Fort Wayne Park System Comprehensive Plan

PARK SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Steve McDaniel, Director

Alec Johnson, Deputy Director

Chad Shaw, Superintendent of Landscape/ Horticulture

Steve Schuhmacher, Deputy Director Maintenance

Chuck Reddinger, Deputy Director Recreation

Kathy Pargmann, Marketing Manager

Sandra Odisho, Finance Manager

CONSULTANTS

Design Workshop

Empower Results

Ballard*King

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

John Urbahns

Denny Coverstone

John Renie

Cherise Dixie

Kyle Roemmich

Rick Briley

Justin Shurley

Julie Donnell

Megan Torres

Connie Haas-Zuber

Paul Spoelhof

Anne Marie Schmerchk

Patrick Zaharako

Jeff Baxter

Mike Clendenen

Nick Goranson

Jill Boggs

Patti Hayes

Greggory Smith-Causey

Catherine Hill

Stacy Haviland

LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES

FROM THE MAYOR

Dear Fort Wayne Community,

It is with great enthusiasm that I introduce the 2024 Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Plan

Our beloved city has always taken pride in its commitment to providing exceptional recreational opportunities for the entire community . As we continue to grow and evolve, it becomes imperative to enhance our parks and recreation facilities to meet the diverse needs and preferences of our community

I am pleased to announce the launch of the 2024 Fort Wayne Park System Comprehensive Plan, a comprehensive initiative aimed at revitalizing and expanding our park systems . This plan is the result of extensive community input, collaboration with experts, and a commitment to creating spaces that foster community well-being

Key elements of the Fort Wayne Park System Comprehensive Plan include:

1 Park Quality and Quantity: We will invest in existing parks, ensuring they remain vibrant and meet the needs of the community This includes updated playgrounds, improved walking trails, and enhanced green spaces for community gatherings We will also consider the number of parks as it relates to providing equitable access to all, as well as to the future population

2 New Facilities and Amenities: Our plan outlines the development of new recreational opportunities to cater to the diverse interests of our community From sports fields and courts to picnic areas and community gardens, we aim to create spaces that bring people together

3 Connectivity: Fort Wayne is committed to being a space for community connections The Fort Wayne Park System Comprehensive Plan includes initiatives to enhance the

connectivity of our parks and regional values Unique connection methods were imagined such as blueways, greenways, and water access

4 Community Engagement: We value your input and want to ensure that the Plan truly reflects the needs and desires of our community Throughout the implementation process, we will strive to keep the community informed, seek your feedback, and encourage active participation in shaping the future of our parks

This plan represents a significant investment in the well-being of our community and the quality of life for all Fort Wayne residents I encourage each of you to stay informed and engaged as we embark on this exciting journey together

Let’s build a future where our parks and recreation areas are not just spaces, but vibrant centers that contribute to the health, happiness, and unity of our great city

Thank you for your continued support

FROM THE PARK DIRECTOR

Dear Fort Wayne Community,

As the Director of Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation, it is my pleasure to share with you the 2024 Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Plan .

Our team is committed to enhancing the overall experience of our parks and recreational spaces The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Plan 2024 will focus on creating more dynamic and inclusive environments for our diverse community We aim to build upon the strengths of our existing parks while introducing new features to meet the changing needs of Fort Wayne residents

This plan involves various initiatives, including innovative programming, expansion of connectivity networks, accessibility enhancements, and quality guidelines We want to ensure that our parks continue to be welcoming spaces for everyone, providing opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and community connection

We are thrilled about the possibilities that lie ahead and are eager to embark on this journey with the Fort Wayne community Together, let’s work towards making Fort Wayne’s parks even more vibrant and enjoyable for all

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to seeing you in our parks soon

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in Fort Wayne by providing positive opportunities for leisure time and by being stewards of our park lands, facilities, public trees, and other resources entrusted to our care

VISION STATEMENT

We will provide accessible parks and leisure service activities that benefit the individual, environmental and social needs of the community

- Board of Park Commissioners

PLAN AT A GLANCE

Five principles - equity, access, quality, community, and environment - serve as the backbone of this plan To ensure the legacy of Fort Wayne’s parks continues for generations to come, an action plan has been developed for strategic direction to implement these five principles (See Chapter 9, Implementation) They guide recommendations to ensure that the system promotes quality of life for all, enhances community connections, maximizes mental and physical health benefits, and protects the natural environment

EQUITY

embraces diversity

Fort Wayne is home to many parks, valued both locally and regionally Its location adjacent to three rivers – the St Marys, St Joseph, and Maumee – make for a breathtaking environment The riverside location and plentiful open space are not only valued by today’s inhabitants, but the city’s original settlers as well Early Indigenous communities native to this region, such as the Miami tribe, saw the many possibilities at the confluence of three rivers The grand opportunities provided by the city’s landscape and parks system were further realized and reimagined by urban planner Charles Mulford Robinson and landscape architect George Kessler in the early 1900’s through the Fort Wayne Parks and Boulevard System Flash forward to today, the plan’s ideas of park connectivity, incentivizing park and open space creation, and incorporating the city’s natural environment are still at the heart of Fort Wayne’s Parks and Recreation planning

This plan builds upon foundational values and addresses existing barriers to realizing those values It charts a path towards a great public park system that equitably delivers the benefits of recreation and the outdoors

The Fort Wayne Parks System Comprehensive Plan process included a robust community engagement approach, combined with a thorough review of current conditions, including the quality and condition of existing parks; the number of recreation facilities per population and whether that meets current and future needs; and which communities in Fort Wayne lack basic access to the health, wellness and economic benefits that highquality parks promote This process has resulted in an actionable road map to equitably maintain, preserve, and expand the existing system to provide parks and recreation opportunities to all current and future residents of Fort Wayne

ACCESS

welcoming and connected

COMMUNITY

elevates community connections

QUALITY

inviting and well-maintained

ENVIRONMENT

healthy and sustainable

Wells Street Bridge, which connects areas over the St. Marys River.

Source: Design Workshop

Guiding principles that align with other Fort Wayne planning initiatives and policies to focus recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan .

HOW TO USE THIS PLAN

The Parks System Comprehensive Plan will be used as a guide book to move Fort Wayne’s historic park system into the future The plan has been created with public input and best practices to ensure that it reflects the community’s aspirations, concerns, and desires for the future of Fort Wayne’s park system

Over the past year, community members have identified a shared vision for improvements and opportunities for the city’s natural amenities, parks, and recreation This process asked the questions of “Where are we now?”, “Where do we want to be?”, and “How can we get there? ”

Key Initiatives:

1 Cultivate destination parks

2 Reimagine the waterways

3 Activating play

4 Grow the greenways

5 Close the gaps to quality parks

6 Honor the systems history

7 Embrace regional ecological connections

Key initiatives that, when supported by actions, will enable Fort Wayne to realize the visions of the Comprehensive Plan .

List of 106 action items to support this plan - updated annually

Specific policies and actions to realize the transformative projects, plan principles, and direct operations and maintenance strategies

Maintenance Guideline

Universal Design Standards

Funding Guidelines

Level of Service Standards

Inspirational standards to follow during the creation of, or changes to, parks and open spaces to ensure that they are high quality, accessible, and equitable

The resulting plan offers a framework of steps to take towards the vision including developing and strengthening partnerships, allocation of funding, and investment decisions This is meant to be flexible to adapt to changing circumstances and will require significant additional implementation effort by community decision makers, leaders, and the public

FUTURE PARKS SYSTEM

This plan envisions the following prioritized investments for Fort Wayne’s existing park system:

1. Improve 21 parks that received a “fair” or “poor” quality rating

2. Add 30 miles of greenways and blueways within existing city limits

3. Develop 223 acres of parkland to reach national level of service standards for the City’s projected 2034 population, with a focus on adding park acreage within high-priority equity zones.

4. Close the 31 park walkshed gaps within existing city limits

After “catching up” to current needs, Fort Wayne must “keep up” with anticipated growth through the following prioritized investments:

5. Conserve high-priority ecological lands outside the current park system

6. Add 44 miles of greenways and blueways outside existing city limits, within targeted growth areas

7. Close the 27 park access gaps outside existing city limits, within targeted growth areas

These improvements are informed by the plan principles and will be expanded upon in Chapters 4-9

1. INTRODUCTION

Background and Purpose

Connections to Foundational Plans

Governance

System History

Community Profile

Vulnerable Populations

This document is inspired by Fort Wayne’s legacy of planning, park conservation and stewardship, but it is rooted in the city’s current conditions and anticipated trajectory. It establishes an achievable vision for the future of the park system and an actionable road map for implementing that vision.

The plan is an opportunity to utilize and expand the existing open space system to provide recreational opportunities to all residents of Fort Wayne, while preserving its high-quality landscape and celebrating the community character. A robust community engagement approach and a thorough assessment of current conditions were used to ensure a community- and data-driven vision for the future of the park system.

The Park System Comprehensive Plan outlines the City’s vision to guide investments in parks, greenways, and protected open spaces. This plan serves as a road map for the Fort Wayne Park System to serve communities equitably, promote health and wellness, and connect people to each other and to their natural and cultural landscapes.

Fort Wayne is home to a world-class park and greenway system made up of more than 80 diverse parks and 120 miles of trails. The system is utilized by residents of the city and surrounding communities, making it highly valued both locally and regionally. Fort Wayne’s park system is the central driving force in creating an active community for future generations by providing accessible opportunities for all, continuing to connect, improve, and enhance parks and facilities, and protecting natural resources and open space. However, some neighborhoods are better served than others, and nature could be better integrated into all neighborhoods and the urban core. The Park System Comprehensive Plan is an opportunity to bring one of the nation’s most extraordinary historic park systems into the present day and prepare for future growth to ensure that the benefits of great parks are equitably distributed.

The plan has five principles that are informed by community needs and priorities and by the success stories of the globe’s best urban park systems: equity, access, quality, community, and environment. These principles drove the planning process, informed our public conversation, and provided the organizational framework for this document and its recommendations.

CONNECTIONS TO FOUNDATIONAL PLANS

This Comprehensive Plan supports and works in conjunction with the important planning efforts that came before it. Foundational planning efforts include: Riverfront Fort Wayne Conceptual Plan, City of Fort Wayne Riparian Master Plan, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2018-2022, Bike Fort Wayne, Bus Fort Wayne, Neighborhood Park Master Plans: Brewer Park and Packard Park, Buckner Park Master Plan, Franke Park Master Plan, Cultural Landscape Reports, and Downtown Fort Wayne Public Realm Action Plan.

Existing recommendations and goals that impact Fort Wayne’s parks and open space system were documented at the start of the planning process so this plan could build upon the city’s previous planning efforts and bring the relevant goals forward into the future.

A specific plan that was reviewed for integration is the recently completed the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation 2023-2027 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, required by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. A robust survey and thorough parks and population assessments were completed as a part of the planning process. In turn, this planning process utilized the DNR-required plan for fundamental findings and statistics.

Franke Park Master Plan

GOVERNANCE

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Assessing the organizational structure of the City of Fort Wayne’s Parks and Recreation Department is critical to optimize the workforce, improve productivity, and enhance the overall efficiency in the department. Various aspects of the Department’s operations including maintenance practices, budgets, policies and procedures, and marketing have also been reviewed, detailed in Chapters 3-9.

STAFFING

The City and the Parks and Recreation Department have an ongoing commitment to parks and recreation operations and maintenance.

Staffing within the Parks and Recreation Department is divided into seven primary divisions (142 fulltime employees (FTEs) based on 2023):

• Finance and Support Services – 12 FTEs

• Recreation Services – 35 FTEs

• Parks Maintenance – 58 FTEs

• Community Outreach – 4 FTEs

• Parks Planning and Development – 21 FTEs

• Marketing – 4 FTEs

The Department is robust, with a wide range of positions and skill sets. However, many departments nationwide, including Fort Wayne, are feeling a struggle in terms of recruiting, hiring, and maintaining sufficient staffing numbers. The City is working to actively resolve this, especially as it anticipates and plans for growth.

SYSTEM HISTORY

Fort Wayne’s position on the confluence of the St. Mary’s, St. Joseph’s, and Maumee Rivers has supported centuries of human settlement. Over the last two hundred years, this iconic landscape and its role in the lives of Fort Wayne residents has rapidly evolved, guided in part by the City’s rich tradition of planning and park stewardship.

THREE RIVERS CITY

Indigenous peoples and early settlers referred to Fort Wayne as a crossroads because of its location at the three rivers’ convergence. Before European settlement, the area was known as Kekionga and served as the capital of the Miami nation and related Algonquin tribes. British and French settlers established trading outposts and forts throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, taking advantage of the area’s positioning between Quebec and St. Louis. Control over the territory was contested for years until it was incorporated as the Town of Fort Wayne in 1829.

SUMMIT CITY

The construction of the Wabash and Erie Canals expanded economic opportunities for Fort Wayne. Fort Wayne was sometimes known as “Summit City” because it was the highest point along the canal route, at an elevation of approximately 790 feet. Shortly after, in 1854, the completion of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago Railway solidified Fort Wayne’s favorable positioning and allowed its residents to thrive in industrial and railroad-related jobs.

CITY BEAUTIFUL

Inspired by the City Beautiful movement, Fort Wayne created a Board of Park Commissioners in 1905 to address the congested, unsanitary conditions brought on by the arrival of the railroad and heavy industry. In 1909, Charles Mulford Robinson published a detailed planning report for Fort Wayne, including a key open space principle: The stream banks of the community should be reserved for park development. Robinson laid the groundwork for noted landscape architect George

Kessler to formalize the plan for Fort Wayne’s parks, parkways, and boulevards. The Kessler Plan envisioned a connected network of open spaces throughout Fort Wayne that enhanced the area’s natural beauty and offered opportunities to socialize and recreate. In 1929, Robert B. Hanna proposed an update to Kessler’s work that reimagined the rivers as Fort Wayne’s greatest natural asset. Although not adopted in their entirety, these visionary plans laid the groundwork for Fort Wayne’s iconic park system to thrive.

HISTORIC CITY

In 2010, the Fort Wayne Park and Boulevard System Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park system today reflects the success of the original Robinson and Kessler Plans, along with more recent efforts to fulfill historic plan concepts. Today’s park system balances preservation and innovation to honor the cultural history of parks while planning for future generations.

Figure 2: Existing Department Organization

LEGACY PARKS

Legacy Parks are defined by Fort Wayne as those that were established 100 plus years ago. The celebration of this milestone began in 2008 with commemorative signage.

Legacy Parks vary in type and size. They include small, often overlooked parks such as Orff Park as well as the largest and most widely used parks such as Franke Park.

These parks have distinctive histories that make them special. The public is crucial in helping to preserve these parks through both appreciation and donations. Community members have the opportunity to help preserve these parks for future generations through donating to the Legacy Park Trust. This plan recommends that these parks be developed in such a way that preserves their historic integrity and does not jeopardize, and instead continues to recognize, their registration status.

In addition to Legacy Parks, many of Fort Wayne’s parks and boulevards were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. This plan recommends that additional Legacy Parks should apply for National Register status. This recommendation is further considered in Chapter 6, Quality.

Table 1: Legacy Parks and Date Established

Old Fort Park 1863

Moody Park 1864

McCulloch Park 1864

Lawton Park 1866

Nuckols Memorial Park 1876

Ivan Lebamoff Reservoir 1880

Williams Park 1890

Orff Park 1892

Swinney Park 1869

Guldlin Park 1897

Rockhill Park 1908

Lakeside Park 1908

Weisser Park 1909

Foster Park 1912

Camp Allen Park 1912

Vesey Park 1912

Sieling Block Park 1915

Lafayette Park 1915

Klug Park 1916

Bloomingdale Park 1916

Brookview Park 1917

Memorial Park 1918

West Swinney 1918

Roosevelt Park 1919

Franke Park 1921

Bowser Park 1923

The current National Register Historic District is based upon the boundaries of Charles Mulford Robinson’s 1909 parks plan and George Kessler’s 1911-12 update to that plan.

Figure 3: Legacy Parks

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Fort Wayne, the county seat of Allen County, is the cultural and economic center of northeast Indiana. As of 2022, the city’s population of 266,373 made up almost 5% of the state’s population. According to ArcGIS Business Analyst, the city’s population has increased by 3.32%, or about 8,448 people, between 2011 and 2021.

POPULATION PROJECTIONS

Given the population change in Fort Wayne and surrounding areas, the park system must consider and adapt to the differing needs and desires of new residents. Fort Wayne has an expected growth rate of 1.5% over the next 5 years. Allen County’s growth rate is even higher, at 1.8%.

3.32%

INCREASE IN POPULATION BETWEEN 2011 AND 2021

1.5%

5-YEAR EXPECTED GROWTH RATE

Understanding Fort Wayne’s demographics, growth trajectory and recreation trends can help inform recommendations about the type and distribution of park amenities that the community needs now and can help predict those that will be needed in the future. Since residents in adjacent communities also utilize the city’s park system, they are important to consider when assessing users and needs. Demographic and environmental data also informs identification of the Equity Investment Zones, as described in Chapter 4.

AGE

It is projected that people between the ages of 25-44, 65-74 and 75+ will see an increase in population. The population of the United States is aging, and it is not unusual to find negative growth numbers in the younger age groups and significant net gains in the 45-plus age groupings in communities which are relatively stable in their population numbers.

The southeast and northeast quadrants of Fort Wayne are significantly denser than other areas of the city. The density steadily decreases outward toward the city boundaries. There is also a densely populated area between the northeast and northwest quadrant, near Purdue University Fort Wayne and Ivy Tech Community College. Important to note is that land has been annexed since the last census, which will vary the latest data available.

Figure 4: Population Density

Table 2: Population Change

CHANGE, 2011-2021

RACE, ETHNICITY, AND LANGUAGE

Fort Wayne is racially and ethnically diverse as compared to the state of Indiana. The majority of Fort Wayne residents (65.3%) are white (nonHispanic). 15% of residents are Black or African American (non-Hispanic), 9.5% are Hispanic of any race, 5.5% are Asian (non-Hispanic), and 4.3% are two or more races. The percentage of non-white residents in Fort Wayne is higher than in Indiana, 34.7% compared to the state’s 22.2%. According to ESRI data, a majority of city residents above the age of five speak only English (87.1%), followed by Spanish speakers (6.3%) and Indo-European languages (5.6%).

The city’s Diversity Index is slowly growing, meaning that it is moderately diversifying. A Diversity Index is used to understand the racial and ethnic makeup of a specific geography. The Diversity Index is based on the Census block group level and ranges from 0 (no diversity) to 100 (complete diversity). As described by ESRI, “if an area’s entire population belongs to one race group and one ethnic group, then an area has zero diversity. An area’s diversity index increases to 100 when the population is evenly divided into two or more race/ethnic groups.” Fort Wayne’s Diversity Index is projected to grow from 63.5 in 2022 to 65.2 in 2027.

RACE AND ETHNICITY

Research has shown that people of color are less likely to engage in nature-based outdoor recreation activities, due in large part to historic discrimination and its lingering effects in our parks and public spaces1 . The Park System Comprehensive

Plan offers an opportunity to prioritize investments in areas of the city with this history of disinvestment; promote marketing and programs that are tailored to reach communities that historically have been excluded from our parks and public spaces; eliminate possible language barriers; and ensure that the above improvements and programming are designed with the authentic participation and buy-in of communities they’re meant to serve.

Southeast Fort Wayne has the highest concentration of non-white residents. Interesting to note is that when compared to Figure 23, Equity Investment Zones, this area also has the largest number of equity zones.

Figure 5: Racial Dot Density

Table 3: Race and Ethnicity

INCOME, EMPLOYMENT, AND POVERTY

Workforce profiles help recreation planners understand how much leisure time Fort Wayne residents have and the periods of day they might choose to spend it. More than half of the city’s residents over the age of 16 are white collar employees, defined as those who perform professional, desk, managerial or administrative work. 26.2% of residents are considered blue collar, with the largest groups being in production (10.5%) and transportation/material moving (9.0%). The city’s largest employers include Parkview Health Systems, Lutheran Health Network, General Motors, Fort Wayne Community Schools, and Lincoln Financial Group.

According to 2021 US Census Data, the daytime population for Fort Wayne is 318,996 people. This means that according to 2021 census estimates, approximately 55,182 people commute into Fort Wayne for work. When planning, it is important to consider additional recreation provisions that may be needed for this influx of a daytime workforce population such as paths for commuting and outdoor benches for lunch in parks.

A city’s unemployment rate is a key indicator of its economic health. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Fort Wayne’s annual unemployment rate for the year of 2021 was 3.5%, much lower than 2020’s rate of 7.5%. It should be noted that this rate was likely impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, historical data was also reviewed for a more accurate representation of the city’s unemployment status. While 3.5% is above the annual rates for 2017-2019, it is lower than 2016’s rate of 4.1%.

Fort Wayne’s median household income is substantially lower than that of the state of Indiana’s: $76,202 compared to the state’s $87,952 (as of 2022). Additionally, Fort Wayne’s poverty rate of 8.3% is greater than the state’s 6.1%.

In assessing the cost of living and recreating in Fort Wayne, it is also important to examine Household

Budget Expenditures such as shelter and utilities as well as for entertainment and recreation. While the income levels in Fort Wayne are 22% below the level of the United States, expenditures are 27% below the United States. In other words, the cost of living in Fort Wayne is relatively low.

It is essential to take income into consideration during the park planning process. Despite the low cost of living, the city’s relatively high poverty rate and low income level may indicate a greater need for affordable recreation and outdoor space at a local level. Lower income populations may not have access to privatized recreation such as country clubs, health clubs or tennis and swim clubs. As a result, affordable recreation and public parks are particularly important to these populations.

Figure 6: Income

Lower-income Fort Wayne residents are more likely to live near the city center. Of the city’s four quadrants (identified on page 20), Southeast Fort Wayne has the lowest income. Fort Wayne’s highest-income residents are concentrated in the far Southwest and Northwest quadrants.

