Powell Park is located at 2620 Weisser Park Avenue at the intersection of Pontiac and Weisser Park Avenue. For more detailed location information, check out the General Park Map
History:The park like setting was officially renamed in honor of Lester and Hester Powell, who tirelessly maintained the area for the last 20 years. With the park newly refreshed and invested in as a part of the Southeast Strategy Update, City departments will showcase other ways the Southeast Strategy is progressing and some action items that have already been implemented. Read more....
WHAT TO DO
Scroll down for more information about our park features:
The newly reconstructed neighborhood park, located in the Renaissance Pointe neighborhood, offers a basketball court, gathering space for families, and areas to rest.
The McKinnie Ave. and South Anthony Blvd. intersection is a highly visible and traveled commercial node. The excess right-of-way created by the northernmost slip lane along McKinnie Ave. is being repurposed and transformed into a community gathering space for activities and events. Several input meetings were hosted by the Southeast Area Partnership and the City to help create the design concept for this space. The space features a bandshell that could have reoccurring or impromptu performances, large urban swings, space for food trucks and pop-up vendors, outdoor dining areas, bike racks, decorative lighting, and shade sails. Read more about McKinnie Commons and the history of this project.
McKinnie Commons (1815 McKinnie Ave.) officially opened on June 28th! Read more about McKinnie Commons!
Franklin School Park is located at 1903 Saint Mary's Avenue.
History
Franklin School Park sits on the site of the former Franklin School building. The school was built in 1921 and was last used for students in 1981. Fort Wayne Community Schools sold the building to the U.S. Navy, which used it for a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Center. The Fort Wayne Police Department also used the building until moving out in April 2012, which left it vacant. In 2016, the City demolished the building leaving only the building's entrance arches to be re-used as design elements for the new park.
Pavilion:
Phase I
The renovation of the arches has been completed. This phase also includes construction of family restrooms in the pavilion, site work and a new splash pad.
Grand Opening of Franklin School Park Phase 1
Phase I of Franklin School Park opened in 2016. The splash pad is available seasonally from 9 am-9 pm. The park is open from 6 am-11 pm daily. Enjoy the below photos of the completed project.
Phase II
The photos show the new parking lot and concrete patio with sidewalk as well as the pavilion under construction.
The inside of the pavilion includes new restroom facilities, a kitchen, and a large multi-purpose room that can now be used as a year-round rental facility. The renovation also included all new heating and air conditioning so the building can be used all year. The site work consisted of a new parking lot with lighting, a new concrete patio with trees, seat walls, and a new sidewalk connecting to the street.
The new David Hefner Pavilion and the $1.8 million Franklin School Park is now complete. Read more about the project and all of the neighborhood advocates and community leaders that came together to make this project a reality.
Promenade Park, the first phase of our transformational Riverfront Fort Wayne Project opened in 2019! Highlights of the opening weekend included the ribbon cutting and various arts performances, boating and recreation as well as nature and our rivers’ ecosystem activities.
Follow us on social media and sign up for the newsletter at RiverfrontFW.org to stay current on updates!
The Grand Opening Celebration was held for Promenade Park August 9-11, 2019. Approximately 35,000 people came to visit the park that weekend. Park visitors continue to visit the park and enjoy all the amenities the park offers! Please check out the Park Amenity list and the Parking Map (Visit Fort Wayne) to learn more about the park. Feel free to visit daily from 6 am-11 pm!
Thanks for celebrating Dragon Boat Races with us!
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation and Riverfront Fort Wayne celebrated the fourth year of Promenade Park at the “Dragon Boat Races” on August 4-5, 2023. Around 5,000 people joined us for the two days to learn more about Dragon Boat Racing, take part in family friendly activities provided by the Fort Wayne Chinese Friends and Family, watch traditional Chinese performances, listen to music by "We are CheckMark", enjoy floating fire pits on the St. Marys River featuring Fire Dancers, participate in Tai Chi, or especially to compete in the 2023 Races! We are so thankful for the 11 teams that competed this year as well as the Fort Wayne Chinese Friends and Family Association and McDonalds Owners/Operators of Greater Indiana and Southwest Michigan for making this event possible. Want to see more pictures and check out the teams? Check out the Dragon Boat Races link to learn more!
