Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation today releases highlights from its 2025 capital improvement program, noting an active year of completed projects.
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation news release:
Investing in our Future: Commitment to maintain and improve Parks
Fort Wayne, Indiana (December 15, 2025) – Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation today releases highlights from its 2025 capital improvement program, noting an active year of completed projects. The department finished more than 90 park projects—above its typical annual volume¬¬—supported by approximately $3 million in City of Fort Wayne investments which enhance parks, facilities and recreational amenities throughout the community.
“I’m proud of the work that’s been accomplished this year led by Parks and Recreation,” said Mayor Sharon Tucker. “Our parks provide unique opportunities to bring people together in a meaningful way to make memories and enjoy life. As a people-focused mayor, some of my best days in 2025 were spent seeing young people and families enjoy outdoor activities through the excellent amenities offered at our award-winning parks throughout the entire community.”
Completed 2025 Capital Improvement Projects include:
- Six neighborhood park playground replacements
- Botanical Conservatory elevator upgrade
- Brewer Park Redevelopment Design & Construction
- Foellinger Theatre Lighting & Rigging Products Purchase
- Headwaters Park Fountain Reconstruction
- Kreager Park Soccer Fields Irrigation Construction
- McMillen Park Pool Liner Replacement
- Mechanic Street Bridge Engineering & Construction
- Packard Park Redevelopment Design & Construction
- Promenade Park Playground Surface Replacement
- Various Parks paving projects
A project that began in 2025 and which is still in progress is Riverfront Phase IIb construction.
Looking ahead to 2026, the following projects are planned to steward park properties and enhance use of and access to the parks for citizens and visitors.
- Six neighborhood park playground replacements
- East Swinney Park Trail to Mechanic Street Bridge
- Foellinger Theatre Activation Plaza concrete addition
- Foellinger Theatre Rear Parking Lot Lighting
- Foster Park West Bridge Railing improvements
- Franke Park Drive
- Gren Park Picnic Shelter
- Hanna Homestead Master Plan Design Services
- Kreager Tennis Courts Resurfacing
- McMillen Park Pool Deck replacement and improvements
- Northside Park Pool Sand Filters Replacement
- Waynedale Park Lighting improvements
“Our mission is to elevate the quality of life for everyone who lives in or visits Fort Wayne,” said Fort Wayne Park and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel. “Our efforts have the most value when they are guided by strong connections to the community.” He added, “I extend my appreciation to Mayor Tucker, the Fort Wayne City Council, our donors and the dedicated Parks and Recreation board, staff and volunteers for contributing to another successful year.”
The City will continue to invest in Parks, with $4 million slated for 2026.
Visit FortWayneParks.org for more information about 2026 projects.
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