HOUSING

Fort Wayne is relatively affordable - about half of the population spends between 36 and 45% of their income on housing and transportation. However, several tracts to the north, northeast, and southwest experience housing and transportation costs as high as 87% of median income.

Of the city’s 117,164 housing units, 58.8% are owner occupied and 34% are renter occupied with 7.3% of all units being vacant. This proportion is expected to remain relatively consistent through 2027. Another notable statistic is that the vacancy rate in Fort Wayne (1.8%) is significantly lower than the national vacancy rate (6.3%).

HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURES

In addition to taking a look at the median age and income, it is important to examine household budget expenditures. Reviewing housing financial information; shelter, utilities, fuel and public services along with entertainment and recreation can provide a snapshot into the cost of living and spending patterns in the services areas. Table 4 assesses this and compares service areas.

Populations living in less affordable areas are less likely to access the privatized recreational opportunities such as clubs and memberships which are within reach of other portions of the community. Therefore, public parks and low cost or free recreation opportunities are particularly important to the health and well being of individuals in less affordable areas.

7: Location Affordability Index and FWHA Properties

The map above shows Fort Wayne Housing Authority (FWHA) properties overlaid with the Location Affordability Index (LAI). The LAI provides estimates of housing and transportation expenditures at the neighborhood level to understand where people can afford to live and work. Together, these datasets identify pockets of Fort Wayne where residents are cost-burdened and have fewer opportunities for rental assistance through the FWHA.

Figure

Table 4: Household Budget Expenditures

VULNERABLE POPULATIONS

The Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan overlays socioeconomic information with data related to the quantity, accessibility and quality of parks and recreation offerings to identify critical gaps in the system.

Common factors for identifying vulnerable populations are:

» Population (5 years and over for whom poverty status is determined) below poverty level

» Households receiving food stamps/ SNAP benefits

» Persons with a disability

» Populations 18 to 64 that do not speak English

A higher percentage of Fort Wayne’s population is considered vulnerable compared to the state, including a significantly higher percentage of households below the poverty level.

30.6% of Fort Wayne residents have a disability. Those with ambulatory disabilities make up the largest percentage (8.3%). This is important in designing parks and recreation spaces that incorporate universal design principles, those that are inviting and comfortable for all users, regardless of age or ability (See Page 141).

Another important point of data for evaluating equity in park distribution comes from the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Social Vulnerability Index. The CDC assembles composite data to document levels of vulnerability for populations at the census-tract level. The index uses 16 variables, outlined in Table 6, to identify areas with a concentration of individuals who may be more vulnerable to both episodic and ongoing social or economic disruptions. Disaggregating the criteria in the index can assist with tailoring improvements to meet the needs of individuals in these areas.

SOCIAL VULNERABILITY

Socioeconomic Status Below 150% poverty

Unemployed

Housing cost burden

No high school diploma

No health insurance

Household Characteristics

Aged 65 and older

Aged 17 and younger

Persons with a disability

Single-parent households

English language profiency

Racial and Ethnic Minority Status

Hispanic/Latino (any race)

Black/African American

Asian

American Indian/Alaska

Native

Native Hawaiian/Pacific

Islander

Two or more races

Other races

Housing Type and Transportation

Multi-unit structures

Mobile homes

Crowding

No vehicle

Group quarters

The most vulnerable tracts are concentrated in Southeast and Downtown Fort Wayne, with some pockets of vulnerability in all four quadrants.

Figure 8: Social Vulnerability Index

Table 5: At-Risk Populations

Table 6: Vulnerability Index Variables

NEIGHBORHOODS

Historically, Fort Wayne has been divided into four unofficial quadrants: northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest. The boundaries of these quadrants consist of both man-made and natural features. Calhoun Street divides the southwest and southeast, while the St. Joseph River sits between the northwest and northeast quadrants. The Maumee River is the dividing feature between the northeast and southeast. The northwest and southwest quadrants are divided by multiple barriers, including rivers and railroads.

The park classifications on page 20 are defined in Chapter 2.

Northwest Fort Wayne

The neighborhoods that make up Northwest Fort Wayne include Nebraska, Lincoln Park, Harris Meadows, Highland Park Forest, and Tower Heights. A majority of the parkland in this quadrant is classified as Community Parks, such as Vesey Park and Salomon Park. Franke Park is a large destination park in the area.

Southwest Fort Wayne

* Disclaimer: This map does not include 728 acres of land in the southwest portion of Fort Wayne that was annexed after the development of this analysis

Southwest Fort Wayne includes neighborhoods such as The Shores, Hillside, Highland Garden, and Covington Lake. This quadrant has significantly fewer parks, particularly Community and Regional Parks, than other quadrants. A majority of these spaces are classified as Neighborhood Parks, including Waynedale Park and Psi Ote Park.

Northeast Fort Wayne

The Northeast quadrant neighborhoods include Northside, Forest Park, Kirkwood, and Glenwood. Park types in the quadrant vary, but are mostly Neighborhood Parks, such as Klug Park and Jehl Park.

Southeast Fort Wayne

Oxford, Greater McMillen, Rolling Rose, and Suburban Heights are just some of the neighborhoods that make up Southeast Fort Wayne. This categories of park types within this quadrant vary from Regional Parks, such as Foster Park, to Pocket Parks, such as Waynedale Gardens.

Figure 9: Neighborhood Map

2. THE EXISTING STATE OF THE SYSTEM

Park Classifications

Funding The System

Recreation Programming

Parks and Recreation Providers

Level of Service

Recreation Trends Analysis

What We Learned

PARK CLASSIFICATIONS

The City of Fort Wayne’s parks system is comprised of 89 parks which equates to 2,732.22 acres (Table 7). However, not all parks are created equal, and it is important to understand what types of parks exist where. The system is classified into six distinct park types based on characteristics of the park such as size, amenities offered, purpose and function, and service area. Table 7 displays these categories and characteristics. Neighborhood parks, which range from 1.5 to 10 acres in size, make up a majority of the parks (25) in Fort Wayne. However, in terms of acreage, a large percentage is dedicated to community parks (46%). This reflects the difference in Fort Wayne’s ample amount of park acreage in comparison to the gap in residences within the 10-minute walkshed, discussed in Chapters 4 and 5.

Park classifications are useful in:

» Communications (internal and external),

» Identifying appropriate locations and criteria for future park acquisition,

» Determining development priorities in a given park,

» Programming and activating parks with the appropriate type and scale of activities, and

» Prioritizing operations within a given park.

Figure 10: Park Classifications

Park classifications establish a common language around park types. Understanding what types of parks are where allows the city to identify where access and equity gaps exist. Table 8 on the following page defines the classification categories used during the planning process.

Mini/Pocket Park

1.5 or less 1/4 mile radius

(5-minute walk)

1.5-10 1/2 mile radius

(10-minute walk)

Mini Parks or Pocket Parks are small parks that pack a punch. Their design and amenities vary depending on their context and intended use.

Griswold Street Playground, Summit Street Block, West Central Playlot

30-50

City and broader region

10-30 1-mile radius

(20-minute walk)

Neighborhood Parks are relatively small parks located in residential neighborhoods. These parks serve specific neighborhoods and have amenities that reflect those neighborhoods' characteristics and needs. Neighborhood Parks should be welcoming and accessible for children, family groups, small neighborhood gatherings, and older adults.

Klug Park, Bowser Park, Franklin School Park, Gren Park

Size varies City and broader region

Regional Parks serve the entire community, including those in and around Fort Wayne with their unique amenities. These parks bring people together at community-wide events and promote tourism and economic development.

Community Parks meet the day-to-day park and recreational needs of Fort Wayne residents. These parks are a focal point for community-wide activities and group gatherings. They provide facilities that serve a broad audience and balance active and passive recreation needs. Community Parks usually have both day and evening activities and are distributed throughout the city.

Park

Size varies City and broader region

Open Spaces typically provide environmental benefits, natural scenery, and unique features. They afford a pleasant environment to engage in passive recreation; preserve significant views and wildlife habitat; and provide outdoor and nature-oriented activities for residents and tourists. These lands protect sensitive environmental features such as steep slopes, floodplains and wetlands.

Special Use Facilities are parks with recreational facilities that serve specific types of users from across the city and region such as soccer and softball teams, disc golf players and skateboarders.

Neighborhood Park

Community Park

Vesey Park, Lions Park, Hamilton Park, Lakeside

Regional Park

Promenade Park, Franke Park, Foster Park

Open Space/Green Space

Nuckols Park, Roosevelt Park, Noll Park

Special Use

River Greenway, Brookview Park, Hurshtown Reservoir

Table 8: Park Classifications

FUNDING THE SYSTEM

Funding the development and maintenance of parks and recreation facilities and services remains a challenge for many cities across the country. Over the last ten years, many cities have decreased their reliance on the general fund as the primary source of park funding. However, Fort Wayne continues to rely on general fund taxes, 69% of total funding from this source. Alternative funding comes from service charges, grants, and donations. Approximately 27% of the operations and maintenance budget is covered by charges for services generated through programs and services. Citywide funds are a major source of capital, but the park system also makes use of state funding and grants and donations.

Parks and Recreation generates approximately 6.5% of its budget from earned income including programming, activities, events, and rentals. Less than 1% is generated from donations, sponsorships and grants. In comparison, most communities generate about 20% of their operations through earned income. The amount varies for donations, sponsorships and grants, but in general it is approximately 5%.

The current allocation allows Fort Wayne to maintain its high quality park system, but tdoes not allow the City to fully meet its maintenance needs. Fort Wayne’s number of staff is less than peer communities (See Table 15).

NATIONWIDE FUNDING TRENDS

Nationally, there is a concerted effort to reduce reliance on city general funds for operations and maintenance. According to the 2023 National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) Agency Performance Review study, the current national level of funding is 61% of operating expenditures being derived from the general fund.

There has been an increased reliance on earned income to offset the cost of operation of parks and recreation. According to NRPA, in 2023, an average of 22% of operational costs were off set through fees and charges.

Rather than relying on allocations from a city’s general fund, agencies have increasingly been turning to establishing dedicated tax funding sources for not only on-going parks and recreation operations but also for capital projects.

Capital funding has also become more diversified with an effort to not only utilize local tax dollars but also broader funding through the state and federal government as well as fundraising and grant funding for larger projects. See Chapter 9 for more information on funding strategies.

RECREATION PROGRAMMING

The following section provides an assessment of Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department’s current recreation services. This section was informed through a series of staff interviews, facility and park tours, and a review of information and documents supplied by the Department.

The assessment is also based on national performance metrics identified by NRPA, Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA accreditation) requirements, and industry best practices.

Like many cities in the United States, Fort Wayne faces challenges in the delivery of recreation services in a cost effective and efficient manner.

As a result, much of the programming is offered by contract instructors or other organizations.

Programs and services are generally more traditional recreation offerings, with the department focusing much of its programming efforts on youth and older adults. There are limited

programs with a focus on teens, special needs, education, and fitness programs. This is primarily due to these program types being offered by other agencies.

Over the course of the year, summer has the most program participants (12,610) as well as the largest number of programs offered (951) (See Table 9). The largest number of programs are for the youth in summer (427). Education and fitness programs are least offered by the city (See Table 10). Throughout the year, youth, cultural arts, and sports programs have the largest programs with waitlists of 39, 35, and 26 programs respectively.

Most indoor programs are held at the Community Center downtown. Compared to other cities, there is a lack of indoor programmable space leading to limited programming. Also, the bulk of participation is through drop in, as opposed to registered programming.

Table 9: Participation Break Down (2022)

Table 10: Offered Recreation Programs (2022)

PARKS AND RECREATION PROVIDERS

The City maintains a variety of parks and recreation spaces, including indoor community centers and youth centers, outdoor pools, athletic fields and nature preserves. In addition to the City, there are a significant number of other community organizations that provide relevant programming. Most of these organizations do not depend on public facilities for their programming, but considering the full range of providers is necessary for understanding gaps in service.

Table 11 indicates programs that are covered by City parks staff or are contracted out. While the City may not provide staff for a program, it still may maintain specific spaces for programs such as team sports. This table displays that programming for teens is not well-covered in Fort Wayne, even when public and private providers in the communities around Fort Wayne are included in the analysis.

Teen programming can take several forms. Teen leadership and skill development programs are an important element for young adults to develop new skills, foster creativity, and build community. Weekly teen programming may focus on building personal and professional skills to help teens transition into a new phase of life, including sessions to improve selfawareness and emotional intelligence, learning how to complete job application and interview techniques, or understanding budgeting and credit. Other programs that might be of interest to this age group include cooking, digital media, public relations, visual arts, and performing arts, especially music. Finally, nature-based programs can provide hands-on educational and recreational activities to increase appreciation for the natural environment.

Table 12 highlights some of the service providers outside of City Parks and Recreation staff. In addition to the partial list of providers, others who fill gaps in programming providers include New Haven Parks and Recreation staff and Allen County Park Services.

RECREATION PROGRAMMING SUMMARY

The City provides many recreation programs, including sports (golf and tennis), cultural arts (arts and dance), youth (camps), general interest (music and culinary), outdoor recreation and older adults. In addition to programs offered by the City, organizations are contracted to provide programs in sports, aquatics and special needs. The process for determining recreation offerings begins with identifying what other service providers already offer and working to make room for it under public providers. This ultimately avoids competing interests and instead, works towards partnerships.

When all the recreation programs, including those offered by the City and contract providers, are considered, there is only one program area that does not have organized programming - programs for teenagers. However, there is staff sentiment that there is a lack of adult sports being offered.

Table 11:

Table 12: Other Service Providers

Recreation Service Providers Facilities

Ft Wayne Sports Club Soccer Fields

The Plex North & South Indoor & Outdoor Soccer Fields

Wildcat Baseball

Wallen Baseball Complex Baseball/Softball Fields

Diamondbacks

World Baseball Academy Baseball/Softball Fields

Georgetown Little League Baseball/Softball Fields

Police Athletic League

Charger Youth Football

Metro Football

Fieldhouse

Spiece Indoor Pickleball

Wildwood Racquet Club Indoor Tennis

Blackhawk Swim Club

Emler Swim School

YMCA Recreation Center

Euell A Wilson Center Community Center

Summit Academy of Gymnastics Gym

More Than Gymnastics Gym

Fort Wayne Dance Collective Studio

Fre Astaire Dance Studios Studio

K Monique’s Studio of Dance Studio

Pulse Dance and Performance Center Studio

Tiffany & Co Studio of Dance Studio

Arlington Park Golf Club Golf Course

Brookwood Golf Club Golf Course

Canterbury Golf Club Golf Course

Cherry Hill Golf Club Golf Course

Coyote Creek Golf Club Golf Course

Donald Ross Golf Club Golf Course

Fort Wayne Country Club Golf Course

Orchard Ridge Country Club Golf Course

Pine Valley Country Club Golf Course

Riverbend Golf Course Golf Course

Sycamore Hills Golf Club Golf Course

LEVEL OF SERVICE

A Level of Service (LOS) Analysis determines how well a community is being served by its parks and recreation system. Understanding how the Fort Wayne community is served in terms of number of parks, park access, size of parks, and amenities is critical to seeing the opportunities and shortfalls of the system.

According to All In Allen, “The City’s most recent growth occurred between 2000 and 2010, when Fort Wayne grew from approximately 79 square miles to 111 square miles (an increase of 32 square miles) while adding nearly 48,000 residents and over 18,000 households”. Additionally, Fort Wayne’s population grew by nearly 14,000 between 2010 and 2018 without additional annexation. STATS Indiana, which provides statistical data for the State of Indiana, projects that Allen County can expect to grow by 49,267 people, or 19,107 households, over the next two decades.

Fort Wayne’s population has been increasing along with the county, and according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), is expected to continue increasing. The growth in population from 2022 to 2027 is forecasted as 1.9% for a total of 268,965 residents. Although Fort Wayne is on track based on acreage, the number of parks is also an important lens for reviewing level of service standards. While the City may have enough acreage, it can all be contained with a few parks. For instance, Fort Wayne’s system is largely dedicated to Community Parks - 46% of the acreage is contained just within the 22 Community Parks.

According to the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA), the typical park and recreation agency offers one park for every 2,287 residents served. Currently, Fort Wayne has 89 parks. With a 2022 population of 263,854, Fort Wayne’s 89 parks do not meet the national average for population demand (115 parks). Growing to 115 parks would allow Fort Wayne to catch up to the number of parks it should provide based on its current population, while the City will need to provide 117 parks by 2027 to keep up with projected growth. In terms of acreage, the city is also below the

national average. As Fort Wayne continues to grow, the City will have to develop new parks to continue to meet the demands of the expanding population. Annexations should also consider the impact on the park system and accept new lands to avoid falling further behind national standards.

89 current parks in Fort Wayne

26 additional parks needed to catch up

28 additional parks needed to keep up

Source:

QUADRANT DISTRIBUTION

Another lens for the LOS analysis is quadrant distribution. Identifying what each portion of the city currently has and where gaps exist is important to understanding the future approach to park development and system priorities.

Figure 13 highlights the distribution of number of parks and acreage of parks per quadrant. A noteworthy consideration is that the quadrants with the most parks (southeast and southwest) have the lowest number of acres (385 and 450, respectively). The northwest quadrant, which has relatively fewer parks, has the highest acreage due to several large regional parks.

Table 13 dives further into this assessment by comparing the number of amenities within each quadrant. It is critical to review this analysis in comparison to the acreage of parks offered. While the Southeast quadrant has a large number of facilities compared to others, it has the smallest amount of acreage. Therefore, the quality of amenities offered is important to consider with the quantity of space dedicated to them.

Buckner Park is a park owned and maintained by Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department that accommodates residents outside of city boundaries.

Table 13: Parks and Recreation Facilities Level of Service by Quadrant

Figure 13: Park Acres By Quadrant

Level of Service standards provide metrics that allow parks and recreation staff to analyze how well residents are served by parks and trails, going beyond just acreage per population. Figure 14 visualizes the LOS offered by amenities throughout the city. Each map uses an amenity-specific radius set by national standards through National Parks and Recreation Association (NRPA). These maps help identify gaps in amenity-specific access. For instance, many areas are not within the standard service area of one of the city’s 39 basketball courts or 56 playgrounds.

Table 14 shows how Fort Wayne compares to selected national averages for the number of residents per recreation facility. This analysis was conducted as part of the City of Fort Wayne 20232027 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the City’s most recent plan that was approved by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Fort Wayne residents per facility and the number of facilities needed to fill the gap was calculated using 262,676 as the estimate for Fort Wayne’s population based on the American Community Survey 2021 5-year estimates.

Table 14: Population-Based Service Metrics for Recreation Facilities Compared to National Averages

SPORTS FIELDS

TENNIS COURTS

PICKLEBALL COURTS

BASKETBALL COURTS

GOLF COURSES

BALL DIAMONDS

Figure 14: Level of Service by Amenity 28- MILE

Fort Wayne currently provides 39 basketball courts, but must plan to provide an additional court in the future to meet the needs of their growing population.

Source: City of Fort Wayne

COMPARISON BENCHMARKING

While NRPA national averages have set the tone and direction for park planning efforts for many years, it is becoming increasingly important to compare levels of service to benchmarked communities that are comparable in characteristics, such as size, regional location, culture/recreational trends, or climate.

Four communities were selected to conduct a system comparison with Fort Wayne to understand how the overall parks and recreation system measures up against systems with cities of similar size or population metrics (Table 15). The communities of Toledo, Wichita, Greensboro, and Chattanooga, like Fort Wayne, have large populations, urban character, and four-season conditions. While each of the communities have their unique set of interests and available resources, this comparison helps provide context on how Fort Wayne compares to similar cities.

Greensboro and Wichita have 90 full time employees (FTEs) for parks operations. Those communities spend less per capita overall (Fort Wayne $81.50, Greensboro $79.88, Wichita $72.00), but place a greater emphasis on parks operations. This gap in maintenance funding will become increasingly apparent as the City grows and park use increases.

Table 15: Comparison Benchmarking

RECREATION TRENDS ANALYSIS

National recreation trends can be useful in predicting changing needs, and can help guide decision-making by predicting what amenities and programs might see changes in demand. Park and recreation trends can reveal varying interests as well as growing trends. To create a parks system for all users, parks departments need a system in place to recognize and respond to changing conditions. Departmental awareness of local, regional, and national trends is the first step in achieving this.

LOCAL TRENDS

The most popular activities in Fort Wayne are identified below according to ESRI trend data, based on the number of adults who have participated in them in the past 12 months. Walking for exercise is the number one most popular activity in Fort Wayne, consistent with statewide preferences. The other activities that many adults participate in are attending sports

events, swimming, hiking, and freshwater fishing. Volleyball, hunting, roller skating, and shooting are the most significantly higher than national trends. These broad trends can be used to analyze what is heard from Fort Wayne’s visitor data, program enrollment, and users. The demand for walking is very strong so the continued development of trails is a welcome addition. While there are alternative providers for pools (YMCA, school district), the City should continue to have a presence with aquatics.

A comparison of what is heard versus what is revealed through data trends may lead to a deeper investigation of differences between the reported data and the engagement responses. Significant differences between the two might suggest there were barriers to participation, such as a lack of advertisement or accessibility.

STATEWIDE TRENDS

The state of Indiana’s priorities are important to consider for future collaboration opportunities. The state’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) identifies the state’s top priorities:

1. Develop more trails and bicycle/pedestrian facilities.

2. Encourage and promote outdoor recreation participation.

3. Continue emphasizing Indiana’s aquatic resources, both natural and man-made.

4. Protect and enhance Indiana’s natural and outdoor recreation resources.

5. Provide funding for outdoor recreation development at the state and local levels.

The SCORP also details the top needs of the state These include:

1. More varied kinds of trail-related facilities (especially pedestrian) are needed.

2. Natural-resource-based recreation of many kinds is still a major need.

3. Community and individual health and wellness needs are becoming a greater priority.

4. Use of and demand for local parks and recreation appears to be growing.

5. Funding is tight for parks and recreation. Adaptation and innovation are vital.

Source: Design Workshop

Table 16: Top 10 Activities by Number of Participants in Fort Wayne

NATIONAL TRENDS BY INCOME LEVEL

The Physical Activity Council’s 2021 annual study for sports, fitness, and recreation participation shows that inactivity is inversely proportional to income. Individuals earning under $25,000 show an inactivity rate as high as 41.5%. As respondents’ income increases, their inactivity decreases.

Fishing and hiking are the two activities people of lower income expressed the most interest in, while higherincome populations expressed a stronger interest in hiking and working out with weights. These findings should influence decisions that Fort Wayne makes towards providing recreational opportunities to lowerincome communities. There are clearly differing interests, financial abilities, and physical needs across demographics. This should be a significant consideration in allocating recreation assets and creating recreation programs. For more on this topic, see Chapter 4: Equity.

NATIONAL TRENDS BY DEMOGRAPHIC

Table 17 shows a nationwide distribution of activities by age group. Examples of activities included in each category are depicted below the table. An important consideration is the different activities that age groups likely take part in within each category. For instance, boomers likely partake in less physically intense activites such as high impact training, while Gen Z is less likely to participate in wildlife viewing or table tennis.

Participation trends were analyzed across all generations including ‘Boomers’ (1945 – 1964), ‘Gen X’ (1965 – 1979), ‘Millennials’ (1980 – 1999), and ‘Gen Z’ (2000+). Fitness and outdoor sports were the top two-sport categories participated in across every generation. Despite this, fitness is the only category that Gen Z participates significantly less than other generations (approximately 11% lower than other generations). This year, 2023, was the third year straight that fitness participation rate has increased for Boomers. This may translate to a higher need for older adult-focused activities and health clubs.

In addition to generations, the report breaks down categories by specific ages. Outdoor and team sports are the most participated categories for children ages 6-12. The top category shifts to fitness by age 14, followed by outdoor and team sports. A significant decline appears in team sports from ages 15-19. This is useful in identifying the needs of specific age groups.

Fitness Activities: Cardio kickboxing, high impact training, weight machines, treadmill, barbells, etc.

Individual Sports: Horseback riding, hunting, roller skating, skateboarding, archery, etc.

Outdoor Sports: Bicycling, wildlife viewing, camping, hiking, rafting, running, etc.

Racquet Sports: Pickelball, racquetball, squash, tennis, badminton, etc.

Team Sports: Baseball, basketball, cheerleading, football, gymnastics, softball, etc.

Water Sports: Kayaking, jet skiing, rafting, sailing, snorkeling, surfing, etc.

Winter Sports: Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding, etc.

Table 17: Nationwide Distribution of Activities by Age Group

WHAT WE LEARNED

This Comprehensive Plan is shaped by an understanding of the challenges that the park system faces. While some of these challenges may be larger and more complex than those that the Parks Department can solve alone, it is necessary to identify and acknowledge these challenges. Establishing a shared understanding of the broader factors at play creates space for considering new ways to operate and maintain the park system to best meet the needs of the community.

The opportunities and challenges identified below will be elaborated within the following chapters of this Comprehensive Plan.

OPPORTUNITIES

Fort Wayne’s park system is rich in natural resources, with a diverse, historic and wellmaintained park and open space inventory. The system is unique in that it has three rivers, in addition to multiple streams and creeks, that provide waterfront and water play opportunities. Another opportunity for the system is its users. Fort Wayne residents are diverse, creating opportunities for special interest classes, cultural, history, athletic and wellness programs, and multigenerational programming.

CHALLENGES

While the current system provides many opportunities, there are also challenges to consider when planning for the future. Fort Wayne’s system, as compared to nationwide park departments, is limited in both staff capacity and financial resources per the number of parks. The department is lacking in partnerships with the city’s organizations, both organized or informal, which are typically used to leverage additional resources for maintenance and funding help. Fort instance, there is room to strengthen the relationship with the school district. There is also inconsistent maintenance throughout the entire system. Another challenge is that there are inadequate indoor program spaces for those seeking indoor respite and year-round programming.

In terms of access, there are large existing gaps in the network, prohibiting both local and regional connectivity. A total of 73% of residential land is outside of a safe, comfortable 10-minute walk from Fort Wayne parks. For more information on the walkshed and accessibility, see Chapter 5. Gaps are also prevalent within the distribution of park facilities such as swimming pools and boat ramps as shown in Figure 14 and 28, respectively.

Strengths

• Rich natural resources with ample park and open space inventory

• Highly valued historic parks

• Waterfront opportunities

• Diverse program offerings

• Leverages community partnerships

• Fort Wayne is a popular location for tournaments and special events

Weakness

• Limited financial resources

• Facility maintenance needs

• Inconsistent maintenance in parks

• Gaps in park facilities

• Inadequate marketing of programs and recreation offerings

• Lack of programs for people with disabilities that are specialized to serve all ages and abilities

• Lack of aquatic programming

• Limited fitness and wellness programming

• Limited cultural program offerings

• Limited buildings and facilities means programs do not always have a weather back up, therefore risk cancelation (See Table 10, Participation Break Down)

• Staffing shortfalls

Opportunities

• Indoor and outdoor (turf) multi-use fields

• Donor and sponsorship opportunities through naming rights

• Partnership opportunities with local schools and neighborhood associations

• Site-specific programming for outdoor recreation; opportunities for skills building

• Multi-use sport courts

• Use of park spaces for community events

• Community interest in special hobby classes, such as education and art

• Community interest in volunteer opportunities

• Community interest in cultural, history, and wellness programs

• Investment in quality indoor space that meets current trends to allow for program expansion

• Continue to build community name recognition and trust as recreation leader

Threats

• Budgetary resources

• Deterioration of existing assets and inability to maintain or replace in the future

• Equitable offerings to all demographics

• Inadequate indoor program spaces for seeking shelter and year-round programming

• Parks department receiving parks or open lands without being involved in the planning process

Table 18: Parks, Recreation, and Open Space SWOT Analysis

Minimal updates, like the newly painted basketball court at Reservoir Park, can have significant impacts by offering amenities new life.

Source: Design Workshop

How Public Input Drives The Parks Plan

Outreach Methods

Who We Heard From

What We Heard

Social Pinpoint

Transformative Moves

HOW PUBLIC INPUT DRIVES THE PARKS PLAN

The Fort Wayne Parks System Comprehensive Plan presents a long-term vision for Fort Wayne’s recreational amenities, ranging from local parks, playgrounds, and sports fields to rivers, trails, and open spaces. The Comprehensive Plan was informed by public conversations about the role of parks and recreation in Fort Wayne, culminating in a communityled, data-driven, and actionable vision for the City’s open spaces.

In total, this process yielded input from 625 people in addition to the 800 respondents to the Parks and Recreation Public Needs Assessment. Each recommendation and driving principle in the Parks System Comprehensive Plan can be traced back to public feedback received through focus groups, workshops, and online platforms. Engagement materials were translated into Spanish and Burmese to ensure that as many citizens’ voices were heard as possible. The Advisory Committee – with members of diverse backgrounds and expertise representing a range of user and stakeholder groups from across the city – provided invaluable guidance and leadership throughout the process.

Several factors impacted the level of engagement received throughout this process. The Parks Department was completing a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Plan and the community had just been asked to provide input in the 2020 Public Needs Assessment for the park system, resulting in engagement fatigue. In order to avoid duplicating efforts and build off of existing ones, this process utilized feedback from foundational processes.

OUTREACH METHODS

Extensive input from community members, technical stakeholders, advisory committee members, and staff was considered to ensure that resident and visitor needs were collected, understood, and clearly reflected in the Parks System Comprehensive Plan. Engagement opportunities included 13 stakeholder meetings, six community workshops, an interactive mapping tool, and an online survey. Appendix A provides a full report on public engagement findings. Multiple methods of outreach were utilized to encourage all community members to participate in this process. Some ways that engagement was advertised include through flyers placed at park facilities, city social media, local radio channels, and stakeholder assistance through word of mouth with their audiences.

COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS

There were two community workshops held during the months of May and October. The objective of Community Workshop 1 was to educate community members about the park plan process, share initial data findings, and gather foundational feedback. Workshop 2 focused on sharing draft recommendations and gathering input. Multiple methods of engagement were utilized, including comment cards, dot boards, and discussions with Parks staff and planning team. A total of 57 participants attended Workshop 1 and 24 attended Workshop 2. The workshops were held in an open-house format for participants to flow freely between boards and provide input on their own accord.

SURVEYS

To supplement the in-person workshops, an online poll was also developed for both the public and selected stakeholders: those identified as having an in-depth knowledge of, or close interaction with, parks and open spaces. As an attempt to solicit more responses from all communities, the survey was developed in three languages - English, Burmese, and

Spanish, the three languages most commonly spoken in Fort Wayne.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Advisory Committee consisted of 14 members representing various Fort Wayne special interests including other city departments and partner organizations that interact with parks and recreation on a regular basis.

SOCIAL PINPOINT

Social Pinpoint, an online interactive mapping platform, allowed community members and stakeholders to provide specific feedback located on a map of Fort Wayne. The engagement resulted in public comments in five categories: maintenance, recreation, new places, structures, and nature. This tool offered a way to supplement survey input by providing a quick, specific method of sharing input related to parks in Fort Wayne.

FOCUS GROUPS

A series of 13 focus groups were held virtually. The focus group themes ranged from “Funding” to “Programming and Outreach.” A total of 47 individuals participated over the course of three weeks. Specific questions were asked based on the group’s topic. Input from the focus groups were generally in line with sentiments from other engagement methods. Participants discussed subjects such as big ideas, funding mechanisms, safety concerns, educational opportunities, and existing park barriers.

WHO WE HEARD FROM WHAT WE HEARD

Figure 15: Community Members Engaged by Zipcode

From the beginning of this process, a goal was to ensure that community members from all parts of the city were involved. Therefore, participants were asked to voluntarily provide their zipcode in a majority of the engagement opportunities. Figure 15 reflects the responses. It displays the number of respondents based on zip codes within the city.

The following pages capture what the City and planning team heard from the Fort Wayne Community at a high level during the entire engagement process, including surveys, workshops, and online platforms. Since these takeaways are opinions, they were vetted through hard data and current conditions assessments, described in the following chapters. These takeaways informed the recommendations and action items in Chapter 9, Implementation, by setting a foundation for achievements and results that are envisioned by community members.

1. There should be more opportunities for equitable recreation and programming.

Currently, park amenities are underutilized because they do not fit the needs of the communities surrounding the parks. The need for particular types of facilities changes within a park as the surrounding neighborhood transitions and new preferences emerge.

2. Fort Wayne’s parks system is lacking connectivity throughout the four quadrants.

This contributes to a feeling of being divided and increases barriers for park usage. There are opportunities to increase non-automobile routes in the form of bike paths, walking paths, and utilizing the river corridors.

3. Maintenance and improvements should be equally prioritized throughout all parks across the system.

The condition of parks and open spaces should be equal throughout the entire city, independent of who is using them. Input from residents reveal a concern that this currently is not the case.

4. There should be more destination parks throughout the city.

The neighborhood parks in Fort Wayne should have unique elements that encourage community building and alleviate the need to travel to regional parks.

5. Fort Wayne residents deeply value the natural environment.

All residents appreciate the open space opportunities in the city. These spaces are utilized for both active and passive recreation including walking, jogging, fishing, and bird watching. Preservation, or even expansion, of these spaces should be prioritized into the future to continue meeting the needs and desires of residents.

COMMUNITY SURVEY SUMMARY

Community responses have driven the creation of five plan principles focused on strengthening the existing system to foster an accessible, sustainable, high-quality system. The figures below show the demographics of community survey participants and summarize the responses.

Length of Residency (Years) Participant Ages

QUALITY

35% 50% of survey participants would like to see new structures and facilities to meet specific community needs prioritized.

of survey participants use the parks system for mental and physical health and wellbeing.

71% of survey participants want to see basic maintenance and repairs equally across all parks prioritized 67% of survey participants hope to see parks that improve residents’ health and wellness.

COMMUNITY

42% of survey participants would like to see a focus on communities with the greatest need for the health and wellness benefits of parks and greenways throughout the planning process.

64% of survey participants would like to see a focus on communities with a history of deteriorating parks, greenways and other public facilities and services throughout the planning process.

of survey participants want to see basic maintenance and repairs equally across all parks prioritized.

ACCESS

of survey participants do not know where to find information on parks and activities.

of survey participants walk to their favorite park.

of survey participants would like to see a focus on communities that are the farthest away from parks throughout the planning process.

of survey participants hope to see a high-quality and connected system of greenways and bike/pedestrian amenities.

of survey participants can only access their favorite park by car.

of survey participants believe their favorite park is special because it is where the community gathers for recreational and social events.

of survey participants would like to see events and programming that respond to community-specific needs prioritized.

47% of survey participants hope to see park-based activities and programs that enliven communities.

51% of survey participants would like to see the expansion of the parks and greenway system prioritized to provide more recreational opportunities.

of survey participants use the parks system for enjoying nature or wildlife.

of survey participants believe their favorite park is special because it is one of the most beautiful places in the neighborhood.

58% of survey participants would like to see the expansion of the parks and greenway system prioritized to protect habitats and benefit the environment.

62% of survey participants believe an important community benefit of parks is protecting environmental health and natural resources.

SOCIAL PINPOINT

Social Pinpoint, an online engagement platform, enabled participants to provide input on the existing parks and open space system through an online map. Using the tool, respondents were able to add comments and ideas for opportunities to improve Fort Wayne’s parks, trails, and open spaces. Website descriptions could also be to be translated to different languages for inclusivity of users of varying backgrounds.

In addition to a list of the parks and open spaces, the interactive tool had five categories for respondents to choose from:

1. Maintenance: Increase property maintenance, repair or update with new features. Could also include updates for environmental sustainability such as low energy systems.

2. Nature: Enhancing nature through the addition of tree plantings, connections with the river, outdoor education, community gardens, or educational signage.

3. Structures: Improve or add indoor facilities or structures such as restrooms, aquatic centers, community centers, sports complexes, picnic shelters, pavilions, and parking.

4. Recreation: Provide greater or different features to encourage recreational activities or programs. Includes playgrounds, off-leash dog parks, splash pads, trailheads, sports courts and more. Includes ideas for locations for more program offerings (such as wellness, art, sports leagues, camps, yoga).

5. New Places: Identify locations for new parks, natural areas, or trailheads.

Users could place the categories in any map location and write a comment alongside it. Figure 18 displays some of the highest rated comments based on “up votes”, interpreted as user agreeance. For all responses, locations, and categories, see Appendix E.

Keep improving the mountain bike and hiking trees. They are a huge asset for Fort Wayne!

Emphasis on keeping our Historic assets high on the maintenance priorities. Important for teaching the future generations!

New parks needed in SE Fort Wayne.

We spend a disproportionate amount on the wealthiest neighborhoods like downtown.

Consider adding bird feeders and benches to the north side of the river.

Northside park could use walking paths around the circumference of the park.

Figure 17: Social Pinpoint Responses

Figure 16: Social Pinpoint Comments

Figure 18: Top Locations of Responses

“MAKE SURE THAT QUALITY FACILITIES AND NATURAL AREAS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE CITY- ESPECIALLY IN LOWER INCOME AREAS.”

“I LOVE MY PARKS FOR PROVIDING A SAFE AND BEAUTIFUL SPACE TO GO WALK AND QUIET MY MIND, WALK WITH MY DOG AND ENJOY BEING OUTDOORS.”

“THERE SHOULD BE A CONCERTED EFFORT BETWEEN PARKS SYSTEM AND TRAIL SYSTEM TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO SAFELY GET TO ALL PARKS BY BIKE ROUTES”

TRANSFORMATIVE MOVES

Data analysis and engagement findings identified seven “Transformative Moves.” These moves are considered transformative as they will require great effort and/or a shift in the Parks Department operations to achieve, but they will make significant impacts on the city’s livability, equity and park stewardship. The Transformative Moves are supported by, and work concurrently with, the principles identified in upcoming chapters; however, each move supports multiple plan objectives.

TRANSFORMATIVE MOVES

Cultivate Destination Parks

Transform neighborhood parks into vibrant community spaces with unique destination amenities that contribute to neighborhood identity and bring people together from across the city.

Two goals were established by the community and planning team to provide comfortable access to destination parks. The first goal is for all residents to be within a 25-minute walk to destination parks.

Reimagine the Waterways

Invest in projects to daylight Fort Wayne’s waterbodies, including rivers, ditches and streams. Developing blueways along navigable waterway such as rivers, lakes, canals, and coastlines for recreational use will promote access, scenic beauty, diverse recreation, connectivity, and healthy ecology.

Activating Play

Activate parks, large and small, to make them come alive with activities throughout the year. Parks will be activated with experimental activities including, but not limited to, nature play, games, art, water play, courts, and sports.

G row the Greenways

Invest in growing the systems’ trails and paths to make Fort Wayne known for its universally accessible green network. Complete missing links in local and regional trails through investing in greenways and implementing the system’s historical boulevards.

Close the Gaps to Quality Parks

Ensure that all residents have access to high quality parks. This includes prioritizing parks identified as lower-quality parks for improvement as well as improving access to parks identified as high-quality and minimizing barriers to using them.

Honor the System’s History

The original plan for Fort Wayne’s park system was developed in 1912 by George Kessler. Many of the parks within today’s system include recommendations from that plan. Today, there are 26 parks that are deemed “legacy parks”, those that are over 100 years old. Legacy parks should continue to be recognized and re-evaluated to ensure that they are moving into the future with the community’s desires at the forefront, and continued high quality maintenance is provided.

Embrace Regional Ecological Connections

Expand the city’s connections to embrace regional paths. From a public access and recreational standpoint, a regional system of protected lands and trail corridors is the foundation for a spectacular recreation environment and for new greenways that connect more people to each other, to nature, and to citywide destinations. The city has a unique opportunity to leverage foundational plans for this transformative move. Previous greenways identified in the Kessler Plan should be completed to extend greenways to adjacent communities and state parks.

GROW THE GREENWAYS

CLOSE THE GAPS TO QUALITY PARKS

HONOR THE SYSTEM’S HISTORY

CULTIVATE DESTINATION PARKS

REIMAGINE THE WATERWAYS

ACTIVATING PLAY

EMBRACE REGIONAL ECOLOGICAL CONNECTIONS

Equity Building Blocks

Historic Factors

Equity Investment Zones

Priority Investment Sites

Equity Goals

EQUITY

Principle Statement: Fort Wayne’s parks and open space system reflects the rich tapestry of Fort Wayne’s community through its commitment to embracing diversity. The system continues to address historical inequities and remove barriers that have hindered access while ensuring that parks, open spaces, and the essential resources that they offer are within reach of all.

EQUITY BUILDING BLOCKS

Equity within the parks and open space system is a commitment to justice, fairness and the premise that everyone deserves access to a great public park. Equity and equality are often used interchangeably, but their different meanings are important. Equality is when everyone receives an equal amount of investment. A drawback of equality is that it assumes that all people start from the same place and that there is an even playing field. Equity, however, considers that everyone has different backgrounds and ensures appropriate investment accordingly.

For Fort Wayne’s parks and open spaces, equity means that the system is tailored to meet the unique needs of all Fort Wayne residents and park users to better serve all ages, incomes, abilities, genders, and cultural identities. This goes beyond equality by prioritizing communities that have been historically marginalized. As a result of inequitable investments over time in Fort Wayne, there are specific underinvested areas of the city which must be prioritized for investment to correct these past wrongdoings.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach for each place. Proposed recommendations and actions seek to create a parks and open space system with facilities and programming that are accessible, inclusive, just and welcoming for all.

”MAKE SURE THAT QUALITY FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE CITY - ESPECIALLY IN LOWER INCOME AREAS.”

- SURVEY RESPONDENT

To define the equity zones identified in Figure 23, the planning team began with an assessment of existing conditions through three lenses: Health, Socioeconomic, and Environmental Justice (Figures 20, 21, and 22). The planning team worked with City staff, advisory committee and community members to develop a mapping methodology appropriate for Fort Wayne that identifies parts of the city with a history of disinvestment and a greater need for the essential benefits of parks. The data inputs identified in Figures 20-22 were normalized using population density and overlaid using the ArcGIS Weighted Overlay tool to identify the areas of greatest concern. This methodology reflects the judgment and recommendations of planning stakeholders and should be revisited regularly to ensure it continues to reflect public values and guide equitable decision making.

Below is additional background information and context that the planning team considered when developing the Plan’s goals for equity.

HEALTH

Park access and utilization are determinants of public health. More time spent in parks and green spaces can help individuals fight against mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and stress. Park access and utilization also encourages physical activity, whether it be a moderate stroll or an intense hike.

The body of evidence demonstrating the health and wellness benefits of community parks and grenspace are well-documented by the National Recreation and Park Association.

SOCIOECONOMICS

As outlined in Chapters 1 and 2, non-participation in outdoor recreation is correlated with low income and minority status. To ensure equitable access to the important benefits offered by parks, the planning process must consider demographic factors like race, ethnicity, and income.

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Defined by the US Environmental Protection Agency, environmental justice is “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies”. Through identifying areas where environmental justice is low, changes can be incorporated into the planning and management of parks and recreation to strengthen Fort Wayne’s parks and recreation system as an inclusive, healthy, and sustainable environments for all community members, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.

Tree canopy coverage plays a key role in assessing an the equity of a neighborhood.

Source: Design Workshop

HISTORIC FACTORS

REDLINING (V)

A historical practice in which financial services were systematically withheld from predominantly Black neighborhoods.

Source: Design Workshop

Figure 19: Historic Redlining To understand modern inequities in Fort Wayne’s park system, the team analyzed historic redlining maps. The modern effects of this historic practice are felt today, as the inability to accumulate generational wealth has contributed to racial income inequality over the last ninety years. There is a direct correlation between parts of the city that received low ratings during the era of redlining (areas identified as D) and neighborhoods today that are prone to socioeconomic vulnerabilities and public health inequities.

The impacts of redlining are seen today through areas classified as D consisting of the least parks, open spaces, and tree canopy coverage. These areas also are more at risk of the effects of urban heat islands. In turn, these communities are left vulnerable to both natural disasters and man-made hardships such as air pollution and storm events. In addition, they also have low connectivity in the form of trails and pathways. These areas identified as D should be considered for prioritizing areas that will can be significantly impacted by the benefits from parks and open spaces.

The areas that received a D ranking on Fort Wayne’s historic redlining maps are scattered throughout the southwest and southeast quadrants close to downtown.

A 2020 study from the Trust for Public Land found that parks in low income and majority nonwhite communities are smaller and more crowded than those in majority white communities.

Diverse types of parks, such as the neighborhood pocket park pictured here, can be used to infill dense neighborhoods impacted by redlining.

EQUITY INVESTMENT ZONES

The health zones are areas with:

• High rates of asthma

• Low rates of physical activity

• High rates of mental distress

• High crime rates

Asthma rates are lower among children who live in neighborhoods with better access to parks and playgrounds1 . Additionally, children with asthma who live in cities may have fewer days with symptoms the closer they live to parks and green spaces2

Physical activity rates are higher among people who have more access to green environments3

Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and stress can be reduced by spending time in parks4

Crime rates are reduced in neighborhoods with green spaces5

5-1 https://www.ajmc.com/view/children-born-in-neighborhoods-with-better-access-to-resources-had-lower-asthma-rates 5-2 https://www.ersnet.org/news-and-features/news/city-kids-with-asthma-suffer-less-if-they-live-near-a-park/ 5-3 https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/activepeoplehealthynation/everyone-can-be-involved/parks-recreation-and-green-spaces.html

5-4 https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/Three-Pillars/health-wellness/ParksandHealth/fact-sheets/parks-improved-mental-health-quality-life/ 5-5 https://www.brec.org/assets/General_Info/Why_R_Parks_Important/Papers/Parks-Create-Safer-Neighborhoods.pdf

The social zones are areas with relatively:

• Low median income

• High % non-white population

• Low rates of car ownership

Income is a powerful predictor of park access. A 2021 report by the Trust for Public Land indicated that low-income communities have access to 42% less park acreage than high-income neighborhoods. That same report found that majority nonwhite neighborhoods have access to 44% less park acreage than majority white neighborhoods1 . Additionally, parks in majority nonwhite neighborhoods are, on average, half the size of parks in majority white neighborhoods2

Car ownership is an essential consideration for park planning in Fort Wayne, where 71% of community survey participants reported they can only access their favorite park by car. Considering walk and bike access is especially important in areas with lower rates of car ownership.

5-1 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-05-27/the-cities-where-people-of-color-can-walk-to-a-park

5-2 https://www.npr.org/2020/08/05/899356445/parks-in-nonwhite-areas-are-half-the-size-of-ones-in-majority-white-areas-study-

Figure 20: Health Equity Zones

Figure 21: Social Equity Zones

The environment zones are areas with relatively:

• Low tree canopy coverage

• Close proximity to contaminated sites

• High vulnerability to flooding

Urban tree canopy cover is associated with many important factors related to quality of life and public health, including respiratory disease, youth educational performance, mental health, physical health, and social connections. Research has demonstrated a direct relationship between tree canopy today and discriminatory policies of the past1

Contaminated sites are disproportionately located in low-income communities and communities of color. Parks are especially important in these areas to mitigate the impacts of pollution2

Flooding disproportionately impacts low-income communities and communities of color, often due to historically segregated settlement patterns, and compounded by inadequate infrastructure, additional environmental hazards, lower quality housing, limited insurance, and lost wages3 . Parks can be an important tool for improving flood resiliency.

5-1 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/06/30/opinion/environmental-inequity-trees-critical-infrastructure.html

5-2 https://smartgrowthamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/12273_Brownfields-Discussion_Guide-1.pdf

5-3 https://graham.umich.edu/media/pubs/Catalyst-Report-Centering-Racial-Justice-in-Urban-Flood-Adaptation-48491.pdf

The Equity Investment Zones were determined using the Weighted Overlay tool in ArcGIS Pro. The variables described previously were overlaid along with population density, which was used to direct investment towards neighborhoods with more residents.

Figure 22: Environment Equity Zones

Figure 23: Equity Investment Zones

PRIORITY INVESTMENT SITES

After identifying the equity investment zones, the City can begin to assess parcels to determine suitable sites for new park development.

The “opportunity parcels” identified on the map represent utility easements and Cityowned land in or near (within a half-mile of) level four equity investment zones. These specific parcels require further analysis to determine their development feasibility.

Equitable park design should go further than just adding park space within an underserved area. The City should thoughtfully consider which amenities would be most relevant to the surrounding residents and should conduct robust community engagement before making design decisions.

The equity investment zones are included in the prioritization framework in Chapter 9: Implementation.

1

ENSURE THAT ALL FORT WAYNE RESIDENTS HAVE SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE OPPORTUNITIES TO UTILIZE PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES, REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, INCOME, OR ABILITY.

It is important for parks to reflect the culture, identity and support the composition of the residents of the neighborhood within which they are located. Trends that should be reflected are a large group of users under the age of 18 and a lower median age group, pointing to young families with children. These demographics are significant participants in a robust parks system with expansive recreation and aquatic activities, programs, and events. Fort Wayne residents value connecting with and spending time in nature, so this preference should be clearly emphasized in park design and elements. During the park planning process it is essential to gather feedback from residents from adjacent neighborhoods to ensure that system improvements and revisions are the right recipe to contribute to park use, welcomeness, and inclusion. This includes improvements and renovations to address American Disability Act (ADA) accessibility, providing low-or-no-cost activities, and ensuring that parks reflect the culture, identity, and demographics of the neighborhood and city.

5

REQUIRE THAT ALL NEW PARK DEVELOPMENT AND EXISTING PARK IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS ARE DRIVEN BY A ROBUST AND COMMUNITY-BASED ENGAGEMENT AND DESIGN PROCESS.

When investments in park spaces occur, incorporating feedback from community members is vital for a successful planning process. Efforts to increase input from traditionally underrepresented groups are of particular importance. Effective public participation practices help ensure that planned investments will meet community needs, bolster feelings of welcomeness and inclusion, enhance park usage, and allow for greater enjoyment of park spaces.

PRIORITIZE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN PARKS AND OPEN SPACES, RESIDENCES, AND SCHOOLS TO ADVANCE EFFORTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE.

2

New and additional connections will help to serve the under-resourced. In this case, the underresourced are those who do not have safe, easy, or comfortable connectivity to every-day needs. Walking and biking gaps from residential areas to daily ammenities can be closed by lowering barriers, creating new paths, and maintaining what exists. This goal is reinforced through Chapter 5, Accessibility.

3

PROMOTE INCLUSION IN PARK SPACES, FACILITIES, AND PROGRAMS.

An inclusive park design begins with an inclusive planning process. An inclusive parks system is one that considers the physical, cultural, social, and economic needs of various groups and works to reflect the diversity of those needs in park facilities, amenities, and programming opportunities. Community engagement and relationship building will be central to Fort Wayne’s pursuit of an equitable and inclusive parks system.

4

HONOR THE CULTURE, STORYTELLING, ART, AND HISTORY OF TRADITIONALLY MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES

It is important to emphasize park design and programming to reflect and celebrate the identity and histories of all people, particularly those of traditionally marginalized communities. Highlighting and recognizing histories and diverse cultures within park design and cultural activities is shown to increase diversity of users, foster civic identity, and attract new audiences to the parks.

Existing Conditions

Connectivity

Regional Connections

River Access

Blueways and Greenways

The Walk Goal

Safe Routes to Parks

Eliminating Barriers to Use

Access Goals

ACCESS

Principle Statement: Fort Wayne’s parks and open space system cultivates a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates diversity, promotes understanding, and ensures that each individual feels a sense of belonging within the City’s shared green spaces. Through infrastructure improvements, innovative programming, and sustainable practices, the parks and open spaces remain vibrant, accessible, and inviting for generations to come.

EXISTING CONDITIONS

27%

residential parcels within a 10-minute safe walk from a park

35%

This chapter evaluates connectivity and access to the City’s parks and outdoors through the following lenses:

• 10-Minute Walk: This is a metric adopted from the Trust for Public Land 10-Minute Walk Campaign. For purposes of this plan, the planning team evaluated which residential parcels in the city are—or are not—within a 10-minute walk of a public park using the ArcGIS Spatial Analyst tool, which takes into account physical barriers such as highways, railroads and stream corridors. Due to Fort Wayne’s size and the number of subdivisions that may have access to private open space, the plan considers greenway access as an appropriate stand-in for park access.

• Multi-Modal Access: People of all abilities should be able to easily reach every park by foot, wheelchair, car, bike and transit.

In addition to locational accessibility, barriers to feeling welcome can also play a role in lowering accessibility. This plan considers:

• Universal Design: Every park in the system should be designed or retrofitted so it can be accessed and enjoyed by people of diverse ages, demographics, experiences and ability levels.

”IT WOULD BE GREAT TO SEE UNIVERSAL DESIGN IMPLEMENTED IN EVERY PARK IN OUR COMMUNITY.”

-

SURVEY RESPONDENT

residential parcels within a 10-minute safe walk from a park or within a neighborhood association

Figure 25 identifies residential parcels within a 10 minute walk from a City-owned park (excluding golf courses and undeveloped parks). The walkshed considers the street and trail network and accounts for large barriers that might impede access, including railroad tracks, rivers, interstates, and roads with a speed limit higher than 45 mph. Park access points are also considered to account for gates and other barriers that impede entry.

Neighborhood associations were considered separately as many of these residential developments include privately owned and operated open space facilities.

Residential land, outside of 10-minute walkshed, no access to private parks within neighborhood association

Residential land, outside of 10-minute walkshed, possible access to private parks within neighborhood association

Figure 25: 10-minute Walkshed

CONNECTIVITY

Connectivity is a key aspect of Fort Wayne’s park and open space system, with respondents of the community survey indicating that in the past year they have used paved walking trails (80%), bike trails (43%), and unpaved trails (40%). A majority of open comments and workshop interactions also emphasized the valued nature of the city’s walking and biking trails. However, Fort Wayne’s park walk gap is exacerbated by barriers to access. Residents indicated a need for improved connectivity between existing local and regional trails, park lands, and residences.

In 2024, the City will break ground on the “Connecting 4 Capital Campaign.” Fort Wayne Trails has identified four high-priority trails that will improve connectivity throughout the city, and they have already secured funding for two of the four projects. Once completed, this project will connect over 27 miles of trails around Fort Wayne.

SIDEWALKS

A common concern throughout the engagement process revolved around the lack of maintenance and development of sidewalks. Connectivity can be increased in a variety of ways including traffic calming, sidewalk repairs, curb ramp access, and crosswalk development to promote safe, universal access. Specific areas identified in need of sidewalks are Covington elementary to County Line Road, crossing over Jefferson Boulevard, Maysville Road to Kreager Park, and on the road within Shoaff Park. The creation of a digital database to identify the condition of existing sidewalks is a first step in addressing this.

BIKE LANES

Many of the system’s users utilize the bike trails in and around Fort Wayne. Engagement highlighted the need for better access to all parks with safe bike lanes, as well as the need to close the gaps between existing bike trails, such as the Pufferbelly, and those of adjacent communities. The city is constantly working towards improving bicycle connections through updates to Traffic Regulations ordinances and bike specific plans (Bike Fort Wayne, 2010). Recommendations

incorporate previous efforts in addition to modern best practices and community input.

TRANSIT

In addition to sidewalks and biking, transit is another component of connectivity for Fort Wayne residents. Public transit is a key part of a wellbalanced transportation system as it provides an easier, passive mobility option to access parks and open spaces. A consideration for existing CitiLink stops is identifying gaps in connectivity between the transit stop and parks or open spaces. These areas are opportunities for prioritized additional trails or dedicated routes to service parks and trailheads.

BOULEVARDS

Boulevards are landscaped areas within the center of the street or adjacent to it. This concept was first envisioned in Fort Wayne’s, Parks and Boulevard Plan (Kessler and Jaenicke). Boulevards were imagined to be fitted for pleasure walking or driving. Some of the boulevards mentioned in the plan include Rudisill Boulevard, Anthony Boulevard, Jefferson Boulevard, and Sherman Boulevard. The northern two blocks of St. Joseph Boulevard are a good examples of the fully realized residential boulevard system the Kessler envisioned – divided by a central median with ornamental trees and grass on either side of the road.

On the other hand, many of the other boulevards mentioned in the plan have not been developed with their original intent to function as a boulevard and are not providing the imagined benefits of safe, comfortable, and aesthetic paths. This plan recommends working with Public Works to reimagine boulevards based on their historic purpose to better utilize the connections for walking, resting, and socializing.

Figure 26 maps the current network of trails (including trails managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources), bike lanes, and boulevards within Fort Wayne.

The Southeast quadrant has significantly fewer trail miles than the other quadrants in the city. While this does not take into account trails immediately adjacent to the quadrant boundary, it indicates that the Southeast may be underserved in terms of trail access. Additionally, river access points are concentrated in downtown and Northeast Fort Wayne. There are no river access points in the Southwest or Southeast quadrants. River access is further explored on the following pages.

Figure 26: Existing Access Map

REGIONAL CONNECTIONS

Fort Wayne’s parks are part of a regional system of watersheds and open lands that are not contained by municipal, county, or state boundaries. The City can address gaps in access by promoting collaboration across jurisdictional boundaries to strengthen the park system’s connection to neighboring regions. This can take the form of greenways and blueways that follow naturally occuring ecological and hydrological corridors.

RIVER ACCESS

There are currently 17 river access points for recreational boaters within Fort Wayne and the surrounding area. The current level of service is approximately 2.5 miles between boat ramps.

Due to the topography and development of Fort Wayne, some portions of the city will never be as well-served by river access as others, depending on their proximity to a paddleable stream or river and the condition of the nearby waterways. However, a well-integrated blueway and greenway network is an essential tool to maximize river access across Fort Wayne, offering safe routes by foot or by bike for those who do not live within two miles of a boat ramp.

GREENWAY CONNECTIONS

Greenways are corridors of natural or landscaped land, such as trails and parks, designed to provide recreation, connectivity, and conservation. The existing greenways include an extensive networks of trails and pathways through downtown.

BLUEWAY CONNECTIONS

Blueways offer a unique way to travel through the city by utilizing the city’s natural water resources. These water trails are marked routes on navigable waterways, predominantly along the St. Joseph and Maumee Rivers in the city for recreational use, such as non-motorized boats, kayaks, and other crafts.

CONNECTION OPPORTUNITIES

Leveraging the existing network of already publicly-owned ditches and easements, provides an opportunity to create interconnected pathways that seamlessly link parks and rivers, offering residents and visitors an accessible, connected greenway system. There is currently 60 feet required on either side of the County’s ditches. By acquiring a portion of this setback, Fort Wayne can transform underutilized spaces into vibrant pedestrian corridors. These ditches are particularly important in providing trail access to those portions of the city that are not readily accessible to the river greenway system. These pathways not only offer a functional means of connectivity but also serve as green corridors, promoting biodiversity and creating a more environmentally sustainable urban environment.

The integration of these easement-based pathways reflects Fort Wayne’s commitment to forwardthinking approaches through transforming mundane ditches into vibrant greenways.

Fort Wayne has several existing paths that make up its greenway and blueway network.

Source: Design Workshop

RIVER ACCESS

Defining a system-wide river access level of service (LOS) is essential so the City can track progress towards its accessibility goal. Table 19 reports the current river access LOS for the three main rivers in Fort Wayne based on boat ramps within the current city boundaries and the surrounding growth areas, excluding access points in Downtown Fort Wayne (points 10, 11, and 12).

* Access points 10, 11, and 12 were excluded from the LOS analysis.

Figure 28 depicts the current network of boat access points and needed improvements. Fort Wayne should consider the following priorities for system improvement and expansion:

1. Restore, maintain, and improve safe access at existing boat ramps

2. Expand blueway system to address network gaps.

3. Install boat ramps in key locations along the Maumee and St. Mary’s Rivers to achieve a 2 mile level of service.

4. Install boat ramps as needed along all paddleable streams to fulfil demand and adapt level of service based on four-season visitation, user behavior, and management capacity.

Table 19: Current River Access Level of Service

SYSTEM TO SITES

River access requires specific site characteristics. The City should begin to consider the location of future boat ramps at an early stage in the blueway planning process using the following approach:

1. Define a system-wide level of service goal.

2. Identify current gaps in service.

3. Identify available land based on service gaps.

4. Assess suitability for each site.

To guide thinking from the system to the site scale, reference resources from the United States Department of Natural Resources (DNR), including the River Access Planning Guide and the Iowa DNR Water Trails Toolkit guide.

LEVEL OF SERVICE (LOS)

Blueway LOS can go above and beyond distance between boat ramps to consider factors like use type, diversity of site features, and availability of site amenities like parking and restrooms.

As the blueway system grows, user preferences and needs are likely to change, and the City’s LOS goals may need to change accordingly.

SITE SELECTION

The City can provide a range of access sites depending on its overall maintenance capacity and the character of the site itself. Site selection is limited by physical constraints that should be considered at the system scale. System-wide considerations for boat ramp site selection include:

• Which rivers or streams are paddleable?

• Are there stretches of steep or unstable slopes along riverbanks?

• Are some areas more prone to erosion than others?

• Are there specific natural or cultural resources along the riverfront that the City would like to preserve?

• How do the City’s rivers and streams fit into the larger watershed?

• How will Fort Wayne’s four season climate impact the blueway system?

PROMOTION AND PARTNERSHIP

Fort Wayne’s rivers have long been a key natural asset for the city and have played a central role in its historic park planning. Survey feedback suggests that while Fort Wayne residents love their rivers, the City could do more to advertise its existing amenities and develop partnerships to expand recreational offerings using the facilities it already has.

”I WOULD LIKE TO USE THE RIVERS MORE BUT I DON’T KNOW WHERE TO LAUNCH A KAYAK OR WHERE I CAN KAYAK TO.”

-

SURVEY RESPONDENT

TRAIL WIDTH

STAGING AND STORAGE

Figure 29: Conceptual Boat Access Section

DOCK Dock should be sited as close to the water as possible.

BLUEWAYS AND GREENWAYS

EXISTING CONNECTIONS

» Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail: This trail extends the Rivergreenway system south to residences and natural lands.

PLANNED CONNECTIONS

» Pufferbelly Trail: A new portion of the trail will be 1.8 miles and connect Washington Center Road to Ice Way.

» Poka-Bache Connector: The planned trail will connect from Pokagon State Park in Angola to Oubache State Park in Bluffton for a total of 81 miles in coverage.

» 6 Mile Creek Trail Extension: The planned extension to the existing Rivergreenway will connect New Haven to Fort Wayne’s trail network.

» Connecting 4: These trails will add connections within Fort Wayne’s current boundaries.

» Wabash and Erie Canal Towpath Trail Extension: The proposed 7-mile trail will connect Aboite Township with the Fort Wayne and New Haven River Greenway System.

RECOMMENDED CONNECTIONS

» Greenway A: This greenway will utilize an existing rail corridor and utility easement to improve north-south connectivity on the City’s west side.

» Greenway B: This greenway will utilize an existing rail corridor to connect northeast Fort Wayne to downtown and the Rivergreenway.

» Greenway C: This greenway will utilize an existing rail corridor and utility easement to improve east-west connectivity on the City’s south side.

» Blueway D: This blueway will connect gaps in the existing river trail network along the St. Joseph River.

» Blueway E: This blueway will pick up at the end of the 6 Mile Creek Trail Connection and follow the Maumee River east.

» Blueway F: This blueway will follow the St. Mary’s River south.

» Blueway G: This blueway will follow a stream corridor to connect future growth areas to the City’s current boundary.

Figure 30: Recommended Blueway and Greenway Connections

THE WALK GOAL

The Parks and Recreation Department looks to the Adolph Jaenicke and George Kessler Parks and Boulevard Plan for guidance and inspiration. Although this plan is over 100 years old, it set an important standard—for all residents to be connected to rivers and parks—that is still a foundational belief today. Park access and utilization are significant determinants of public health. More time spent in parks and green spaces can help individuals fight against mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and stress.

Today, 27% of Fort Wayne’s residential land is within a 10-minute walk of city owned parks. When neighborhood association parks are taken into consideration, this number increases to 35% of residential land being within a 10 minute walk of parks. As described on the previous page, neighborhood associations were considered separately to account for privately owned and operated open space facilities within many residential developments. However, the city does not have access to complete data about the size or distribution of private open space, and several engagement participants reported that their neighborhood association does not maintain high quality open space.

Whether or not neighborhood associations are included, Fort Wayne’s 10-minute walk rate is significantly lower than the national average of 55%. While it is unlikely that 100% of the City will be within a 10-minute walk from all parks in the next 20 years, meeting the national average is an attainable goal through the following recommendations given the city’s size, anticipated growth, and existing conditions:

• Develop publicly-owned land to fill existing park gaps;

• Strategize to fill park gaps in areas without available land;

• Anticipate park gaps in future growth areas;

• Expand the greenway and blueway system to improve safe access to parks system-wide.

