Press release from Parks and Recreation:
Weisser Park Celebrating 100th Anniversary
Kick-Off of 16th Annual Harambee FestivalFort Wayne, IN: Parks and Recreation Director Al Moll announced the 100th anniversary of Weisser Park today, the 12th Legacy Park to reach that centennial milestone. Weisser Park’s anniversary was celebrated in conjunction with the 16th Annual Harambee Festival. Johanna Ice-Gold, founder of the Harambee Festival, joined Director Moll to give a preview of the day’s events, and City Councilman Glynn Hines read a proclamation about the park and the festival.
“Harambee means pulling together and Weisser Park has provided the perfect place for nearby residents to gather together and strengthen the community since it became a park in 1909,” said Moll.
Director Moll announced that approximately $30,000 of the Department’s reserved funds will be used to improve Weisser Park, at no cost to tax payers. One of the recommendations from the community in the Weisser Park Cultural Landscape Report was to convert the tennis courts to basketball courts. Moll expects that project to be completed by spring.
“Weisser Park’s tree canopy was one of the reasons this park was purchased and thanks to Councilman Hines and his CEDIT funds, we’re going to plant more trees to ensure the canopy isn’t lost over the years,” said Moll.
A trust fund was set up to maintain the beauty of the Legacy Parks. Anyone wishing to donate can contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 427-6024.
Following the news conference, Director Moll and Councilman Hines led the Harambee Parade down Pontiac to Hanna Street.
After the parade, the Harambee festivities continued in Weisser Park. The family-friendly activities included a basketball tournament, children’s storytelling and a stage with music, poetry and dramatic skits.
The Harambee festival is held every year to inform, educate and entertain the community and is sponsored by the Harambee Festival Committee and the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department.
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