Mark your calendar to celebrate Dragon Boat Races with us again on August 2-3rd, 2024!
More information is available at RiverfrontFW.org or 260-427-6000.
Riverfront 2 A officially opened on June 27, 2023! Pictured above Steve McDaniel, Director (far left), Mayor Tom Henry (in the middle) and the four Park Commissioners. Construction for 2 B will be at least a year and a half.
Enjoy a few photos from 2 A!
Mayor Henry Leads Riverfront IIB Groundbreaking Celebration
September 20, 2023 - Progress along Fort Wayne’s riverfront continues as Mayor Tom Henry today joined the City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division, Parks and Recreation Department, and community leaders for a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction on Riverfront Phase IIb Public Open Space. Read more....
You can now see an animated version of Phase IIB!
Calendar
We're lighting up the river with year-round programs.
Upcoming events include: Sunday Heritage Concert Series, Open Mic Nights WIth Kyla J., Don't Act Your Age: Adult Game Nights, Yoga on the Riverfront, Dance Promenade!, Intro to Hula Hoop Dance, Be Your Own Artist: Mask Making, Confluence Kitchen: Oktoberfest Continued!, Sweet Breeze Canal Boat Cruises Riverfront Halloween Hunt, and much MORE! Check out the on-line calendar for information on all of these exciting programs!
Just ANNOUNCED:
Spirit of History
Friday, November 3 from 6:30-7:30pm
Pavilion @ Promenade Park
Free – code 490400
A tour of Fort Wayne’s history paired with its hauntings and vices. We will endeavor to bring history to life, by telling tales and breathing life back into the souls that still haunt our building and town - relax and enjoy our tour as we take you on a walk through time. Recommended for ages 13. Min. 10, Max. 20. To register, call 260-427-6000 or register on-line for Spirit of History for this FREE program.
Volunteer or Become a Sponsor for a Riverfront Event!
Are you interested in volunteering or sponsoring an event for Riverfront Fort Wayne? We have plenty of great opportunities for volunteers and sponsors to help Riverfront events and programs be successful! Interested? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (260) 427-6248.
PNC Playground
The PNC Playground is a fully accessible playground to be enjoyed by all! Do you have questions about the PNC Playground?
Parkview Tree Canopy Trail
The Parkview Tree Canopy Trail is a stunner offering unique views of Parkview Park as well as the ever evolving skyline.
Canoes & Kayaks
If you have your own canoes, kayaks, paddleboards or other watercraft feel free to explore Promenade Park by water! Fort Wayne Outfitters rents watercraft too and is adjacent to the park! For motorized watercraft please be aware of the New Law Aims to Address Increased River Traffic Safety by establishing the Idle Speed Zone that went into effect on June 8, 2023.
The Doermer Kids' Canal & Rotary Fountain are popular draws for both the very young and old alike. You will be able to enjoy these features until September 25th this year!
Rental Opportunities in Promenade Park
Generally, the spaces available for rent in Promenade Park are the Park Foundation Pavilion (inside and outside), Auer Lawn and Sweetwater Band Shell East, Old National Bank Plaza and Sweetwater Band Shell west, and the historic Wells Street Bridge. The only space that is entirely covered, and therefore weather-proof, is the indoor portion of the Park Foundation Pavilion.
Additional information about Rental Opportunitiesat Promenade Park is now available.
Please e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to inquire about dates available for your next gathering.
Fun & Games
At Promenade Park there are 3 Ping Pong Tables, 2 Cornhole games and 1 Foosball table for your enjoyment!
teds snack + bar
The new teds snack + bar is now officially OPEN! Hours will be Wed.-Sat. 11 am-8 pm and Sundays from 11 am-3 pm. Guests will be able to grab a convient bite to eat, or a quick snack as well as cold refreshments.
Learn more about teds snack + bar by checking out their web site: teds snack + bar.
The Journal Gazette Foundation Dining Gardens
The Dining Gardens provide a perfect opportunity to either bring your favorite food for a picnic or stop in at a local eatery including teds Snack + Bar (located at the park/opening in May) and then relax at one of the convenient dining areas in the park.
