City highlights commitment to maintain and improve parks

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation is highlighting the department’s 2023 capital improvement projects and programs. Over 80 Park projects were completed and the City of Fort Wayne invested approximately $3 million in Parks and Recreation Department improvements this year.

City officials released the following:

“I’m encouraged by the outstanding year that our Parks and Recreation Department had to make a meaningful difference for residents and visitors,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Several important projects were completed and many more are continuing as we work together as a community to provide unique quality of life amenities.”

Completed 2023 Capital Improvement Projects include:

Botanical Conservatory HVAC Control Upgrades & Chiller Replacement
Botanical Conservatory Indoor Lighting
Bowser Park Pavilion Renovation
Buckner Park Trail Construction
Casselwood Park Playground Equipment
Community Center Roof Phase 2 Construction
Franke Park Drainage Improvements
Jennings Recreation Center Improvements (Boiler, Kitchen, Fence)
Sheldon Park Drive New Playground Equipment, Sidewalks and Benches
Various Park Paving Improvements
Various Parks City/Park Street Tree Plantings
Looking ahead to 2024, the following projects are some of which are planned to steward park properties and enhance use of and access to the parks for citizens and visitors.

10 Neighborhood Playground Replacements
Botanical Conservatory Linkway Interior Construction
Community Center HVAC Control System
Foster Park Golf Course Restoration Plan
Headwaters Park Fountain Restoration to begin
Headwaters Park /Old Fort Bridge Repairs
Mechanic Street Bridge Engineering and Construction
Neighborhood Street Trees
Salomon Farm Building door repairs/painting, siding repairs
Spy Run Rivergreenway Trail Paving Renovation
Tillman Park Restroom Building Repairs
Various Playgrounds Curbing, Drainage and Safety Surfacing
“The Board of Park Commissioners and the Parks & Recreation Department appreciates the continued support and commitment of the Administration to invest in our parks” said Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel. “Our department is dedicated to enriching the quality of life for the citizens and visitors to Fort Wayne.”

The City will continue to invest in Parks, with $3 million slated for 2024.