SAFE ROUTES TO PARKS

See Safe Routes to Parks Toolkit

See Safe Routes to Parks Action Framework

A Safe Routes to Parks program will focus City efforts on making it easier for more community members to safely and comfortably reach Fort Wayne parks without having to drive. Although Safe Routes to Parks programs traditionally consider community access to just parks, this plan recommends also considering access to river entrance points, such as those at Foster Park, Shoaff Park, and Kreager Park.

This is a challenge in Fort Wayne; like so many cities where significant growth and development occurred in the past 75 years, much of the city’s road network and residential development was built and designed for cars rather than for pedestrians or cyclists. Railroads and highways have created a patchwork of unsafe and often disconnected pedestrian networks.

Additional barriers to connectivity arise in the nature of Fort Wayne’s beautiful landscape. Stream corridors and rivers create hardships in easily accessing parks and open spaces. Overcoming these challenges will require extensive and coordinated work from public and private partners to retrofit existing rights-of-way, expand the greenway system, and implement Complete Streets design principles in future road projects. Complete Streets is defined by Smart Growth America as “an approach to planning, designing, building, operating, and maintaining streets that enables safe access for all people who need to use them, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities.”

Efforts for safe routes to parks should begin within a goal of half-mile radius (10 minute walk) of existing and future park sites and trailheads. Figure 30 shows two examples of challenging environments for park walkability and access that could be addressed by a Safe Routes to Parks program.

While a 10-minute walkshed is the national average, the planning process took into consideration that this may not be realistic for all park types. Engagement highlighted the desire for residents to live close to destination parks - those with unique amenities. Through community feedback, a 25-minute walkshed has been a target developed for destination parks.

Because of the importance of this safe walkshed to parks, it is recommended for the Parks and Recreation Department to launch a Parks Walk Audit program. Community leaders, residents, City staff and elected officials would get together to walk the goal radius (half-mile or one-mile for destination parks) of existing and future park sites; make note of needed improvements; and develop a strategy of short- and long-term investments to improve safe routes to specific parks. The results of the Walk Audit should be recorded and compiled to create accurate georeferenced data of existing sidewalks.

The Walk Audit program could be piloted at parks located in the identified Equity Investment Zones of this plan, with a focus on parks serving nearby populations of children or older adults.

Park walkability barriers created by lack of public entry and connectivity

Park walkability barriers created by the Saint Joseph River

“EASIER ACCESS TO THE BIKE TRAILS FROM EVERYWHERE WOULD BE NICE, THERE ARE SPOTS WHERE ACCESS IS DIFFICULT OR DANGEROUS DUE TO CAR TRAFFIC.”

The City can increase park utilization by ensuring that residents can access parks easily, safely and comfortably. Methods to improve safe paths to parks include:

• Well-designed and maintained pathways

• Public transportation

• Lowering speed limits

• Developing pedestrian bridges

• Eliminating gates

- SURVEY RESPONDENT

Figure 32: Walkability Barriers in Existing Parks

Salomon Farm Park

Shoaff Park

ELIMINATING BARRIERS TO USE

MARKETING

Marketing is the process of receiving customer needs and determining how best to meet those needs. The City of Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department has a Marketing Team that leads the effort to market programs, activities, events, services and facilities to the community. A dedicated marketing team is extremely beneficial. This support helps the department’s accessibility and awareness of what is occurring. This also allows for timely and targeted marketing and promotion, as well as dedicated funding for the Department.

The staff of 4 full-time individuals. Responsibilities are divided into the following areas:

• Management: Team supervision, market research and website

• Development: Fundraising and sponsorship

• Communications: Social media and media relations

• Publications: Promotional materials and program guide

Staff efforts are supplemented by a firm that provides additional exposure for the Conservatory.

The marketing tactics utilized by Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department are extensive and exceed the norm of most communities. In order to keep residents up to date and promote park and recreation happenings, the department maintains 6 websites, 13 Facebook business pages, six Instagram accounts, three X accounts, and one youtube page in addition to traditional advertisement such as flyers and brochures.

The Marketing Team identifies priorities annually along with an action plan. The priorities lead the Marketing Team to meet with various staff throughout the department. Monthly or quarterly meetings are held with programming staff to identify, plan and coordinate the marketing efforts. This leads to objectives, strategies and action plans. However, this effort lacks long-term measuring for the success of these efforts. Setting goals and thresholds to measure these accomplishments are

extremely important to ensuring that these annual efforts are impactful.

A challenge for the Marketing Team is the ability to promote general awareness of parks and regular recreation programming. Currently, the primary method is through the Fun Times program guide and the website.

NATIONWIDE PRACTICES

Public parks and recreation agencies across the country utilize a variety of tactics and strategies to market, promote and communicate with constituents, residents, participants and visitors. Industry best practices encompass a variety of marketing and communication channels, with agencies tailoring communication channels to best meet local needs and cultural practices. Not all channels will be effective or desired at specific locations and are selected and utilized to best meet the needs of local cities and target audiences. Examples of marketing channels and tactics include, but are not limited to:

• Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, You Tube, etc.)

• Online Digital Advertising (i.e., Google ads, Groupon, Travel Zoo, etc.)

• Blogs and Podcast

• Analytics & Reporting

• Traditional Advertising (print, newspaper, radio, television, specialty, etc.)

• E-blast/E-Mail Communications

• Digital Signage (i.e., television screens within facilities, scoreboards, etc.)

• Events and Activation

Currently, the City’s Parks and Recreation Marketing Team is implementing most, if not all of the nationwide best practices, a notable lift for a team of four. While these efforts should remain in place in the future, the Marketing Team should aim to make them more strategically focused. The community survey highlighted community sentiment that the public feels that they are lacking knowledge about parks and events. By tracking current measurements of outreach, the team

can prioritize future adjustments to ensure that marketing efforts are maximized. For instance, implementing a way to track the current audience can emphasize who is, and who is not, being educated. Idnetifying this can then encourage shifts in marketing tactics to better reach the community. See Chapter 9 for more strategies for marketing. In addition, the communications staff must ensure that there are modern tactics to recieve up-to-date input and comments from the public.

Fun Times

Fun Times is Fort Wayne’s Parks and Recreation quarterly brochure advertising upcoming events.

Source: Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation

ACCESS GOALS

PROVIDE INNOVATIVE OPPORTUNITIES TO LOWER BARRIERS FOR ACCESSING PARKS, OPEN SPACES, AND RECREATION AMENITIES.

1

Barriers for utilizing the system can take on many forms, such as obstacles creating unsafe connections or monetary constraints to participating in a sport, team, or organization. The most common barrier according to the community survey is a lack of information and where to be informed about parks and activities. These barriers must be identified, assessed, and overcome in order to ensure that the parks, open spaces, and recreation amenities are being accessed and used to their greatest extent.

DETERMINE GUIDELINES WITH SPECIFIC GOALS BASED ON PARK CLASSIFICATION TYPE TO STANDARDIZE ACCESSIBILITY.

2

Many of Fort Wayne’s existing parks lack basic accessibility features, such as clear entry signage or ADA-accessible entries and paths. Future work must be complete to assess the scope of the challenge and prioritize accessibility improvements. Guidelines must be determined for all future park improvement projects to incorporate designs that accommodate and welcome visitors of diverse ages, abilities, backgrounds and experiences.

SUPPORT VISITOR NAVIGATION AND ENGAGEMENT THROUGH A USER-FRIENDLY SYSTEM OF TRAILHEADS, SIGNAGE, WAYFINDING, SOCIAL MEDIA AND OTHER COMMUNICATION TOOLS, AND INTERPRETIVE ELEMENTS.

3

Signage helps define and orient users to a space. Wayfinding combines signage and map design, trail markers, symbols, color, and typography to help users or visitors easily navigate through a space. With such an extensive parks and open space system, users can easily become disoriented without proper directional signage. Community input indicated that signage and wayfinding is desired by users. The need for improved signage was made clear, particularly at park entrances and areas where trails coincide with roads.

REVISIT HISTORIC PARKS ENVISIONED BY KESSLER AND JAENICKE TO PRESERVE THEIR INTENT AND FUNCTION.

4

Fort Wayne was originally planned to be a City in a Garden, meaning that it was envisioned to be linked to neighborhoods and the city’s rivers by a series of flourishing boulevards. While a number of these have been developed from this plan, there are many that have never come to fruition. Parks and boulevards can contribute to pedestrians feeling safe through various characteristics such as wide, well-maintained sidewalks, separated walkways, and street lighting. By revisiting this plan and creating or updating parks to realize Kessler and Jaenicke’s vision, access would be significantly increased.

COMPLETE AND MAINTAIN A COMPREHENSIVE TRAIL SYSTEM OFFERING SAFE, SUSTAINABLE, AND DIVERSE USER EXPERIENCES.

5

As use of the trails increases and more modes of transportation are introduced on them, it is imperative to create and maintain a safer, more accessible system. Local trail planning efforts should prioritize completing, connecting, and maintaining trails that are envisioned in previous plans. These include Bike Fort Wayne, Bus Fort Wayne, Neighborhood Master Plans, and Riparian Master Plan.

Barriers of park utilization may take on many forms, including lack of information, fences, time of availability, and lack of ADA accessibility.

6. PLAN PRINCIPLE 03: QUALITY

Equity Building Blocks

Equity Investment Zones

Filling Facility and Programming Gaps

Equity Goals

QUALITY

Principle Statement: Fort Wayne’s park and open space system is inviting and well-maintained. The system reflects the highest standards of design, accessibility, and environmental stewardship. The city continues to provide residents and visitors alike with enriching, safe, and inviting experiences. Each park offers distinct elements, ensuring that each interaction fosters a deep appreciation for the beauty and tranquility that it offers.

While most of Fort Wayne’s parks are in good or very good condition, there are lingering disparities. Several of Fort Wayne’s parks have destination amenities, valued regionally, and meet national standards for their quality of design and materials. On the other hand, many parks, specifically neighborhood parks, have aged infrastructure and lack basic elements, such as signage. Additionally, parks with “destination” amenities are not distributed evenly throughout the city.

This chapter considers what makes a high quality park, such as:

• Developing written standards for the quality and management of all parks, greenways and blueways.

• Reinvesting in our existing parks to correct for the disparities in current park quality and to bring all existing parks to the set minimum standards.

• Developing future parks with care— ensuring that site selection, park design, and programming are driven by the standards set above in addition to a community process.

• Securing sustainable funding and staff support and training to ensure all existing and future parks are maintained, well-loved and well-used over time.

• Advancing unique experiences through the development of parks with destination amenities.

“PARKS SHOULD BE A PLACE TO BRING PEOPLE TO THE COMMUNITY AS A DESTINATION.”

- SURVEY RESPONDENT

12%

parks are rated as a 1 64%

parks are rated as a 2 22%

parks are rated as a 3 2%

parks are rated as a 4

As a starting point, a quality assessment (Figure 31) was completed. This helped establish a high-level understanding of:

• What park assets does the City have?

• What condition are they in?

• How much investment is required right now to get all the existing park assets to a good and functional condition?

• How might the City plan its investments moving forward to maintain the condition and quality of existing and future park assets?

To complete the quality assessment, the plannning team used the ArcGIS Field Maps application to conduct an on-site condition rating of City-owned parks. This assessment did not take into account the number of amenities at each park, only the condition of those amenities. For instance, an open field in new condition might receive a rating of “1”, while a playground that is showing signs of wear of tear might receive a “3”. The number and distribution of amenities was considered separately.

Figure 33: Park Quality

MAINTENANCE

Proper maintenance is critical to the aesthetics, safety and vitality of parks. The City of Fort Wayne has consistently and successfully focused on maintaining the existing park system at a very high level. It is imperative that the City consider the quality ratings assigned during the planning process to determine where improvements should be prioritized. Maintenance will become increasingly important as the system continues to grow and the legacy parks continue to age.

EXISTING LEVELS OF MAINTENANCE

Maintenance responsibilities in Fort Wayne are handled within the department by both Parks Maintenance and Planning and Development. The divisions that make up the Parks Department include: Facilities and Trades, Grounds Management, Safety and Operations Support, Riparian Division, and Project Administration. With Planning, there are 2 Divisions: Landscape and Horticulture and Urban Forestry and Arboriculture. Overall, there are 4 of these that are responsible for the day to day maintenance of the park system. They do not have a full-time dedicated crew to manage the 48 miles of hiking and biking trails in the City. They also are lacking dedicated resources for riparian and open space/natural area management.

Facility and Trades: The Facility and Trades Division is comprised of 21 full-time employees that directly provide trash and janitorial/custodial services and maintenance and repairs in the city’s parks. Through the review of policies and procedures and visiting with staff, it has been determined that the Facility and Trades Division has best practice maintenance standards with task, frequency and season of year in which work is performed in parks.

Grounds Maintenance: The Grounds Maintenance Division has 17 full-time employees for mowing and athletic field maintenance. In addition, this division has an employee dedicated to Kreager Park and heavy equipment operators. Through the review of policies and procedures and visiting with staff, it has been determined that the Grounds Maintenance Division has best practice

maintenance standards with task, frequency and season of year in which work is performed in parks.

Landscape and Horticulture: The Landscape and Horticulture Division has formal maintenance standards in place for Fort Wayne’s landscaping areas through the Park and Boulevard Tree and Shrub Maintenance Program.

Urban Forestry and Arboriculture: The Urban Forestry and Arboriculture Division has a formalized Urban Forest Maintenance Management Plan in place that utilizes best practice maintenance standards to maintain Fort Wayne’s Urban Forest.

Riparian Management Division: Riparian Management Division works in and around the city’s streams and rivers, aiming to accomplish the following goals: improve stream health, provide educational opportunities, improve aesthetics, provide safe access to the streambanks and channels, and achieve and maintain an appropriate balance of natural and developed areas. These goals are accomplished through such maintenance activities as the establishment and care of riparian vegetation, herbivory management, large woody debris management, viewshed management, and invasive species management.

In addition to the divisions under the Parks Department, there is crossover in parks and recreation maintenance amongst other departments, including Planning and Development. The Landscape and Horticulture Division, for instance, has 14 full-time employees dedicated to managing the landscapes, greenhouse and Riverfront. The division relies on 19 seasonal employees to maintain various gardens. The Urban Forestry and Arboriculture Division has 7 full-time employees to city’s tree inventory and city-wide tree contracts.

FUTURE NEEDS

Table 20 is a strategic way of looking at the City’s assets. It details the assets currently in the system as well as how it can most effectively maintain its assets over time to continue providing the level of service recommended by NRPA. Chapter 9 expands upon this table by determining the costs of achieving this vision.

In addition to considering nationwide levels of service, the Parks and Recreation Department completes a needs assessment every 5 years. This is intended to reflect demographic shifts, recreation trends and technology advances in the context of current offerings to ensure that the park system provides for community needs and desires.

Alongside this assessment, it is important for the department to continually ask the following questions when assessing its amenities:

• What condition are they in?

• How much investment is required right now to get all the existing park assets to a good and functional condition?

• How might the City plan its investments moving forward to maintain the condition and quality of existing and future park assets

Table 20: Future Amenity Analysis

MAINTENANCE NEEDS BY AMENITY TYPE

As a result of the City’s efforts to maintain the system at a high level of service, high standards of maintenance are not only appreciated by the residents, but they are also expected. It is imperative the City continue to maintain the parks at a high level as the park system continues to grow and as older parks evolve. To support City Services recreation programs, community based general

recreation, as well as services offered by other organizations, the city has a significant number of parks and recreation facilities. Table 20 shows an assessment of a selection of the city’s parks that contain community centers, describing their current conditions and challenges. The assessment was completed through staff discussions, park surveying, and community input.

See Appendix I for the full analysis report.

Amenities Observed Weaknesses Opportunities

Salomon Farm

• Wolf Family Learning Center

• Salomon Homestead

• Equipment barns

• Old Barn

• Covered bridge

• Flower fields

• 30-40 acres of working farm

• Lack of awareness

• Not able to rent learning center during summer due to summer camp

• Not able to close drive/parking lot

• Staffing, especially with the location so far north in Fort Wayne

• No maintenance staff on-site

• Continue offering education opportunities to generate park and environmental stewardship.

• Develop a gift shop/market within Wolf Family Learning Center to generate revenue.

• Fee-based programs can be used for general farm maintenance, including restoration of the rotting wood.

Community Center

• Multipurpose/Banquet Room

• Kitchen

• 5 meeting rooms

• Billiards room

• Computer lab

• Sensory clubhouse

• Exercise equipment (indoor and outdoor)

• Office Space

• Outdoor shuffleboard

• Gardens

• Building is tough to find

• Stigma of being a center for older adults

• Finding instructors

McMillen Park Community Center

• Multipurpose gym with 3 soccer courts and walking track

• Indoor playground

• 4 meeting rooms

• Gymnasium with 4 courts

• Office Space

Cooper Center

• 2 meeting rooms

• Transportation not provided for afterschool program

• Gymnasium ceiling maintenance to support basketball goals and storage rack roller.

• Users have decreased by 36,670 from 2020 - 2023

• Assess the potential to redevelop the Community Center to minimize building disposition and become more welcoming for long-term revenue generation.

• Develop a partnership or offer volunteer opportunities for recreation instructors.

• Only open for special programs.

• Partner with the school district to provide transportation for children who partake in the aftershool program

• Utilize a divider to create a multipurpose gym to allow for multiple uses at one time.

• Assess the opportunity to offer afterschool programs

• Analyze whether the cost of maintaining this building is costeffective based on its function and community impacts

• Walking trail

Headwaters Park

• 2 Pavilions

• 4 restrooms

• Festival Terrace (Ice Skating Rink in winter)

• Walking trail

Promenade Park

• Pavilion

• Playground

• Bandshell

• Wells Street Bridge

• Sweet Breeze Canal Boat

• Concession/Snack bar

• Restroom

• Walking trail

Weisser Park Youth Center

• Computer Center

• Arts & Crafts Room

• Library

• Meeting Room

• Weight Room

• Kitchen

• Multipurpose/performing arts room with Stage

• Parks and Recreation assumes all responsibility though it was developed as a public-private partnership

• Operation and maintenance endowment began initially, but has not been able to sustain level of maintenance

• No office/maintenance staff space in the pavilion

• Lack of storage for tables/chairs

• Lack of parking in the immediate area, and available spaces are fee based

• Create profit generating programming.

• Assess the potential to develop a partnership to achieve and sustain an adequate level of maintenance.

• Lack of signage on the disc golf course

• A 3rd party operates concession on a 3-year contract. Run an analysis to ensure that the revenue generated is more than the contracting amount. If not, find methods of offering concessions that are minimal in cost.

• The park was built with the intent of being a catalyst to development in the area. As development expands, leverage partnerships and company advertising to generate funds.

• Continue leveraging the increase in attendance.

• Consider implementing fee-based programs in the center.

• Continue diversifying programs offered. Consider programs specifically targeted towards teenagers.

Table 21: Community Center Analysis

PARKS WITH AQUATIC CENTERS

In total, the City of Fort Wayne produces approximately 1.5+ million pool visits annually, distributed across all pools within city boundaries (not specifically City owned and operated). Fort Wayne pools account for approximately 1.1% of the total which is much lower than the typical 5%.

There are typically four areas of focus for aquatics. These include providing:

» Recreation opportunities

» Swim lessons, water safety, and swimming as a life skill

» Health and wellness opportunities

» Cooling opportunities during the summer months

Analysis has revealed that the primary focus of the outdoor pools should be to address recreation and cooling opportunities. This can be achieved through offering open swim opportunities, birthday party rentals, after-hour rentals, special admission rate days, and theme days. Providing swimming lessons, water safety, and swimming as a life skill and providing health and wellness opportunities should be a secondary focus.

Through a physical assessment of the pools at Northside, McMillen, and Memorial Park, and despite City staff’s efforts to maintain the pools and their operations, it was determined that both pools are at or beyond their useful lifecycle. While there are components of each facility that have not yet reached the end of their lifecycle, it is not anticipated that the necessary financial investment would result in long term benefits. Memorial Park Pool has not operated for 8 years due to a shortage of lifeguard staff.

Based on the National Recreation & Park Association and their comparable data, a community the size of Fort Wayne would support approximately 1.1 indoor pool and 2.9 outdoor pools.

Northside Park Pool: The pool in Northside Park was constructed in the 1970s with a remodel in 1996. It is estimated that the pool serves a 2-mile radius, approximately 41,234 people (2023). In the year of 2022, its revenue was $78,278, while the expense of upkeep and maintenance was $179,521. Additionally, there was a 22% decrease in visitors from 2022 to 2023.

Despite these challenges, it is recommended that the City continue to operate Northside Park Pool. In addition, the City needs to continue to invest in the infrastructure including pumps, motors and filters as well as consider adding an attraction or amenity to the facility to maintain market position.

McMillen Park Pool: It is estimated that the pool serves a 2-mile radius, approximately 42,129 people (2023) Similar to the pool in Northside Park, McMillen Park is spending more to maintain the pool than the revenue that it generates. In the year of 2022, its revenue was $9,343, while the expense of upkeep and maintenance was $119,127. There was a minimal decrease in visitors from 2022 to 2023 with 4,520 visitors in 2022 and 3,805 visitors in 2023. This may reflect that the cost in maintenance is larger than the value of public benefit.

It is recommended that the City replace McMillen Park Pool. Given the age and financial performance of the facility it is more cost effective for the pool be replaced with an updated, modern, and leisure focused facility. This can include a liesure pool that comprises spray features, an in-water play structure, and a slide.

Additional amenities included in a remodel should consider:

» Men’s and women’s changing/locker rooms.

» Family changing rooms.

» Ample pool deck with shade.

» Integrated front desk for admission.

» Rentable birthday party areas on deck.

A facility of this type in this location could increase the number of people participating in swimming. Additionally, it would allow the City to make a slight increase in the admission rates. A new facility, combined with more people participating, and an increase in fees could achieve a cost recovery of atleast 25%.

Memorial Park Pool: Memorial Park Pool serves 40,561 residents within a 2-mile radius area (2023). While the 2022 revenue has not been reported, the expense of upkeep was $9,692.

The consulting team would recommend that the City close Memorial Pool. Outside of Learn to Swim, the facility ceased to operate for a few years. Additionally, the service area overlaps with Northside and McMillen, individuals participating in swimming have other, more quality options. The department should evaluate potential reuse opportunities for the current pool space.

See Appendix I for the full analysis report.

PARKS WITH ATHLETIC FIELDS

There are a number of parks in Fort Wayne that possess athletic fields within their boundaries. An athletic field may include, but is not limited to, baseball diamonds, sports courts (such as tennis and pickleball), and multi-use fields (such as those used for soccer, football, and lacrosse). The parks assessed include:

» Bob Arnold Northside Park

» Foster Park

» Foster Park West

» Hamilton Park

» Kettler Park

» Lakeside Park

» Lawton Park

» Mason Park

» McMillen Park

» Memorial Park

» Rea Park

» Shoaff Park

» Swinney Park

» Tillman Park

» Weisser Park

See Appendix I for each individual analysis. In general, a majority of the parks with athletic fields should consider the following updates:

1. Fields and courts should be maintained for high quality spaces that provide areas usable for sports games. Without high level maintenance, the parks can not be utilized in the way that they were originally developed for.

2. Permanent lighting should be installed to avoid limiting the usable time of the courts and/or fields.

3. Concessions and/or restrooms should be located strategically for users and watchers.

4. Fences and methods of separation from the road should be used to ensure safety.

5. Parking should be strategically located for easy access to the fields and/or courts.

6. Practices areas, such as batting cages, should be considered for all baseball fields.

The city owns and maintains three pools - McMillen, Northside, and Memorial Park.

Source: Design Workshop

ADVANCING UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

A common theme among community input was the desire for unique experiences in Fort Wayne. Park users enjoy their local neighborhood parks, but community sentiment revealed that users desire more creative, thoughtfully designed spaces that offer various amenities in parks throughout the city. This plan recommends consideration of the following opportunities to create unique experiences throughout City parks and natural spaces.

1. Sustainable Innovation:

Traditional park designs typically rely on resourceintensive maintenance techniques, such as excessive irrigation, chemical-based fertilizers, and high energy consumption. Embracing green infrastructure, on the other hand, can have many benefits for parks. It is most known for the environmental benefits that it offers to parks, however it can benefit park users as well. Utilizing green infrastructure in parks creates a more enjoyable space for visitors. For instance, smart irrigation systems result in lush greenery, native plant landscaping enhances the area’s biodiversity, and renewable energy integration provides convenient amenities and services. Green infrastructure also encourages creativity in park design. It surpasses traditional design and asks developers and designers to consider innovative, ambitious techniques.

2. Promote Health and Well-being for All: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), insufficient physical activity is the 4th leading risk factor for mortality. Encouraging physical activity should be prioritized in park spaces. Tactics for promoting movement in parks can also result in well-thought, experimental design. This may include:

» Multi-functional Activity: Spaces that allow multi purpose activities provide areas for users to participate in activities of their choice such as walking, jogging, cycling, yoga, or group exercises.

» Pathways: Park users must feel safe and comfortable on pathways in order to use

them. Clear signage and distance markers along such pathways are also a strategic technique that motivates visitors to reach their fitness goals.

» Fitness Amenities: Many park departments nation-wide are incorporating modern fitness equipment in park spaces to promote opportunities for users looking to engage in strength training outdoors.

3. Improve Accessibility:

Parks should serve the broader community, however if these spaces are inaccessible for individuals with disabilities, a significant portion of the community is left excluded. Considering elements that enhance accessibility promote innovation in the park design. Elements to consider may include:

» Accessible playground equipment

» Smart park infrastructure (intelligent lighting systems, automated gates, responsive seating areas)

» Sensory garden

» Inclusive events (basketball tournaments or adaptive cycling races)

4. Cultivate Community Engagement:

When residents are involved in the planning process, they feel a sense of connection and belonging. Involved community members are also more likely to actively utilize a space. Residents involved in the process likely know details that staff does not from using it in a day-to-day fashion such as what is working and what is not. Encouraging community participation in planning will result in a unique, targeted, and vibrant space.

HISTORIC PARKS

Today, there are 26 “legacy parks”, those that are over 100 years old. The celebration of these legacy parks began in 2008.

However, parks that are only 50 years old are eligible to be on the national register. Parks currently on the National Register of Historic Places including Johnny Appleseed Memorial Park, Salomon Farm, and Old Fort Park.

Several, if not all, of the Legacy Parks should go through the application process for National Register designation. The primary benefit of this designation is for recognition or publicity. This will generate more appreciation for these historic parks on a national level in addition to locally.

A National Register designation can also be used to advance the space’s uniqueness. A designation, provides the unique opportunitiy to acknowledge, and educate the public about, the park’s history through denoted with signage or park elements. Old

FUTURE GROWTH

According to All in Allen, outward development is necessary to accommodate Allen County’s long-term population and job growth. The plan identifies targeted growth areas for new development. As the largest city in the County, is it critical for Fort Wayne to adequately prepare for this growth and potential annexation in order to preserve valuable natural assets, open space, and provide for the needs of future population. For the Parks and Recreation Department in particular, a consideration should be continuing to offer accessible, high quality parks and recreation for all.

The map illustrates areas where All in Allen identifies prioritized growth overlaid with the parks that received a “3” or “4” condition rating.

As of January 2024, the land labeled as “Data Center” was annexed by the City. Google will use this roughly 900-acre parcel to develop a new data center. This development may have far-reaching implications for the area’s economy as new jobs are created and people relocate for these jobs. These trends, along with growth in Fort Wayne’s population, underscore the importance of planning for future growth to ensure that the City’s park system can continue to keep pace with resident demands.

Table 22 depicts the required growth necessary to provide for future residents of Fort Wayne. This calculation assumes that the current growth rate of 1.5% will continue into the future, and uses the current NRPA standard of 10.2 acres per 1,000 residents to estimate the acreage needed by population. See Chapter 9 for a detailed expansion of this table and future needs.

Table 22: Future Park Acreage Analysis

QUALITY GOALS

INCREASE FORT WAYNE’S PROGRAMMING

As a primary recreation program provider, Parks and Recreation Department faces challenges related to expanding programs, increasing participation, and ensuring community awareness of these offerings. While it is important for Parks and Recreation to fill gaps in programming, it is imperative to find the right mix of services to offer the community. 1

INCREASE PARK STAFFING AND FUNDING TO BE IN LINE WITH INDUSTRY STANDARDS.

5

PROMOTE AND SUPPORT VOLUNTEERISM TO SUSTAINABLY ENHANCE AND MAINTAIN THE QUALITY OF PARK SPACES.

Supporting a culture of volunteerism in the parks system has many benefits. It can help with upkeep, create shared responsibility, enhance civic pride and belonging, and instill stewardship of the city’s expansive parks and recreation system. With a focus to engaging volunteers and the selection of a volunteer coordinator to steward their efforts, the City can bolster activities for habitat restoration, beautification, litter pickup, trail maintenance, and multi-generational learning.

2

There is a clear need for increased staff levels to maintain the existing system and plan for the future. Fort Wayne is currently understaffed based on the size of population served, the number of park acres maintained, and its overall agency budget. At the time of the City’s 2020 DNR Plan development, the city is severely understaffed based on the 7.4 FTEs per 10,000 residents as compared to the average 10.1.

Increasing staffing and funding to meet or exceed industry standards is crucial for promoting community well-being in Fort Wayne. Adequate staff and financial support ensures that the capacity is available for focused efforts or new amenities to meet the natural, recreation, and physical needs of the parks and open space users.

BALANCE MAINTENANCE, REINVESTMENT, AND NEW CONSTRUCTION TO MEET CURRENT AND FUTURE SYSTEM NEEDS WITHIN A SUSTAINABLE STAFF AND FINANCIAL CAPACITY.

3

Fort Wayne is expected to grow by 3%, or approximately 10,000 people by the year 2028. More residents and higher visitation rates translate to more stress on parks, natural areas, sensitive landscapes and wildlife habitats, more wear-and-tear and higher maintenance costs, and more crowding and competition for access to trails and recreation facilities.

The City should continue to support and advocate for quality maintenance, timely repairs of existing facilities, and strategic development. It must also weigh the costs of expansion, updates, and decommissioning against needs, growth, and financial capacity to consider how recreational facilities and program offerings will keep pace with both the increasing population and changing demographics.

CREATE DESTINATION PARKS THROUGH STRATEGICALLY IMPLEMENTING SAFE AND DIVERSE USER EXPERIENCES THROUGHOUT THE SYSTEM.

4

Community and survey respondents strongly endorsed parks improvement which focuses on creating destinations. Engagement highlighted the desire for unique attractions that pushes the boundaries of typical park elements such as playgrounds and benches. A variety of play types, both exciting and adventurous, will make parks a special destination worth traveling to for children and families. Destination amenities encourages taking advantage of the spaces already available in Fort Wayne and incorporating transformative elements that invite activity.

6REVISE THE ZONING CODE REGARDING PUBLIC AND RECREATION SPACES TO CREATE QUALITY PARKS AND AMENITIES THAT BETTER SERVE THE NEEDS OF THE RESIDENTS.

Fort Wayne is experiencing increases in private developments. The construction of housing, businesses, and commercial developments can provide opportunities to partner with private development to increase the quantity of parks or the quality of existing parks to improve levels of service. The zoning code can be used to leverage such relationships and reap community benefits through the strategic development of well-planned park and open spaces.

The grounds maintenance division has 17 full time employees dedicated to mowing and maintenance.

Source: Design Workshop

Elements of Community Gathering

Creating Destinations

Community Goals

COMMUNITY

Principle Statement: Fort Wayne’s parks and open space system creates a place where community connections are elevated to their fullest potential. Park spaces are vibrant hubs that foster social cohesion, inspire dialogue, and celebrate shared experiences. Through intentional design and dynamic programming, Fort Wayne’s parks and open space system cultivates an environment where individuals of all backgrounds can gather, forge lasting bonds, and nurture a sense of belonging.

ELEMENTS OF COMMUNITY GATHERING

MULTI-GENERATIONAL PLAY

Park spaces have the ability to foster social interactions and connections, promote community pride, and uplift one’s sense of inclusivity and belonging. When strategically planned, park spaces can help create an environment that is more equitable, inclusive, and respectful.

This plan recognizes that great parks are the anchors of their communities—spaces where people come together for socializing, respite, civic life and cultural expression as much as for recreation and exercise. This chapter considers the following elements:

• Sense of place: A park with a ‘sense of place’ has a strong identity that is deeply felt by its community and visitors.

• Placemaking: Placemaking is a term used by designers, planners and advocates to describe efforts to harness the power of place. Placemaking refers to the collective imagining and design of public spaces as the heart of every community. This is a collaborative, community-driven design and programming process that identifies and builds upon the existing assets and identities of a place.

• Placekeeping: Placemaking has been used disingenuously as part of development projects that result in the displacement of long-time residents. In response to this, placekeeping is another term used to describe communitybased projects that explicitly seek to reinforce the qualities of an existing place and its social fabric, cultural memories and lifeways.

“PARKS CONNECT US TO NATURE AND THE COMMUNITY.”

- SURVEY RESPONDENT

There is opportunity to envision a system of park and outdoor spaces and programming that encourages multi-generational play. National recreation data shows a preference amongst older adults for recreational and outdoor opportunities that promote socializing and service. However, research also shows that older adults account for a small percentage of park users (4%), despite making up nearly 20% of the general population1 Through offering these kinds of opportunities to Fort Wayne’s growing senior population, the city’s park and outdoor system can help older adults stay healthy and active while creating a cohort of dedicated participants who act as stewards and teach environmental and recreational values to younger generations.

ACCESSIBILITY

There are many elements that go into creating an inclusive parks, recreation, and natural space system. Inclusive design includes myriad solutions to accommodate those with different needs. For example, considering rail heights along fishing piers to allow individuals using wheel chairs to engage in participate in the activity. Universal design creates opportunities for people with disabilities to reap the benefits of parks and recreation. For more information on universal design, see Chapter 4.

SIGNAGE AND WAYFINDING

Directional elements are important aspects of welcoming users into a space. Wayfinding combines signage and map design, trail markers, symbols, color, and typography to help users or visitors easily navigate through a space. With 89 parks making up this extensive recreation system, users can become disoriented without proper directional signage. When asked about barriers preventing respondents from using Fort Wayne’s recreation facilities, programs, parks or natural

lands more often, 25% of survey respondents selected “Information”, meaning that they are “not sure where to find good information about parks and activities.” Signage can also be utilized to provide residents with information regarding the park itself and events that go on inside of the spaces.

STORYTELLING

As Fort Wayne goes forward into the future and continues to grow, important historic stories parks and public lands are at risk of being lost in the passage of time and dynamic changing of place. As cities reconcile the recent history of colonization by Westerners, Native American stories and ways of creating shared places become important.

For youth, these stories can add an additional path to understand and appreciate green space and civic commons. For instance, telling the story of who the parks were named after, such as McCulloch, Swinney and Lawton Parks, and their importance can engage and educate children on the importance of these spaces. There are several means and methods to design and tell stories of the land and cultures both past and present. Tactics used may include art, recreating or restoring natural ecologies, guided walks, landscape architecture, and architecture.

8-1 https://cityparksalliance.org/resource/active-parks-healthy-cities/

See Successful Partnerships for Parks

PARTNERSHIPS

Partnerships can play a key role in encouraging community-wide park use. Partnerships can be leveraged for fostering collaboration, pooling resources, and enhancing the overall park experience. Data shows that several large U.S. cities have a substantial backlog of deferred park maintenance1 . Despite efforts to fund parks locally through ballot initiatives, there is still a shortfall in many department’s financial resources available to maintain and operate existing park spaces or create new ones. Fort Wayne Parks Department is no different. It is important to look towards parksupportive partnerships to sustain the city’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Fort Wayne through the parks and open space system.

A key player in the park system is the Fort Wayne Park Foundation. The Park Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 1974. The foundation was founded with the shared desire to provide funding to support the park system. The foundation is instrumental in helping the Parks Department achieve identified goals such as the development of Promenade Park and maintaining Lifetime Sports Academy. Other partners include:

Field/Facility Use:

• Women’s Softball Association –Packard Park

• Little League – various parks

• Wildcat Baseball

• Metro Football League

• PAL Football League

• Disc Golf Club

8-1 Rachal, Maria. “Park Funding Not Keeping up with Needs: Survey.” Smart Cities Dive, May 4, 2022. https://www. smartcitiesdive.com/news/city-parks-funding-lags-demandparkscore-trust-for-public-land/623110/.

• Fort Worth Community Schools

• Glorious Gate Rowing Association

• Fort Wayne Outfitters and Bike Depot

• Fort Wayne Baseball Federation

• ARCH, Inc.

Winter Emergency Shelter:

• Salvation Army

• Rescue Mission

• Lifehouse Church

• United Way

• Park Center

• Mental Health America of Northeast Indiana

• Just Neighbors Interfaith Homeless Network

Maintenance & Use

• 3 Rivers Velo Sport

• Northwest Indiana BMX Association

• Settlers, Inc.

• Board of Public Works

• Sweet Breeze

Concession

• Ted’s Snack Bar

• Conjure Coffee

The city should continue to leverage partnerships in the future. Recommendations to consider when establishing partnerships are:

1. Develop a policy for entering partnerships including

2. Develop a template for partnerships that designate the roles and responsibilities of each

3. Limit primary contacts to program area

ACTIVATION

See Active Parks, Healthy Cities

In a study completed by City Parks Alliance, researchers found that well designed, well programmed, and well marketed parks are places where all Americans — regardless of age, gender, or ability — can be more physically active. The key to increasing park usage is well-planned activation in order to create a welcoming atmosphere and enhance the overall experience of being in a park. There is a diverse array of activation opportunities from regional events to guided tours. Even an activation tactic that is a minimal modification, such as a walking path, can have large impacts. In fact, City Parks Alliance found that in a study of nationwide parks, those with walking loops had 80% more users compared to those without loops.

EVENTS

In addition to activation through amenities, events can also help bring people into a park space and energize it. Fort Wayne hosts numerous park events including seasonal and special events, plant sales and displays, concerts, shopping opportunities, festivals and more.

Winter events:

• Christmas on the Farm

• Santa’s Workshop

• Holiday Dinner & Light Tour

• Santa Saturdays Spring events:

• Spring Celebration at Promenade Park

• Sweetheart Orchid Display

• Great Train Connection

• Bunny Tales in the Garden Summer events:

• Botanical ROOTS Music Fest

• Muddy River Concert Series

• Fort Wayne Dragon Boat Races

• Sunday Heritage Concert Series

• Concert on the Farm Fall events:

• Botanical Brew

• Garden Trick-or-Treat

• Active Aging Week

• Fall Harvest Festival

• Intergenerational Fishing Derby

CREATING DESTINATIONS

An overwhelming desire heard throughout community engagement is that residents desire destination spaces. While the city has an expansive system a general sentiment was that it lacks special, transformative features in the park that make Fort Wayne’s park system distinct from other city’s systems.

Destination parks are those that attract people from within and outside of city boundaries. Because of their uniqueness, people are willing to travel to experience one-of-a-kind spaces. The assets in these spaces leave a lasting impact on visitors.

A destination park should be designed with the intention of inviting in all community members and visitors. Concepts to consider when planning a destination park are:

• Zones: A strategic way to incorporate multiple recreational preferences is to separate an area into different zones based on type of play or the age of anticipated users. Zones can be enforced by equipment as well as signage and visual cues. A priority of utilizing zones should be easy movement throughout and encouraging exploration of the various zones.

• Themes: A theme to be used throughout the park should consider the park’s users and the local context of the area to create or enhance a unique sense of place. For instance a destination park can include names and educational landmarks based on Fort Wayne’s unique history.

DEVELOPMENT OF DESTINATIONS

The development of destination parks can take up huge resources in regards to staff, time, and money. This plan recommends a more timely, creative, profitable way to capitalize on destination spaces and expand upon parks as treasured community places. This approach is based on taking incremental steps through using lowcost experiments.

Another consideration for these parks is their location. They parks should be located where they will serve the most people. They should be prioritized for areas with higher density housing to reach a large portion of the community, particularly those without private open space, and particularly near Housing Authority projects. Newly developed parks will also be highly impactful when clustered with community centers, libraries, places of worship, and schools where joint programming is possible.

See Types of Play

• Types of play: Children have different preferences when it comes to play type. Some like to use their imagination, while others enjoy more active spaces like a playground. A space should consider these preferences and their differing equipment.

• Multigenerational play: Typical parks encourage children to play and for guardians, have benches and tables to watch. According to a study Destination parks break down this traditional mindset and encourages inclusive and multigenerational for the entire family to play together and enjoy the park. Play equipment should cater to all ages through appealing to a variety of ages and a range of interests.

See Temporary Park

See Chicago POP Program

See Portable Parks

See Exploratory Park

Rather than spending time, money, and energy on developing permanent structures and spaces, it is recommended that experimental, temporary tactics are implemented after community desires are understood. This allows for ideas to be efficiently implemented, assessed, then tweaked and customized based upon the community’s response. Although this approach is not for every situation, it can be a creative, locally-powered alternative to capital-heavy, top-down planning.

An example of inexpensive pop up activation in Manhattan, NY.

Source: Street Lab

Maggie Daley Park in Chicago, IL is popularly known for its wide range of unique amenities for all ages.

Source: Creative Commons

COMMUNITY GOALS

IDENTIFY NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS FOR PARKS AND RECREATION IN FORT WAYNE.

1

Partnerships are joint-development funding sources or operational funding sources formed from two separate agencies, such as two government entities, a non-profit and a public agency, or a private business and a public agency.

As Parks and Recreation continues to build its programming and updating parks, it should consider opportunities to foster partnerships to fill gaps in services. Many community recreation service providers use the City’s facilities to provide both formal and informal programming. Partnerships can be leveraged for mutually beneficial opportunities, such as sharing costs for supplies, equipment, facility space, staff, volunteers, programming ideas, participant databases, marketing, and promotions.

ASSESS THE POTENTIAL TO EXPAND EXISTING PARKS TO UTILIZE THEM AS COMMUNITY CENTERS FOR NEIGHBORHOOD GATHERING.

2

Community engagement emphasized the significance of parks and open spaces as a place for social gatherings such as picnics, barbecues, and neighborhood parties. As the responsible party for permitting park spaces, it is important that Parks and Recreation have sound policies, procedures, and communication channels that allow events and programming to bring people together with relative ease. Parks can encourage community socializing through greater investment in providing places for gathering like plazas, event spaces, pavilions with grills and seating areas and community programming like outdoor concerts.

ACTIVATE PARK SPACES TO SUPPORT LOCAL, SOCIAL, AND CULTURAL INTERACTIONS.

3

Park activation can occur through city- or partner- led programming that helps people feel comfortable in park spaces. Park activation should be tailored to neighborhood demographics and cultures. Activities may range from group bird watching or fitness classes to social events such as concerts and shows. Activation should benefit residents through the support of social and cultural advancements. It may also benefit the city’s economy through supporting local entrepreneurs and attracting visitors.

Community events is a crucial component to the park system.

Source: Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation

Public Lands

Resiliency

Healing and Restoration

Value of Natural Assets

Environment Goals

ENVIRONMENT

Principle Statement: Fort Wayne’s parks and open space system values coexistence between nature and community. Green spaces are cherished by residents for the recreation they provide, as well as their support for the city’s environmental resilience. Fort Wayne is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of parks, fostering biodiversity, and encouraging environmental consciousness among residents.

