July 14, 2022, Reservoir Park, Steve McDaniel FWPRD Director (at mic), right to left: Mayor Tom Henry, Steve Collins Fort Financial president and CEO, Allie Lane Mad Ants’ Director of Business Operations, Andre Portee local artist, Patricia Turner President of La Rez Neighborhood Assoc.
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation is offering 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.
Click here for more information about 2023 projects.