Sweetwater Bandshell and the Old National Bank Plaza
Looking for inter entertainment? Go to RiverFrontFW.org to learn more!
Promenade Park Sculpture
Mayor Tom Henry and Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel officially unveiled the first piece of Promenade Park to the public on July 26, 2019. “Convergence, Linda Howard, 2018, presented by the Waterfield Foundation” sits on the southeast corner of Promenade Park, near the intersection of Superior and Harrison streets. Mayor Henry and McDaniel shared their excitement for the sculpture, especially as it means the opening of the first phase of Riverfront Fort Wayne is getting closer. Read more...
Little Creek Bioswale
What is the Little Creek Bioswale? Learn more... This project is partly funded by:
Park Foundation Pavilion
The Fort Wayne Park Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce its support of Promenade Park by raising funds for the construction of the Park Foundation Pavilion. With generous contributions from area foundations and individuals, the Foundation raised $1,000,000 which was generously matched with $500,000 from the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne. In addition, the Park Foundation pledged $150,000 from its unrestricted endowment funds to support the project. Check out theNews Release for additional information or the Riverfront web site!
Ready to find out more about how to reserve the Park Foundation Pavilionfor your event? Please e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Riverfront Endowment Donations
The Fort Wayne Park Foundation invites families to become a part of local history by supporting Promenade Park. A gift of $500 will be recognized with an inscription on a Greenscape Step within the Park. It's similar to buying a brick. The purpose of this campaign is to create a legacy endowment for Promenade Park. The Promenade Endowment will help support improvements, updates and programming along the rivers, and will be operated by the Fort Wayne Park Foundation, a nonprofit charity. All donations are tax-deductible and can be made securely at the Park Foundation website. Learn more: https://fwparkfoundation.org/product/donate/
Donations
Donations are needed for Promenade Park for an on-going maintenance endowment. Individual donations may be given on-line. For corporate donations please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Manager of Development, at 260-427-6026.
My 5 year old son loved Farm Camp! This was his first year and on the first day he asked to come back next summer! Laura
This is a great beginner camp for your child's first time at camp! Everyone is friendly and welcoming! Isabella
This year I have a son in FIT and a daughter in the CIT programs. They love this camp because of all the time spent outdoors, creek time, animal time, etc. and it's very organized structure with flexibility. We've always been impressed with the counselors too! Lots of positivity and healthy fun. Janet
Farm Camp has been an enriching and educational part of our kids' summers for the past two years. We have nothing but great things to say and can not wait for next year! Jenna
Testimonials from previous years:
Our kids loved learning about and taking care of the animals, the tractor rides, outside games, and playtime, and just being on the farm! -Jaime M.
We can’t say enough good things! My kids came home with stories, sharing about the animals, crafts they made, and new games! They’re only sad it has to end. -Stacy L.
Both of my kids really enjoyed Farm Camp this year! My daughter attended 2 years ago and said this year was much better! I personally loved how easy drop off and pick up were! The car line was way more efficient than walking my kids inside! I would love to see photos of our kids involved in activities during the week! I think this would help promote the camp in the future! -Jessi R.
My son has really enjoyed this week. This is the first year he has done it and he is already asking about next year-great camp well run. Sahara T.
Jac said "I really loved camp a bunch! I really loved the counselors too, they were really nice! Joy C.
Chris Salomon truly gave the city of Fort Wayne a gift with giving his farm-children are able to experience life like many of their forefathers did, but they will not-it is a true blessing to our community. Monica L.
This camp was a wonderful experience that will stay with my daughter for years to come. Jennifer H.
Farm Camp gives our children life skills on a safe and beautiful farm close to home and without anything "plugged in", thank you. Rebecca E.
It is fun and you get to do a lot of fun things. My favorite part was taking care of the animals-especially the little white chicken that is not Rex. (Emma)
My 4 yr. old son really enjoyed the morning camp. It was great, he got to pet goats, bunnies and even learned about bats, his favorite was the mud puddle day, it was really good. Patricia R.
I love this program. I travel all the way from Illinois just to do it. Rebecca K.
Photo credit: Stan Sussina, The Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana
