory Roof Replacement
• McMillen Pavilion Renovations
• McCulloch Pavilion Renovations
• Northside & McMillen Aquatic Centers – Renovations
• Kettler Pavilion Hardscape Improvements
• Parks Paving (Lakeside, Northside, Johnny Appleseed)
• Salomon Main Drive Paving & South End Drainage
• Buckner Park LWCF Grant
• Wells Street Bridge Grant Project
• Thomas Property Acquisition (partial amount of purchase)
• Memorial Park Trails

 

Highlights of 2019

Awards Recognizing Park Excellence

Highlights of 2018

Awards Recognizing Park Excellence

• Community Unity-Neighborhood Family Fun Nights was recognized at the 2018 Summit on Out-of-School Learning as this program was one of five finalists in the Out-of-School Champions Showcase. Community Unity is a partnership between the Fort Wayne Police Department, Fort Wayne United and the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department.
• Aquatic Safety Staff received the 2018 Platinum International Aquatics Safety Award for consistently and exceeding the criteria for aquatic safety. This award is presented by Jeff Ellis & Associates.
• Franke Park Day Camp received the First Place Fort Wayne Reader’s Choice Award in the Camps category in the Fort Wayne Newspaper’s 2018 Reader’s Choice Awards.
• Memorial Park’s Memorial Grove was given the 100 Cities/100 Memorials Award. The honor was a collaborative effort with the Allen County Council of Veteran’s Organizations and the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department.
• The City of Fort Wayne was named "Tree City USA" for the 29th consecutive year and received a Growth Award for the 14th year from the National Arbor Day Foundation.

New Projects and Renovations

• Foellinger Theatre Performer Area Improvements Project
• Various Parks Paving Improvements (Salomon, Reservoir, Memorial)
• Various Parks Playground Improvements (Camp Allen, Kreager, Hamilton, Lions, Johnny Appleseed)
• Ivan Lebamoff Reservoir Park Pond Improvements
• Ivan Lebamoff Reservoir Park Parking Lot Improvements
• Salomon Farm Learning Center Expansion Project
• Packard Park Futsall Court Improvements
• Shoaff Park Restroom/Shelter Building
• Franke Park Harris Road Police Canine Training Facility
• Buckner Park Playground Safety Surfacing Improvement
  
  
  
  Highlights of 2017
  
  Awards Recognizing Park Excellence:
  
  Aquatic Safety Staff Received the Gold International Aquatic Safety Award for the 7th Time.
  The non-profit organization KaBOOM! named Fort Wayne a “2017 Playful City USA Community” for the 8th consecutive year.
  City of Fort Wayne named “Tree City USA” for 27th consecutive year and received Growth Award for 12th year.
  First Place Fort Wayne Readers Choice Awards: Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, Foellinger Outdoor Theatre, Foster Park, Lakeside Park & Rose Garden and Franke Day Camp.
  
  New Projects and Renovations
  
  Northside Park Administrative Building Roof Improvements
  Swinney Park Colonel Foster Monument Restoration
  Klug Park New Walking Path and Entry Arch Improvements
  Various Parks Bicentennial Bench Improvements
  Roosevelt Park Pedestrian Boardwalk Improvements
  Johnny Appleseed Fishing Pier Improvements
  Memorial Park Splashpad Surfacing Improvements
  Franke Park Foellinger Theatre Fence Improvements
  Northside Park Administration Entrance and Sidewalk Improvements
  Northside and McMillen Parks Pool Slide Improvements
  Shoaff Park and McMillen Park Stone Entrance Signs
  Franke, Foster, McMillen, Shoaff, Vesey Parks Paving Improvements
  Botanical Conservatory Patio, Storm Gutters & Glass Roof Improvements
  Franke Park Foellinger Theatre Stage Floor Improvements
  Franklin Park Phase II Project
  Franke Park Harris Road Barn Improvements
  Department’s Five Year Master Plan Update
  
  
  
  Highlights of 2016
  
  Exciting News
  
  Parks & Recreation Department will oversee Riverfront Development Phase 1
  
  Awards Recognizing Park Excellence:
• 
  Salomon Farm Park and Farmers’ Market was inducted into the Green Lights Hall of Fame
  Aquatic Safety Staff Received the Gold International Aquatic Safety Award for the 6th Time
  The non-profit organization KaBOOM! named Fort Wayne a “2016 Playful City USA Community” for the 6th consecutive year.
  City of Fort Wayne named “Tree City USA” for 26th consecutive year.
  