PUBLIC LANDS

The city has an extensive system of natural elements. The City-owned trail network consists of 48 miles of maintained trails that encourages all-season recreation and fosters connections between people and the outdoors. Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation also manages 2,732 acres across 89 parks. Open and green spaces make up 20.59 acres of that land and over 20,000 trees can be found within the parks system’s 89 parks. In addition to the greenery and natural land in the city, Fort Wayne is also centered around three important waterbodies- Saint Marys River, Maumee River, and Saint Joseph River- and is comprised of many streams and ditches.

The environmental health and scenic qualities of these landscapes are threatened with global and local stressors. The rapid loss of biodiversity (or richness of different types of plants and animals) is a global phenomenon. To combat this loss and achieve sustainability goals, a majority of parks and recreation agencies are planting trees, transitioning to native and climate-adaptable plants, and updating and retrofitting buildings and other infrastructure. These actions recognize the environmental benefits of thriving natural areas, such as supporting diverse wildlife, providing resilience to natural disasters, and improved air and water quality. This chapter provides direction on how Fort Wayne can implement tactics aimed at preservation and conservation throughout the parks and open space system.

“THE FOCAL POINT OF A PARK SHOULD BE NATURE.”

- SURVEY RESPONDENT

Fort Wayne’s extensive park and trail network are a modern expression of its natural landscape. The map above highlights ecological and hydrological assets in and around Fort Wayne, including protected areas, wetlands, and key features of the area’s historic ecology. This includes the Great Marsh, the boundaries of which were approximated using surficial geologic units, topographic contours, and elevation data. Today, 831 acres of this historic wetland are preserved in the Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve.

Figure 36: Ecological Assets

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND RESILIENCY

The effects of climate change and the pressures it will place on the park system are inevitable. According to the National Climate Assessment’s findings, the Midwest is subject to extremely cold air masses from the far north, and warm, humid air masses from the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in a wide range of temperature and precipitation extremes. In turn, this will impact agriculture, forests, and other ecosystems. Already, the Midwest has gotten warmer with an average temperature increase of 1.5 degrees between 1900 and 20101

The effects of climate change are already visible through increasing air temperatures, melting glaciers and decreasing polar ice caps, rising sea levels, increasing desertification, and more frequent extreme weather events such as heat waves, droughts, floods and storms. A main course of action for the city, as identified by the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, is climate adaptation and resilience.

The Trust for Public Land’s ClimateSmart Cities program recommends four objectives for parks to provide multibenefit climate solutions:

1. Cool: Shady green spaces reduce the heat island effect to protect people from high temperatures.

2. Absorb: Green infrastructure practices can be utilized for parks and streetscapes to absorb rain, reduce flooding, and recharge drinking water.

3. Protect: Strategically placed and managed parks and natural lands 9-1

February 23, 2024. https://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/ regions/midwest.

buffer cities from rising water levels, extreme storms, and wildfires.

4. Connect: Trail links between park spaces provide more sustainable transportation opportunities and connect destinations.

The city’s parks and open spaces will be critical in efforts to mitigate climate change impacts. Aligning park investments with critical infrastrucure work like expanding and restoring the citywide tree canopy, daylighting hidden streams, designing drought-tolerant and absorbent landscapes, and expanding greenspaces can promote day-to-day health and wellness while protecting its residents and properties from the long-term impacts of flooding and extreme heat.

SUSTAINABLE EFFORTS

Fort Wayne has already made strides in sustainable practices. Each day, over 27 dry tons of material is combined and moved to the Biosolids Handling Facility after Fort Wayne’s Water Pollution Control Plant treats and cleans wastewater. The Biosolids facility makes up 105 acres of drying basins where the material is processed for more than two years before it is mixed with composted leaves and used by farmers and residents as soil. This facility has been recognized with an award from the Indiana Water Environment Association and invites the public in for educational seminars and tours.

Similarly, Little River Wetlands Project acquired Eagle Marsh in 2005 with help from the federal Wetlands Reserve Program, the Indiana Heritage Trust of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy of Indiana, foundations, and LRWP

members2 . The organizations restoration efforts of the Marsh are one of the largest wetland restorations ever undertaken in Indiana. Steps to restore the wetland to its original hydrology include increasing the depth of shallow areas, removing pumps to hold more water on the land,and seeding land with native trees, grasses, and wildflowers. Forty more acres of forested wetland were added to Eagle Marsh between 2007 and 2010 prior to an additional 75 in 2019.

This plan recommends partnerships with other City departments, federal agencies and community groups to continue to identify sustainable opportunities. One in particular is a partnership with Public Works to develop green stormwater infrastructure will have mutual financial and ecological benefits.

WATERSHED IMPACTS

Fort Wayne occupies a key location on the St. Lawrence Continental Divide, which separates the Great Lakes Basin from the Gulf of Mexico Watershed. Runoff that falls into Fort Wayne’s rivers can have critical impacts on the larger system of watersheds. The Maumee River, St. Mary’s River and St. Joseph River all eventually drain into the Lake Erie watershed, while the Eel River in southwest Fort Wayne is also part of the Gulf of Mexico watershed.

9-2 Eagle Marsh.” lrwp. Accessed February 23, 2024. https:// www.lrwp.org/eaglemarsh.

Pryor, Sara C, and Donald Scavia. “Midwest Climate Assessment.” National Climate Assessment. Accessed

HEALING AND RESTORATION

In addition to assessing the lands that should be protected, this plan must consider lands that have opportunities for restoration. Sites that have been contaminated by previous industrial use can be reclaimed, cleaned, and restored as iconic public parks.

Streams that were once were buried in underground pipes—aging infrastructure that will require significant investment to replace or repair—can be daylighted and restored to add to the city’s system of blueways and greenways. Successful examples abound, and these approaches to park conversion are becoming more common as available urban land grows more sparse and as momentum grows to correct past environmental injustices.

QUARRY AND MINING LAND RECLAMATION

Currently, the Hanson Ardmore Quarry has gained the name of “Indiana’s Grand Canyon”. This quarry is 1,000 feet deep and continues to grow larger, can be closed, capped and totally transformed into sites for recreation and nature. This quarry has the potential opportunity to be transformed into public spaces through innovative efforts in the future. Key advantages include:

1. Recreational Spaces: Quarry reclamation can transform uninhabited, abandoned land into an area used for unique recreational activities such as a garden, walking paths, and mountain biking.

2. Environmental Restoration: Reclamation should involve landscaping and restoring natural habitats, helping to revitalize ecosystems, support biodiversity,

and mitigate the environmental impact of quarrying activities.

3. Educational Opportunities: Educational resources including signs, guided tours, and learning programs can inform the public about the history of the site, the reclamation process, and the importance of environmental conservation.

Overall, once their deposits are exhausted, the transformation of quarries into public spaces is a multifaceted opportunity that addresses environmental, social, and economic aspects, fostering sustainable development and enhancing the overall quality of life in communities. Examples of successful reclamation efforts include:

• Quarry Amphitheater: Santa Cruz, CA

• Dutch Springs: Bethlehem, PA

• Alamo Stadium, San Antonio, TX

• Brackenridge Park, San Antonio, CA

• Quarry Garden: Shanghai, CN

This quarry was reclaimed as a man-made lake in in Fern Gully, AUS.

Source: Creative Commons

VALUE OF NATURAL ASSETS

CONSERVATION

355 acres of land categorized as “Natural Areas”

9,459 acres of protected land in Allen County

716 acres of parkland at increased risk of flooding

Natural areas are properties that are maintained in their natural state and help preserve significant views and provide wildlife sanctuaries. These spaces were noted time and again as cherished assets to preserve by the residents of Fort Wayne. The city currently has a significant portion of land dedicated to natural areas and open spaces, creating opportunities for the city to support passive recreation through trails, interpretive facilities, historic and cultural exhibits, nature observation, photography, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and off-trail equestrian and bicycle use. The city also has the opportunity to acquire more vacant land and expand the natural areas.

Public support for conservation, preservation, and protection of natural lands is clear throughout community input. The City’s current natural areas could be better managed and enhanced for improved environmental performance and build resilience to natural disasters. The opportunity to transform developed parks back to their natural state also exists. Tactics may include turf grass being replaced with more native and drought tolerant vegetation and pollinator gardens.

Also highlighted through engagement was the community’s desire to continue to conserve lands to link and create a contiguous green network. Fort Wayne, like most cities, must be strategic in land acquisition for these purposes. It is crucial to consider the balance between the need for development in the community and conservation. Efforts should be made to direct conservation to the locations most beneficial towards environmental and management goals.

The park system can also be utilized as a link to state, federal and conservation initiatives. For instance, greenways can be used to link residents to the LC Nature Park, a state park of prairies and woodlands, animals, and hiking trails located 200 acres southwest of Fort Wayne.

FLOOD HAZARDS

Figure 35 highlights parts of the city that are susceptible to flooding and areas with poorly drained soils.

716 acres of Fort Wayne’s parkland is considered susceptible to flooding according to FEMA. This includes parts of Franke Park and all of the parks immediately adjacent to the city’s rivers, including Lawton Park, Swinney Park, Foster Park, and Vesey Park. Due to their susceptibility, these parks should be considered for increased flooding maintenance and green infrastructure, transformation into natural areas, or site designs specific to flood adaptation.

An additional 1,317 acres of parkland contain “very poorly drained soils”, suggesting they also may be prone to flooding.

Site selection for development must consider these floodways and the benefits that stategically designed greenspaces can have for the city. By locating proposed greenways along these corridors, this plan supports a citywide framework for protecting critical habitat and keeping future development out of floodplains.

Figure 37: Flood Hazards

CONSERVATION OPPORTUNITIES

Using GIS software, the planning team created a weighted overlay of flood-prone areas, areas with poorly drained soils, wetlands, woodlands, existing conservation easements and protected zones defined by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). This analysis revealed highpriority ecological zones throughout Fort Wayne.

Comparing the high-priority ecological zones with existing parks reveals areas where land is potentially valuable for conservation but is not currently set aside as parkland.

This analysis could also be used to identify existing parks that might prioritize stormwater infrastructure, undergo rewilding or be converted to natural areas in the future.

ENVIRONMENT GOALS

CARE FOR AND ACTIVATE THE RIVERS THAT RUN THROUGH THE CITY.

1

The city’s rivers-the St. Marys, St. Joseph, and Maumee Rivers are valuable natural assets that contribute to the overall quality of life for residents. Proper maintenance and revitalization efforts can preserve these waterways, ensuring they remain clean, accessible, and ecologically sustainable. The three rivers are significant habitats and food sources to the wildlife within Fort Wayne. In addition to their ecological benefits, the rivers also provide important recreational opportunities like kayaking, fishing, and riverside trails. Activating the rivers, or making it easier for residents to access and utilize the rivers, will establishing a a stronger sense of stewardship, responsibility, and care for their protection.

DEVELOP AN URBAN FORESTRY MASTER PLAN THAT ESTABLISHES METRICS FOR THE URBAN TREE CANOPY, INCREASES TREE CANOPY ACROSS THE CITY, WITH A FOCUS ON EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF TREE COVER.

2

The Forestry Team, contained within the Parks and Recreation Department, is responsible for maintaining the urban canopy, comprised of almost 50,000 street trees located along nearly 1,300 miles of roadway and 20,000 trees found within our 89 parks. According to Tree Canopy Growth Fund, the Fort Wayne area has lost 6% of its urban tree canopy in the last 10 years. The last Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2018) recommended planting trees on at least half of its 21,414 acres of pervious land, including parks, open areas, agricultural areas, bare soils and golf courses, to exceed the recommended average of 40% canopy coverage. The action items support increasing the tree canopy for the numerous environmental, social, economic, and health advantages, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being and sustainability of a city.

PRESERVE ECOLOGICALLY IMPORTANT NATURAL SPACES AND OPEN LAND.

Natural land and open spaces, properties that are preserved and maintained in their natural state and help preserve significant views and provide wildlife sanctuaries, are cherished by the residents of Fort Wayne and were noted time and again as assets to preserve during the planning process. Although these spaces are highly valued, a recurring comment was that there are not enough of them in the city. Natural lands provide and support opportunities for passive recreation through trails, nature observation, and historic exhibits. These properties may also support scientific research. Public support for conservation, preservation, and protection of natural lands is clear. The community recognizes the importance of natural lands in building resilience to natural disasters, habitat preservation, and enhancing vegetation and water quality.

PROVIDE EQUITABLE, HIGH-QUALITY OUTDOOR PROGRAMMING THAT ENCOURAGES MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS WITH NATURE IN PARK SPACES THROUGH EDUCATION INITIATIVES.

4

Conversations with focus groups indicated that Fort Wayne is lacking outdoor education opportunities. More efforts are needed to educate park and trail users on proper stewardship and the importance of natural lands. Educational efforts might include wildlife observation, learning about local ecosystems, and teaching users seasonal best practice for care and upkeep. By encouraging residents to learn about the parks and open space system and participate in initiatives that steward, enhance, and maintain open space, Fort Wayne’s parks system will improve and promote more value for the system.

INCREASE THE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE SYSTEM AS A TACTIC OF CLIMATERESILIENCY THROUGH MODERN DESIGN, BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, AND THE CLIMATE ADAPTATION STRATEGIES DEVELOPED BY SUSTAINING FORT WAYNE PLAN.

Like all cities nationwide, climate change poses a powerful threat to Fort Wayne. In Indiana specifically, most of the state has warmed about one degree (F) in the last century. These climate changes are likely to increase the frequency of floods in Indiana. Already, the average annual precipitation in most of the Midwest has increased by 5 to 10% and rainfall during the four wettest days of the year has increased about 35%. Spring rainfall and average precipitation are likely to increase, while severe rainstorms are likely to intensify. Floods have already been seen more frequently and ice coverage of the Great Lakes is simultaneously forming later and melting earlier than usual. In the coming decades, the state will also have more extremely hot days1

The city has already begun taking steps towards responding to this threat through the development of Sustaining Fort Wayne. The long-term Climate Action Plan (CAP) charts a more resilient future for the city. It helps the city to navigate and adapt to the effects of climate change while reducing contributing emissions. The action items of this recommendation support and invest in the goals set forth by Sustaining Fort Wayne.

9-1 What Climate Change Means for Indiana? (August, 2016) Retrieved from: https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/sites/production/ files/2016-09/documents/climate-change-in.pdf

Fort Wayne’s proximity to three large rivers gives it a unique environmental advantage.

Source: Design Workshop

CHAPTER TITLE

9. IMPLEMENTATION

One Year Action Plan

Future Operations

Level of Service Standards and Guidelines

Future Parks Plan

Recreation Program

Activation

Finance And Management

Action Plan

ONE YEAR ACTION PLAN

A one-year action plan is integral to this plan as it provides a roadmap for immediate implementation of key initiatives. Within the next year, specific goals and actions outlined here should be realized, serving as a catalyst for quick wins and demonstrating tangible progress. The One-Year Plan identifies action items that can be considered “early wins” and are easier to implement, but still have big impacts. It also helps to gain trust from the community through addressing their immediate needs and concerns. By breaking down implementation into manageable steps for the short term, stakeholders can witness the positive impacts of the overall vision and the flexibility of the plan, garnering ongoing support and momentum for the broader, long-term goals outlined in the Comprehensive Plan for parks and recreation.

MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS

Another ongoing initiative that can support implementation of this plan is the City’s pursuit of asset management software. This tool can help the City track its park and recreation assets and maintenance hours; anticipate and budget for maintenance needs and equipment; and identify where new positions or operational efficiencies might be needed to address challenges or backlogs. The inventory and condition assessment completed as part of this planning process can be integrated with this system.

PARTNERSHIPS AND FUNDING

The One-Year Plan seeks to lay the groundwork for increased funding and partnerships in support of citywide parks and recreation.

The following table lists the critical first steps and target deadlines for the City and partners to set the plan actions into motion. The Parks and Recreation Department or identified entity should lead coordination and implementation of these tasks.

Develop a marketing strategy for City park and recreation plans, project updates, and available amenities and programs. Secure funding in the 2025 budget.

Complete short-term deferred maintenance projects at parks in Equity Investment Zones rated moderate to poor. Secure funding in the 2025 budget.

Adopt Neighborhood Park Design and Management Guidelines with an emphasis on community-driven design.

Implement an asset management system and Total Asset Management approach to track and adequately budget for existing and future park maintenance needs.

2024

2025

Work with the City’s grants officer to identify and coordinate critical next steps for specific state and federal grants. December 2024

Gain approval from City Council and Planning Commission to revise park development and dedication ordinances.

Create Deferred Capital Maintenance funding program.

Assess the possibility of disinvesting and closing Memorial Pool.

Identify partnerships to pursue that align with the department’s vision, mission, and values. August 2024

2024

Eliminate programs that are unsuccessful and underutilized. October 2025

Prioritize development of programming that caters to groups identified in this plan as lacking: youth sports, adult sports, cultural arts, aquatics, and adaptive/special needs. October 2025

Implement an education campaign to grow awareness about offerings. Fall 2024

Develop an ADA accessibility report on all of the city’s parks and open spaces. October 2025

Establish an online platform for residents to submit ideas and concerns regarding parks and recreational facilities. July 2024

FUTURE OPERATIONS

MAKING THE CASE

The following list outlines the steps of priorities to focus on as the Parks Department

Improve all parks rated 4 or 5 in condition

This section of the plan takes a deeper dive into how Fort Wayne should be managed and maintained now and into the future. Recommendations are based on planning team analysis, community input, best-practices research and discussions with staff. This plan serves to build on and complete previous City park visions; close gaps in the park system; anticipate future growth; ensure most residents have a high-quality park or trail close to home; and lay the foundation for a valued and impactful park and recreation system.

ADDING IT ALL UP

Develop greenways and blueways within the existing city limits.

Develop parks outside the 10-minute walkshed and in equity investment zones.

Improve parks in ecological priority zones to ensure they are designed with resiliency in mind

Expand the greenway and blueway system to connect areas outside the current city limits.

Create new parks in suburban areas that contribute to meeting walkshed objectives

This plan has an ambitious vision for the future parks system of Fort Wayne. Table 23 identifies the price of the park development recommendations identified in Chapter 6 (Table 20).

Similar to Table 23, Table 24 expands upon Table 22 in Chapter 6. It projects the City’s future amenity gaps based on an estimated 2050 population of 262,636, estimating the cost of amenities based on the number needed per NRPA recommendations.

It is important to note that this plan looks 25, 50, and 100 years into the future. These developments or revisions are a large lift and not anticipated to be completed within the near future. This approach will help to ensure that the City dedicates the resources and staff time needed to care for these spaces over time and maintains a focus over a long-term view.

Table 24: Future Park Analysis

Table 23: Future Park Analysis

In addition to the financial requirements of a growing system, Table 24 identifies the necessary park staff to maintain it. As the parks and recreation system expands, the importance of increasing park staff becomes increasingly evident. A growing system means an influx of visitors, varied programming, and the need for heightened maintenance and supervision. Adequate staffing is essential to ensure the smooth operation, safety, and overall positive experience of park users. Table 24 identifies the number of full time employees (FTE’s) to meet NRPA standards of 8.3 FTE per 10,000 people. With the current 142 employees, an additional 75 are needed to maintain the level of service for the existing population. The staffing level is essential for maintaining the overall well-being of parks, ensuring visitor safety and satisfaction, protecting the environment, and effectively managing resources and programs now and into the future.

In order to adequately maintain high quality parks, Table 25 recommends the level of staff based on park type and acreage based on National averages. Due to the different sizes and amenities within each park type, different types of parks have varying needs. Having the right amount of park staff is crucial for the effective and efficient management of different types of parks. Currently, the staff levels of all parks does not meet the low end recommended by nationwide standards (227).

LEVEL OF SERVICE STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES

Similar to staff levels, the needs of park maintenance varies based on park size and type. Maintenance service and frequency should be determined and allocated consistently throughout the system as informed by the park classification guidelines. Striking a balance between routine maintenance and park type is important in avoiding costly deferred maintenance and ensuring a high quality system.

The seasonality of maintenance activities in parks and on trails is significant, and routine maintenance levels and seasonal employment should be adjusted accordingly. Maintenance activities during the winter, for instance, are typically limited to parks and blueway and greenway-related snow removal and grooming with higher maintenance required in the summer due to higher usage.

have dedicated maintenance staff assigned for the daily care of the park for upkeep of facilities, amenities, grounds, and landscaping, including routine trash collection, restroom service, and mowing.

Typically receive weekly maintenance services and upkeep of facilities, amenities, grounds, and athletic fields and courts, including routine trash collection, restroom service, and mowing.

Monitored by staff regularly and the staff will respond to conditions on an as-needed basis. Maintenance activities are focused on supporting the intended use of the park as defined by its features and amenities. These parks receive trash collection, restroom service, and mowing on a case-by-case basis as justified by their intensity of use. Should alternate resources become available to service Destination parks, this category of parks could receive more frequent levels of service.

Generally receive limited routine maintenance service and tree management. These spaces are not serviced or mowed at a frequency necessary for recreational use.

receive limited routine maintenance service and tree management. These spaces are not serviced or mowed at a frequency necessary for recreational use.

Special Use Park

Often actively managed by, or along with, a third-party partner, and maintenance responsibilities are defined and shared per formal or informal agreements. Maintenance service is variable and corresponds with the intensity, type, and frequency of use.

Blueway/Greenway

Monitored by staff regularly and the staff will respond to conditions on an as-needed basis, including trash collection, restroom service, and mowing.

Regional Park

Generally

Community Park

Neighborhood Park

Pocket Park

Open Space

Generally

Table 27: Park Maintenance Guidelines

Table 25: Full Time Employee Standards

Table 26: Staff Recommendations per Park Acreage

FUTURE PARKS PLAN

Figure 37 identifies areas for future development. It considers the analysis and recommendations from each chapter including closing the walkshed, increasing environmental justice, developing greenways, and expanding blueways. Given the future outlook of this plan, the map also considers future growth both within and outside of city limits as identified by the All in Allen plan.

