Park Page Links

Powell Park    

Size in acres: 0.18 Acres

Official City Park since 2022

Park hours: 6 am-11 pm daily.

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

Check out the Engage Fort Wayne link to learn more about Powell Park!

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....

For additional history and photos, check out the Powell history powerpoint!

 
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.

Promenade Park 
202 W. Superior Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana
(260) 427-6000 

Open: 6 am-11 pm daily

Learn more about the Riverfront
Promenade Park Map
General Park Map
Check out the Riverfront brochure
Promenade Summer Events blog
 

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! 

For additional history and photos, check out the Promenade history powerpoint! 

 
Thanks for celebrating Dragon Boat Races with us!

Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation and Riverfront Fort Wayne celebrated the fifth year of Promenade Park at the  “Dragon Boat Races” on August 2-3, 2024. Around 3,000 people joined us for the celebration 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, participate in Yoga, or especially to compete in the 2024 Races!  We are so thankful for the 18 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 1 & 2, 2025!  

More information is available at RiverfrontFW.org or 260-427-6000.




Riverfront IIA 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 IIB will be at least a year and a half. Check out additional information on IIA and IIB on this link: Riverfront IIA/11B link

Riverfront IIB

The second phase of Riverfront Development continues in 2025 with the construction of new public space amenities along the downtown banks of the St. Marys River.

Check out the Engage Link for more information!



Calendar

We're lighting up the river with year-round programs.  

  

Summer Programmaing includes:

Heartland Sings Performance,
The American Legion Band of Fort Wayne: Radio Show
K-Pop Random Dance Play
Dance Promenade
Electric Riverfront
Muddy River Concert Series
Color the Park
Fort Wayne Dragon Boat Races
Riverfront Field Day
Yoga on the Riverfront
Kickboxing with 9Round
Paint with Your Pup
Summer Stroytime in the Park
Princess Party on the Sweet Breeze
River Rangers: We Like to Rock!

Your feedback is wanted! 

If you have taken a class with us recently, we would love to have your feedback on how the program went for you!  Take the quick survey now! 

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?  Please note, the northside of the park restrooms are now closed until spring.  Please use the restrooms on the southside of the park in the Dining Gardens area as they are now open for the season.

Sensory Bags

KultureCity sensory bags are available to check out at the Park Foundation Pavilion at Promenade Park. These sensory bags are designed to help sensory needs in both adults and children. Filled with items that can help lessen sensory overload and also engage, the bag items are also easily cleaned and sterilized for multiple uses. Learn more about Sensory Bags plus view any upcoming programs!

Parkview Tree Canopy Trail

The Parkview Tree Canopy Trail is a stunner offering unique views of Promenade 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.

Sweet Breeze

Ride aboard Sweet Breeze, Fort Wayne’s authentic canal boat replica. Purchase TICKETS TODAY!

For more information about Sweet Breeze check out the Sweet Breeze blog post to learn more!

Doermer Kids' Canal & Rotary Fountain

The Doermer Kids' Canal & Rotary Fountain are popular draws for both the very young and old alike. 

Please note, the Promenade Water Rill will open Memorial Day weekend. 

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 Opportunities at 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 
teds snack + bar plans to open for the season mid May!
 

At teds snack + bar guests are able to grab a convient bite to eat, or a quick snack as well as cold refreshments.  

Learn more about teds snack + bar including their hours 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 in the park) 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...

If you would like to dig deeper into bioswales, check out: "What are bioswales? A Q & A article with Eric Ummel produced by Thelocalfw.com!

Along with the Q & A article you can check out the Channel 21's Walk in the Park episode about Bioswales!

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 the News Release for additional information or the Riverfront web site!

Ready to find out more about how to reserve the Park Foundation Pavilion for 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.   

Upcoming Events this SUMMER!

2025 McKinnie Common Events

2025 Summer Kickoff

Our Summer Kickoff featured Carnival Games, Snow Cones, a DJ, and an Inflatable Slide. You don't want to miss out on these fun events!

Previous 2024 McKinnie Commons Events

We kicked off the holiday season on November 25 with friends, neighbors, and loved ones during the McKinnie Commons Unity Lighting Event. Presented in partnership with the Greater Fort Wayne National Pan-Hellenic Council, the Unity Lighting included free giveaways, entertainment, community speakers, and was culminated by the lighting of the Unity Light Display. Make sure to stop by and check out the Unity Lighting AND keep an eye out for next year's Unity Lighting!

For the last Connections event of the summer we had The G-Money Band, Park & Play, Citilink, Fort Wayne Housing Authority, Center for Non-Violence, Allen County Health Department, AND we had the Ice Hut truck (hot dogs, walking tacos, and snow cones)!    

Thanks for joining the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department for the summer McKinnie Commons Connections events.  The free events welcomed the community to come together for entertainment, food and learning opportunities.  We are now planning for next summer!  We will be posting a feedback survey very soon so we can create new experiences in 2025!

We celebrated the 3rd McKinnie Commons Connections with:

• Mexican Folkloric Dancers
• Voter Registration with League of Women Voters

• La Pupuseria Latin Delights: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093211972677

The second McKinnie Commons Connections Event was a great success with new games, a DJ, and new learning opportunities!

Photos from our first McKinnie Commons Connections Event featuring music, informational booths, and games for kids!

Check out the McKinnie Commons Connections blog to learn more about these new events events!

Check out the Engage Fort Wayne link to learn more about McKinnie Commons!

General Park Map

Park and Play stopped by McKinnie Commons for their "Art in the Park" Event!

McKinnie Commons Lighting Ceremony

What a delightul night celebrating Unity in our Community with around 200 people!  We are thankful for all those that helped us celebrate a new holiday tradition in southeast Fort Wayne as the Unity display was lighted, refreshments were sampled and live music and entertainment was enjoyed by all! We truly were inspired by this collaborative effort!  Be sure to check back in 2024 to see what other new events we have planned! 

McKinnie Commons (1825 McKinnie Ave.) officially opened on June 28th, 2023!  Read more about McKinnie Commons!  

Enjoy some photos of the Opening Celebration:

Franklin School Park   

Size in acres: 4.25 acres

Since: March 2016

Franklin School Park is located at 1903 Saint Mary's Avenue. 

Park hours: 6 am-11 pm daily.

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. 

For additional history and photos, check out the Franklin School Park history powerpoint!

General Park Map

Pavilion:

For more information about the David Hefner Pavilion click here!

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.