  New Projects and Renovations
  
  Franklin School Park Phase 1 - Site and Landscaping Improvements
  Buckner Splash Pad Drainage Improvements
  Lions Pickleball Improvements
  Foellinger Theatre Tower Painting, Dock and Concrete Ramp Improvements
  Salomon Homestead Demolition and Solar Parking Lot Lights
  Northside Administration Roof Improvements
  Franke and Shoaff Paving Improvements
  Shoaff Park Entrance Sign
  Klug Park Pathway and Sign Improvements
  Johnny Appleseed Drainage Improvements
  Community Center Parking Gate
  McMillen Golf Maintenance Building Improvements
  Franke Day Camp HVAC Improvements
  Headwaters New Riverfront Dock
  

Highlights of 2015

Exciting News

Foellinger Theatre attendance approached 50,000, up 35%, with revenues over $1.7 million. 
Camp Canine, the City’s second dog park, opened in July. 
The Department celebrated “110 Years of Family Fun” with a free, community party.

Awards Recognizing Park Excellence 
 
Taylor’s Dream was voted one of the 50 best playgrounds by Early Childhood Education Zone.  
The Rivergreenway was chosen as #2 in the “Best Trail” category in the “Best of Indiana” contest sponsored by Visit Indiana.  
The Old Fort received an ARCHie award for compatible new construction for the rebuilding of the Black¬smith Shop.  
The non-profit organization KaBOOM! named Fort Wayne a “2015 Playful City USA Community” for the 6th consecutive year.  
City of Fort Wayne named “Tree City USA” for 25th consecutive year.

New Projects and Renovations  

Franklin School Park Phase I Project  
Johnny Appleseed Dog Park Project  
Shoaff Park Tennis and Paving Improvements  
Freimann Square Bench and Lighting Improvements  
McMillen Community Center Concession Improvements  
Lions Park Playground and Pavilion Improvements  
Memorial Park Pavilion 1 Exterior Improvements  
Foellinger Theatre Beam, Seating, Sound and Rigging Improvements
Lafayette Park Shelter Improvements  
Packard Park Site Improvements
Solar Power Improvements at McMillen Park Community Center, Franklin School Park and Shoaff Park

Highlights of 2014 

Exciting News

Foellinger Theatre Concert Season was a huge success with Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Styx and The Beach Boys selling out.

The Old Barn rentals for weddings and parties have become Salomon Farm’s greatest revenue stream and help make Salomon self-sufficient without tax-payer funding.

Fort Wayne was designated a Birdtown Indiana by Indiana Audubon Society.

Awards Recognizing Park Excellence

Re-accreditation by the CAPRA Board of the National Recreation and Park Association

The National League of Cities recognized Mayor Tom Henry and the City of Fort Wayne for completing the key health and wellness goals for Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties

McMillen Park Community Center project chosen for 2014 Awards of Excellence from the Indiana Park and Recreation Association

Downtown Improvement District award for an outstanding commitment to Downtown Fort Wayne

Northeast Indiana Trail Riders Organization Corporate Supporter Award

The non-profit organization KaBOOM! named Fort Wayne a “2014 Playful City USA Community” for the 5^th consecutive year

City of Fort Wayne named “Tree City USA” for 24th consecutive year

New Projects and Renovations

Lakeside Park Pond Bank Stabilization Improvements

Justin Study Park Basketball Court Improvement

Robert E. Meyers Park New Bloom Sculpture

Foellinger Theatre Structural & Bleacher Improvements

Foster Park Wedding Gazebo Improvements

McMillen Park Community Center Renovation & Indoor Playground

Bob Arnold Northside Park Aquatic Center Improvements

McMillen & Lakeside Parks New Water Well Installation

Freimann Square Anthony Wayne Monument & Site Improvements

Highlights of 2013

Exciting News

Legendary Group Chicago Headlines Foellinger Theatre Concert Season

City Unveils McMillen Community Center Plans

Annual $3 Million Allocation of Funds for Future Parks & Recreation Maintenance and Improvements

Awards Recognizing Park Excellence

The non-profit organization KaBOOM! named Fort Wayne a “2013 Playful City USA Community”

The City of Fort Wayne named “Tree City USA” for the 23rd consecutive year

New Projects and Renovations

Parks Master Plan

Foellinger Theatre Seating Expansion Project

McMillen Park Tennis Court Improvements

Botanical Conservatory Glass Replacement Project

Franke and Lakeside Park Pond Bank Stabilization Projects

Jennings Center Roof Improvements

Kreager Park Boundless Playground Improvements

Milestones

85th Anniversary—Foster Park Golf Course

55th Anniversary—Shoaff Park Golf Course

50th Anniversary—McMillen Park Golf Course

35th Anniversary—Senior Games

30th Anniversary—Junor Golf Tour

15th Anniversary—Weisser Youth Center

Highlights of 2012

Exciting News

Exciting News 

Taylor’s Dream Boundless Playground opens June 10, 2011

Gallup and Knight Foundation’s “Soul of the Community” study indicates aesthetics, primarily parks and trails, are rated the greatest strength of the Fort Wayne Community

City of Fort Wayne recognized as the “2011 Outstanding Government Entity in Promoting Principles of Urban Forestry” in Indiana


Awards Recognizing Park Excellence

Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department receives a state award for “Outstanding Municipality of the Year” for efforts in addressing the Emerald Ash Borer challenge

Taylor’s Dream Boundless Playground is one of two national grand prize winners of the Synthetic Turf Council’s “2011 Search for the Real Field of Dreams” contest

Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Aquatic staff receives the “Gold International Aquatic Safety” award for their commitment to professional excellence

The National Register of Historic Places grants the designation “Historic District” to the Fort Wayne Park  and Boulevard System for being an example of a comprehensive public space and transportation system developed from 1909 to 1955, and the Department receives “Historic Preservation” award

City float built by Parks & Recreation employees wins 1^st place for Non-Commercial Division in the Three Rivers Festival Parade

The Conservatory and designer, Alec Johnson, win “Landscape Design Award” presented by the Downtown Improvement District at its annual American Institute of Architects Award Ceremony.

The non-profit organization KaBOOM! named Fort Wayne a “2011 Playful City USA Community”

The City of Fort Wayne named “Tree City USA” for the 21st consecutive year


New Projects and Renovations

Vesey Park Pedestrian Bridge Improvements

Foellinger Theatre Parking Lot Lighting

Park Signage Project

Johnny Appleseed Campground Improvements

Rivergreenway Boardwalk Deck Improvements

Lindenwood Nature Preserve Storage Barn

Splashpad Improvements at Waynedale and McCormick Parks


Milestones

40^th Anniversary-Freimann Square

50^thAnniversary-Swim and Dive Meet

65^thAnniversary- Franke Park Day Camp

Highlights of 2010  

Professional Golfer John Daly kicked off the Lifetime Sports Academy’s 13^th year

Taylor’s Dream Boundless Playground wins $70,000 in on-line voting competition sponsored by CVS/Pharmacy and PepsiCo

PGA Professional and Manager of Golf Operations Rick Hemsoth awarded the 2010 U.S. Kids Golf Master Kids Teacher award 

New Projects and Renovations

Lions Park Pickleball Courts

Taylor’s Dream Boundless Playground Project

Foster Park Pavilion #1 Renovation

Plock Friendship Garden

Botanical Conservatory Café Project

Swinney Park Dimension Property Master Plan 

Milestones 

35^th Anniversary – Cooper Community Center 

Awards Recognizing Park Excellence 

Fort Wayne Newspapers 2010 Reader’s Picks 1^st Place Winner for Best Local Park – Foster Park

The Non-Profit Organization KaBOOM! Named Fort Wayne a “Playful City USA” Community

The City of Fort Wayne was named Tree City USA for the 20^th consecutive year

Merit Design Award for the design of Robert E. Meyers Park from the Indiana-American Society of Landscape Architects

Fort Wayne’s park and boulevard system included on the National Historic Register

Highlights from 2009 include:

Fort Wayne Children's Zoo's new African Journey Exhibit helps set attendance record:  The Zoo's new $9 million privately funded African Journey that opened in June fueled a new attendance record exceeding 610,000 visitors and a 28% increase over 2008's attendance. The project was four years in the making and the largest improvement to the Zoo in its 44-year history. Receiving no tax dollars, the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is one of the area's premier attractions and consistently ranked as one of the top zoos including being named as one of the country's "Ten Best Zoos for Kids" by Parents magazine in April, 2009. 

Open-air pavilion, splash pad open at Buckner Park Phase 1: Parks dedicated and opened Buckner Park on Bass Road to the public in May. This $1.6 million phase on the 190-acre site provides a regional park experience, addressing the recreational needs on the western corridor of our city. Buckner Park is the result of a long-term development plan formulated by a task force that represented all demographics of our community. It is the home for the largest open air pavilion in Fort Wayne's parks and anchored by a large splash pad and multiple playgrounds. The rest of the property provides visitors with a natural experience in the vast tree canopy and open fields and meadows.

Robert E. Meyers Park opens at Harrison Square: This public park in the heart of the revitalization activity at Harrison Square and Parkview Field provides a sound compliment to the Parkview Field experience. Besides the landscaping of a park, it contains a splash pad and small amphitheatre that is used before and after Tin Caps games and as an additional family venue. The City's newest park was primarily funded from the estate of former Fort Wayne mayor and judge Robert E. Meyers via a gift to Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation.

Private donations and grants surpass $1 million: Despite the sluggish economy and national giving down 30%, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation saw its donations and grants end 2009 well over the targeted $1 million. This represents private funds and provides resources that reduce dependence on taxpayers. Coupled with fee-based programming, it enables the Parks and Recreation Department to operate as one of the lowest tax-supported entities in municipal government.

One of 90 park systems nationally to earn CAPRA reaccreditation: The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation department was reaccredited for five years by the National Recreation and Parks Association, making the department one of only 90 park systems out of more than 10,000 nationally to carry the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies  level of recognition and remains a model park system in the country.

Dedicated the Daryl B. Cobin Memorial Park, home of Carrington Field

Fort Wayne Children's Zoo earned accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums

Department entered into an agreement for the private operation of McMillen Ice Arena beginning in 2009

Dedicated a new Japanese-style pavilion in Swinney Park

Celebrated the 50th anniversary of Shoaff Park Golf course

Kicked off the fundraising campaing for the Boundless Playground

Initiated the Legacy Parks program to recognize parks that reach their 100th anniversary

Completed the splash pad and roadway extension in Shoaff Park

Restored the bandstand at McCulloch Park

Began Phase I development in Buckner Park. Completed the pavilion, playground, splash pad and parking lot late in the year. Dedication is set for spring 2009.

New playgrounds were installed at McCormick and Lafayette Parks

Foellinger Foundation announced a 50th Anniversary gift of $1 million to the Department to be used for Foellinger Theatre and the Botanical Conservatory

Highlights from 2008 include:

Dedicated the Daryl B. Cobin Memorial Park, home of Carrington Field

Fort Wayne Children's Zoo earned accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums

Department entered into an agreement for the private operation of McMillen Ice Arena beginning in 2009

Dedicated a new Japanese-style pavilion in Swinney Park

Celebrated the 50th anniversary of Shoaff Park Golf course

Kicked off the fundraising campaing for the Boundless Playground

Initiated the Legacy Parks program to recognize parks that reach their 100th anniversary

Completed the splash pad and roadway extension in Shoaff Park

Restored the bandstand at McCulloch Park

Began Phase I development in Buckner Park. Completed the pavilion, playground, splash pad and parking lot late in the year. Dedication is set for spring 2009.

New playgrounds were installed at McCormick and Lafayette Parks

Foellinger Foundation announced a 50th Anniversary gift of $1 million to the Department to be used for Foellinger Theatre and the Botanical Conservatory

Highlights from 2007 include:

Major renovations at Swinney Tennis Center including new courts, benches, bleachers, windscreens, signage and landscaping. East Swinney Pond restoration was also completed.

Purchased new RecTrac registration/reservation software which allows point of sale, real time on-line registration and reservations, e-mail communication with customers, increased internal efficiency and a greatly enhanced level of customer service to our patrons.

New splash pads were installed at Waynedale.

A 1.8 mile multi-use trail was constructed at Salomon Farm while work began on a new barn to store and display antique equipment.

Construction commenced on the new Carrington Field off Coliseum Boulevard adjacent to Lakeside Golf Course. The field will be the home of the Fort Wayne Baseball Federation. 

The Department received $2,018,417 in sponsorships, grants and donations.

The Botanical Conservatory recorded a 60% increase in rental revenue, 39% increase in rental bookings, 132% increase in catering commissions collected, 14% increase in Tulip Tree Gift Shop sales and an 11% increase in overall facility attendance.

Construction of the new African Journey at the Children’s Zoo got underway. The new Sky Safari ride opened in April to give visitors a birds-eye view of the construction progress and the attractions to come in 2009.

Highlights from 2006 include: 

Lakeside Rose Garden renovation

Salomon Farm Historic Barn renovation

Ground was broken on a new Lifetime Sports Academy Center/Golf Clubhouse scheduled to open the Spring of 2007

Foellinger Theatre improvements

Kreager soccer field improvements

Equipment was replaced in six playgrounds 

Resurfaced tennis courts, basketball courts and portions of the Rivergreenway

Franke Day Camp celebrated its 60th summer

Botanical Conservatory offered a Friday evening summer concert series, "Wired for Sound" that was so successful it will be back in 2007!

Reopening of Cooper Center with expanded programming

The Zoo announced an $8 million capital campaign to substantially renovate the zoo's African Veldt.

Mayor Henry's Tree Commission builds on success: Following the December 2008's ice storm tree damage and subsequent tree limb clean-up, Mayor Tom Henry appointed an ad-hoc tree commission on Arbor Day with representation from major business and public officials that provided recommendations and evaluations to the Parks Department's urban forestry program. Building upon the Forestry Division's strong maintenance program, the recommendations addressed a comprehensive approach to managing Fort Wayne's urban forest including Emerald Ash Borer disease, emergency response to tree problems and future funding of our canopy.

Primary Performance Metrics:

85-90% Customer Satisfaction, approval ratings: All Parks programs and services achieved an average 85- 90% satisfaction rating from users based on independent evaluations submitted following all programs and services.

Parks and Recreation 2009 Attendance/Registration: Parks and Recreation provided 1,500 programs and events in 2009. These included day camps, concerts, special events, sports lessons, leagues, classes, trips, Lifetime Sports Academy, golf, youth and community center activities. We had over 16,000 registrations for fee-based programs. There were 60,000 rounds of golf played, nearly 100,000 attendees in the pools including learn-to-swim classes. The free Lifetime Sports Academy had a record year with more than 1,800 registrations and attendance at 14,600. Our free summer and youth/community centers had attendance of nearly 100,000. Foellinger Theatre events had record attendance - 100,000 - and revenue exceeding $150,000, compared to only $50,000 in recent years. The Botanical Conservatory has stabilized its dependence on General Fund support with improved showcases, sold-out wedding venues and outdoor concerts.

Capital Improvement Projects below budget: All capital projects that were either publicly or privately funded were completed below budget, not requiring any additional appropriation of public funds.

Attendance and Fees up in Major Programs and Venues: Non-tax revenue experienced increases in major venues such as the Botanical Conservatory, Foellinger Theatre and our three golf courses, resulting in a reduction in tax dollars needed for these major operations. We implemented a new operating model at Foster Park's golf course that made it financially self-sufficient and improved overall profitability.