January 4, 2023 - Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation offers highlights of the department’s 2022 capital improvement projects and programs. Over 75 Park projects were completed and the City of Fort Wayne invested approximately $3 million in Parks and Recreation Department improvements this year.
“I’m encouraged by the comprehensive, ongoing commitment to enhance our parks with quality, low-cost programming and recreational opportunities,” said Mayor Henry. “Our parks are an essential component of the outstanding quality of life we enjoy in Fort Wayne and it’s important that we invest in them.”
Completed 2022 Capital Improvement Projects include:
- Botanical Conservatory window glass replacement
- Community Center parking lot paving
- Foellinger Theater entrance sidewalk and drainage improvements
- Foster Park Pavilion #3 restoration
- Added 30 new outdoor Pickleball courts through resurfacing, converting and restriping (Foster Park, Lakeside Park, Hamilton Park, Kettler Park and Tillman Park)
- 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 and installation of four chess tables.
- Reservoir Park enhancements and resurfacing of two basketball courts and colorful mural installation by local artist, Andre Portee
- Salomon Farm Park Old Barn siding improvements and painting
- Wells Street Bridge replacement of decorative knee portal components in truss
Looking ahead to 2023, the following projects are planned to steward park properties and enhance use of and access to the parks for citizens and visitors.
- Buckner Park trail and picnic shelter addition
- Casselwood Park Playground improvements
- Community Center flooring replacement
- Foster Park Golf Course Master Plan
- Franklin Park Splash Pad shade structures
- Jennings Center kitchen improvements (cabinets and countertops)
- Lakeside Park lighting for tennis, pickleball and basketball courts
- McMillen Park Community Center reception improvements
- McMillen Park Pool House exterior painting
- McMillen Park Tennis Courts resurfacing
- Park System Comprehensive Plan
- Paving improvements at Foster Park, Salomon Farm Park and Buckner Park
- Salomon Farm Park Heritage Barn siding improvements and painting
- Salomon Farm Park restroom building winterization
- Sheldon Drive new playground equipment
- Shoaff Park Golf Course flooring improvements
- Weisser Park Youth Center signage
“Our department is dedicated to enriching the quality of life for the citizens and visitors to Fort Wayne,” said Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel. “We can do that most effectively as we hear from community members.” He added, “I thank Mayor Henry, Fort Wayne City Council, donors, and the hard-working Parks and Recreation board, staff and volunteers for another successful year.”
The City will continue to invest in Parks, with $3 million slated for 2023.
Visit www.fortwayneparks.org/invest for more information about 2023 projects.