This map highlights residential parcels outside of a 10-minute walk (half-mile) to parks and identifies several opportunity sites for new park development near parcels with gaps in access. Priority growth areas identified in the All in Allen Comprehensive Plan are included in grey and all protected areas in Allen County are hatched in green. Half-mile radius circles are included to roughly identify residential areas that do not currently have access to public open space. As growth continues outside Fort Wayne’s existing borders, the annexed areas should continue to go through this analysis to determine the best location for their development.

LEGEND

Fort Wayne Boundary

Targeted Growth Areas (Identified in All in Allen Plan)

County Boundary

Waterbodies

City of Fort Wayne Parks

Existing Trails

Parks in Fair or Poor Condition

Proposed Greenways

Proposed Blueways

Potential Park Sites

Highest Priority Equity Investment Zones

Ecological Priority Areas Outside Current Park System

Park Gaps In Current City Boundary

Park Gaps Outside Current City Boundary

DISTRIBUTION OF AMENITIES GUIDELINES

The guidelines in Table 27 provide recommendations for the distribution of specific park amenities by park classification type. The recommendations are based on park classification descriptions, popularity of use, resources required for upkeep and maintenance, and the distribution of park types within the existing system. Following these distributions will ensure that parks offer the proper level of service amenities based on users and their size, as determined through classifications. This can help avoid extraneous maintenance efforts while ensuring the right amenities are offered.

CLASSIFICATION

Regional

• ADA accessible elements

• Water access

• Restrooms, lighting, trash receptacles

• Off-street parking

Community

• ADA accessible elements

• Multi-use courts and fields

• Playgrounds

• Multi-use ice rinks

• Community garden

• Lighting and trash receptacles

• Off-street parking

Neighborhood

Special Use

• ADA accessible elements Picnic tables and benches

• Playgrounds

• Open play space

• Lighting and trash receptacles

• ADA accessible elements

• Multi-use trail system

• Single-use trail system

• All ages/abilities playgrounds

• Interpretive signage

• Skate parks

• Age/ability focused playground

• Community center

• Grills

• Interpretive signage

• Restrooms

• Water access

• Multi-use sports and fields

• Skate park

• Community garden

• Vendor areas

• Disc golf

• Trails

• Restrooms

• Picnic tables

• Off-street parking

Pocket Park

• ADA accessible elements

• Decorative elements Seating

Open Space

Blueway/ Greenway

• ADA accessible elements

• Trail system

• Landscaping

• ADA accessible elements

• Map and wayfinding signage

• Water vessel launch

• Trash receptacles

• Parking

• Gardens and orchards

• Benches

• Water access

• Restrooms

• Benches

• Interpretive signage

• Off-street parking

• Sports fields and courts

• Single-use courts or fields

• Pavilions

• Sand volleyball

• Disc golf

• Dog park

• Trail system

• Water access/splash pad

• Community center

• Multi-use ice rinks

• Trails

• Restrooms

Table 28: Guidelines for Distribution of Amenities

UNIVERSAL DESIGN

Universal design principles are strategic elements implemented to make spaces that are inviting and comfortable for all users, regardless of age or ability. The legal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are typically met in public spaces; however, these requirements are a minimum standard for accessibility. Universal design incorporates both ADA design elements and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), which focus on physical barriers and varying sensory needs and preferences.

Universal design elements create more inclusive spaces for those who may experience disabilities, aging, limited mobility, neuro-cognitive disorders, intellectual disabilities, or deafness. In planning for such communities, staff should incorporate the following principles when updating or developing all parks and recreation spaces1:

1. Accessible: All public spaces should be open and accessible to everyone, regardless of one’s age and ability.

2. Comfortable: A feeling of safety is the baseline for feeling comfortable, but an inclusive sense of belonging helps everyone to feel comfortable in a space. This can be made through welcome signs and thoughtful representation.

3. Participatory: Public spaces should be representative of those who use them. The community should be brought into the planning process. This allows users to bring their own unique experience and understanding to result in more accessible spaces.

4. Legible: Clear and understandable signs and designs, with legible multi-sensory signage and signals, help people of all ages and abilities to understand how to move through spaces.

5. Multi-Sensory: Navigation in the built environment depends almost entirely on visual cues. Incorporating design elements that can be accessed through different senses provides other systems of navigation.

6. Predictable: Clear design cues should be consistent throughout a public spaces. This will create predictable environments for people of all ages and abilities, increasing comfort and safety.

7. Walkable / Traversable: Spaces must be thoughtfully planned for users on feet or wheels to avoid limiting usability by park users with disabilities.

Examples of universal design considerations to ensure that community members are able to utilize park and recreation spaces regardless of age or ability include:

• Connections to the street that integrate ramps and stairs with safe materials that are tactile, provide high contrast, and are not slippery when wet;

• Create a clear identity between the street and park space and integrate vegetation to buffer noise and other sensory information;

• Provide options for play, leisure, and relaxation; and

• Provide restrooms that are easy to locate and access.

RECREATION PROGRAMMING

In order to suit the needs of the community within the resource and financial capacity of the Parks and Recreation Department, a recreation program assessment should be completed when developing or enhancing new programs.

The City of Fort Wayne’s Parks and Recreation Department will need to determine the areas of focus for future recreation programming efforts. Future programming should be based on community input and needs, the level of financial and resource commitment available for programs, as well as the availability of parks and facilities to support certain program offerings, as identified in this plan.

There are guiding principles and general program goals in place but updating and formalizing the existing programming philosophy and subsequent program plan is important.

Step

One: Formalize the Programming Philosophy

Parks and Recreation should update and formalize the overall basic programming philosophy with the following objectives:

• The City will continue to be the primary provider of recreation programs and services in key areas but will also rely on contract sources and other providers for other programs.

• The City will continue to develop and enhance partnerships with other providers to bring a full spectrum of recreation programs and services to the community.

• The City will ensure that recreation program and service opportunities are available to all ages, incomes, abilities, gender, and ethnic groups in an equitable and inclusive manner.

• The City will ensure that recreation programs and service opportunities are available in areas of interest that are identified as a need in the community.

• City based recreation and program service offerings will respond to identified community needs in a cost effective and efficient manner.

• City based recreation and program services will be affected by the availability of facilities to support activities.

Step Two: Prioritize the Programming Focus

When developing or enhancing plans, the following questions should be considered:

1. Does the Parks Department have the knowledge and equipment to provide the program, service, or function? Will this be the most cost-effective method to obtain the program, service, or function?

2. What are the community benefits of this being provided by an alternative organization (e.g., inclusion, familiarity, social connections, community capacity building and stewardship)?

3. Will the quality of the program, service, or function suffer if it is contracted to other organizations?

Table 29 identifies the recommended program priorities based on community feedback and existing analyses. These include the following program types:

• Youth Sports

• Adult Sports

• Cultural Arts

• Aquatics

• Adaptive/Special Needs

Step Three: Track the Updated Programming Plan

• Rates of fill for programs and activities (capacity vs. actual numbers).

• Waiting list numbers by program.

• Participation numbers and comparisons to past years/seasons.

• Rate of program cancellations (should be between 15% and 20%)

• Financial performance including cost per participant.

• Evaluations from participants.

PROGRAM PRIORITIES

Based on the updated programming philosophy, and community needs, a revised program plan should be developed to provide general program priorities for the future, identified below.

Table 29: Recommended Recreation Program Priorities

Metric

Number of Facilities

Youth Sports Parks and Recreation will provide recreationally focused individual sports.  Competitive youth sports leagues and programs will continue to be the responsibility of community-based youth sports organizations in the area.

Cultural Arts

Aquatics

This will continue to be a program focus for Parks and Recreation and contract providers.  The community desires additional programs in this area and as a result new programs will be offered by Parks and Recreation as well as contract providers.

With two aquatic facilities, Parks and Recreation will continue to be a secondary provider of aquatic activities.  However, with limited program capacity and aging facilities, other aquatic providers in the community (including the YMCA and schools) will also need to continue to fill an important role.

Youth Parks & Recreation will continue to be a primary provider of enrichment and break/summer camp programs, but other contract providers should be utilized to expand programming opportunities in this area as well.

Education

Adaptive/Special Needs

Special Events

Outdoor Recreation

Older Adult Programs

Teen Programs

Self-Directed Activities

Parks and Recreation does not currently have education programming for youth or adults (other than what is integrated into youth programs), so most future programming needs should continue to be provided by contract providers including local schools, specialized non-profits, the library, or private providers.  Parks and Recreation may also augment these program offerings or have information regarding these types of programs or services for referral.

With limited programs currently being provided in this area by either Parks and Recreation or other contract providers, there will need to be more of a focus in the future.  It is expected that Parks and Recreation could have a major role in this program area moving forward as seen by the department already filling in needs not met by Turnstone.

It is expected that this will continue to be a primary program focus for Parks and Recreation in the future.

This is one of the top recreation program areas when reviewing classes that are full and have a waitlist.  This will need to be a focus for future recreation programing by both the city and by contract providers.

It is expected that Parks and Recreation will continue to be the primary provider of programs and services that focus on older adults, but additional programs will be needed.

In the future providing services and programs specifically designed for teens will likely need to be the responsibility of both Parks and Recreation as well as contract and other providers.

With the city’s recreation facilities, self-directed activities will remain a significant program area.

ACTIVATION

Activation is the use of programming—wellplanned, supervised activities and events—to bring life and energy to a physical park space by making people feel welcome and comfortable.

Chapter 7, Community, touched on the importance of activating a park space. This section elaborates by recommending year-round opportunities. Fort Wayne has unique capability to capitalize on being a four-season city and develop welcoming methods of activation for year-round park use.

The City currently leverages seasonal events such as Christmas on the Farm and Santa’s Workshop in the winter, Spring Celebration and Bunny Tales in the spring, Kids Fishing Derby and Botanical ROOTS Music Fest in the summer, and Pumpkin Patch and Fall Harvest Festival in the fall.

Fort Wayne should consider expanding programming to provide small-scale seasonal park amenities year-round. Parks see the most visitation during the warmer months. Offering a diversity of activities as shown in Figure 38 can extend parkuse to all four seasons, increasing opportunities for winter outdoor activity and the associated benefits that come with adequate sunlight exposure during the dark winter months. Taking advantage of the seasonal possibilities in Fort Wayne will result in activated parks and increasing recreation and art opportunities for all ages.

Figure 40: Seasonal Activation Opportunities

FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT

FUNDING

Maintenance operations dollars are typically spent in divisions that do not have direct revenue sources that can offset expenditures. There are opportunities, however, to reduce expenditures. Given the population change in Fort Wayne and Allen County, the parks system must consider and adapt to the differing needs and desires of new residents. We must begin planning and investing now to ensure park access for future generations.

ALTERNATIVE FUNDING SOURCES

The City of Fort Wayne has a variety of different funding opportunities available that can assist with the funding of the department and proposed projects. Funding sources typically fall within three different categories: Local Sources, State and National Sources, and Non-Tax Sources.

LOCAL SOURCES

Beyond the allocation of funds from the city’s general fund for ongoing programs, maintenance or the passage of bond issues for capital projects, there are other taxing sources available.

Capital Improvement Fund: A dedicated funding source for capital projects from either a percentage of existing tax revenues or through a tax increase established for that specific purpose.

Certificates of Participation (COP): A form of lease-purchase, COPs are issued for debt periods similar to normal bonds but the amenity itself serves as the collateral. This funding mechanism does not usually require voter approval.

Dedicated Tax: Voters approve a dedicated parks and recreation property tax millage to fund ongoing operations and maintenance as well as capital improvements. This can be supported by property or sales tax. This has become much more prominent in last 15-20 years.

Special Purpose Levy: A property or sales tax levy that is for a specific purpose (community center, large park, event center, etc.). These levies are often for a limited time period.

Park Dedication Fee: For new housing, developers must either pay a per unit fee and/or dedicate property for future park development. Most larger communities now have this as part of their development fee.

Real Estate Transfer Fees: Funding through the sale and transfer of real estate, where a small percentage goes to a tax that can support parks and recreation.

Transient Lodging Tax: A tax on hotel and motel rooms where a percentage tax is collected on each room night sold. This often funds parks and recreation amenities that attract visitors (sports complexes, ice rinks, etc.).

Tax Increment Financing: Utilized for redevelopment of areas by dedicating future tax dollars to improvement projects. This funding has been utilized for some larger capital projects such as a recreation center or events center.

Business Improvement District: A defined area in a city that collects a fee from businesses for improvements. These are usually in larger downtown areas.

User Fees: Fees charged for parks and recreation services. This requires a strong fee for service philosophy and solid fee policies. This can also include sponsorships, permit fees for vendors, cell tower leases, concessions agreements, and other fees. Increasingly cities are asking users to pay a higher percentage of maintenance and programs through the fees that are charged for these services.

Amenity Development: Partnership with a private or non-profit agency to build and operate amenities such as a wedding/event center, that also includes recreation amenity development. These are amenities that have the ability to generate a strong positive cash flow and are used to help fund other aspects of the operation.

STATE AND NATIONAL SOURCES

Many states have tax funding that is available through grant programs and other sources for certain programs and facilities.

State Sources, Indiana:

Outdoor Recreation Grant Program: Utilized to increase and enhance outdoor recreation facilities in local and community parks throughout the state.

Parks & Trails Legacy Grant Program: Funds parks and trails of regional significance.

National Funding:

Land and Water Conservation Fund: Grant funding for a variety of outdoor parks and amenities.

Recreational Trails Grant: Intended for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail projects; including new trail construction, existing trail improvements, acquisition of trail corridors, trailheads and/or amenities. This grant is federally funded by the Federal Highway Administration.

Next Level Trails (NLT): Designed to incentivize collaborative efforts to accelerate trail connections. The DNR Division of Outdoor Recreation will administer the program in conjunction with the Indiana Department of Transportation.

Community Development Block Grant: Can be utilized to develop and maintain parks and recreation amenities and provide services in lower income areas of a community.

Community and Urban Forestry Assistance (CUF-A) Grant: Intended to inventory, plan, evaluate, educate, and plant trees. The only allowable costs for this grant program include the cost of (1) tree inventories, (2) management plans and ordinance updates, (3) purchase of trees, (4) planting trees, and (5) urban forestry educational programing, publications, signage, etc. to encourage comprehensive urban forest

management and better public understanding of urban forestry topics.

Historic Preservation Fund: Promotes historic preservation and archaeology in Indiana. Administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service.

Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS): Encourages safe bicycling and walking among schoolchildren. Administered by state departments of transportation, this is a federal grant; there is no local matching needed for these funds. These proposals can be located anywhere in the state, regardless of population size. The SRTS projects must be planned to be within public right of way within 2 miles of a public, charter, or private school serving K-8th grade students. The types of projects typically funded include bicycle infrastructure improvements, shared use paths, sidewalk improvements and infrastructure related projects to improve safety for non-motorized transportation.

There are other federal sources, including the National Recreational Trails Program and Design Arts Program to name a few.

NON-TAX SOURCES

Parks Foundation: A parks and recreation foundation, 501(C)3, provides a way for individuals and corporations to provide donations to fund parks and recreation facilities and programs. This also increases eligibility for certain grants. Often the city council will serve as the actual board, or they appoint others to the board.

Grants: There are a wide variety of grants from foundations and corporations that can fund certain aspects of a facility’s development or specialized programs. These often require the services of a contract grant writer.

Fundraising: A possible source of capital funding can come from a comprehensive fundraising campaign. Contributions from local businesses, private individuals and social service organizations can be targeted. To maximize this form of funding a private fundraising consultant may be necessary.

Naming Rights and Sponsorships: The sale of naming rights and long-term sponsorships could be a source of some capital funding as well. It is often necessary to hire a specialist in selling naming rights and sponsorships if this revenue source is to be maximized to its fullest potential. No lifetime naming rights should be sold, only 20-year maximum rights should be possible. Determining the level of financial contribution necessary to gain a naming right is crucial. In addition to a portion of the cost to develop, including an endowment or mechanism for operations and maintenance is critical.

Endowment Fund: This form of operational funding is relatively rare as it requires a large fund balance to establish an annual operational endowment level of any magnitude.

Ground Lease of Property:

In communities where it has been difficult to fund new parks and recreation facilities, cities have issued low fee ground leases to private and non-profit organizations to build and operate facilities that will benefit the recreation needs of residents. This has included a number of specialty facilities.

PARTNERSHIP FUNDING

Partnerships can be made with a variety of organizations to manage facilities and provide programs and other services. This requires a strong partnership agreement to be in place.

The City of Fort Wayne currently provides for Adopt-a-Playground opportunities. This is primarily utilized as a clean-up effort, where organizations commit to a 3-year period to assist with maintaining a playground. The organization must clean the playground three times per year, and a sign will be placed commemorating the assistance. Tasks include litter pickup, weeding and painting.

Additional opportunities exist through the following strategies:

Adopt-a-Trail Programs: These are typically smallgrant programs that fund new construction, repair or renovation, maps, trail brochures, and facilities (bike racks, picnic areas, birding equipment, etc.), as well as providing maintenance support. These programs are similar to the popular “adopt-a-mile” highway programs most states utilize. Adopta-trail programs can also take the form of cash contributions in the range of $12,000 to $16,000 per mile to cover operational costs.

Adopt-a-Park Programs: These are small-grant programs that fund new construction and provide maintenance support. Adopt-A-Park programs can also take the form of cash contributions in the range of $1,000 to $5,000 per acre to cover operational costs.

Operational Partnerships: Partnerships are operational funding sources formed from two separate agencies, such as two government entities, a non-profit and a public agency, or a private business and a public agency. Two partners jointly share risk, operational costs, responsibilities, and asset management based on the strengths of each partner.

.

ACTION PLAN

The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan is a visionary, community driven guidebook for the future that addresses the complexities facing parks, open spaces, and recreation ranging from deferred maintenance to equitable access. Through discussions with the community and stakeholders, not only has a vision been created, but the implementation steps to realize that vision as well. Initial implementation steps have been woven into each of the chapters (Equity, Accessibility, Quality, Community, and Environment) as high-level goals.

Realizing these goals will take concentrated effort by Parks and Recreation Department Staff, and collaborative support and contribution from other City departments and partnerships. This chapter serves as a playbook, outlining steps and actions to achieve plan goals and the visions identified under each principle.

TIMING

The action items are identified in three phases (short-, mid-, and long- term). Short-term action items are anticipated to be within 2-5 years, midterm 5-10 years, and long term 10 plus years.

RESPONSIBLE PARTY

It is important to identify the entity in charge of initiating the action. This helps assign responsibility and consider opportunities for crossover and collaboration between city departments. This can also help maintain momentum for implementing the plan. The matrix also identifies key partners that may help support implementation.

Prioritize connections between parks and open space, residences, and schools to advance efforts of environmental justice.

Identify nodes or areas where bike network intersects with parks and ensure that they provide further connectivity to the system.

Utilize the parks and open space system to solve identified first mile/last mile conflicts for Citilink users.

When creating a park plan, continue engaging community members to understand the features and amenities that will best serve neighborhoods.

When replacing elements in poor condition or at the end of their life cycle, explore options that follow Universal Design Guidelines.

Promote inclusion in park spaces, facilities, and programs.

Invest in park spaces that are in poor condition or where system gaps have been identified, starting with those located in High Priority Equity Areas.

Collaborate with City leadership to clarify staff roles and responsibilities for addressing unhoused populations in park spaces.

Incorporate diverse cultural and historical education opportunities in both new and existing programming, where appropriate.

Create and/or maintain partnerships with organizations focused on accessibility and inclusivity.

Honor Indigenous stories and language through partnerships, programming, ceremonies, land management, signage and interpretation, and proactive community engagement.

Strengthen the relationship between Fort Wayne Board of Park Commissioners and the Fort Wayne Public Arts Commission to explore financially sustainable options for the creation and enjoyment of public art in park spaces that honors the diverse heritages and histories of the community.

Honor the culture, storytelling, art, and history of traditionally marginalized communities.

Encourage increased diversity of members within the Fort Wayne Board of Park Commissioners and department staff through emphasizing the importance of having representation of diverse backgrounds in Fort Wayne.

Ensure that diversity is reflected in advertisements and communication of parks and park programming through images and text choice.

Revise current parks naming policy to provide a comprehensive process for naming parks and park features.

Work interdepartmentally to develop collective learning opportunities for staff and City leaders that educate on appropriate practices for Indigenous acknowledgment, gender inclusion, and racial and socioeconomic equity.

Build relationships with trusted community partners to reach under-represented groups and young people, beginning with the Trust for Public Land Park Equity Accelerator program.

Deputy Director of Planning and Development

Recreational Trail Grants, SRTS, NLT, Parks and Trails Legacy Grant, FW Right of Way, FW Public Works Short-term

Deputy Director of Planning and Development IDOT, CDBG Short-term

Deputy Director of Planning and Development and Marketing Lead

See Parks and Recreation Providers list Ongoing

Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Adopt-a-Park, fundraising, user fees, CDBG, partnerships Ongoing

Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Adopt-a-Park, fundraising, user fees, CDBG, partnerships

Deputy Director of Planning and Development

Deputy Director of Recreation Short-term

Deputy Director of Recreation YMCA, Visit Fort Wayne, Boys and Girls Club, United Front, Library and Schools Ongoing

Deputy Director of Planning and Development and Marketing Lead

Adopt-a-Park,naming rights and sponsorships, fundraising, partnerships

Board of Park Commissioners Adopt-a-Park, naming rights and sponsorships, fundraising, Fort Wayne Public Arts Commission Short-term

Board of Park Commissioners

Require that all new park development and existing park improvement projects are driven by a robust and communitybased engagement and design process.

Develop a partnership with local Home Owners Associations to ensure that parks and recreation needs of neighborhood associations’ are being met.

Partner with Community Development Neighborhood Activation Group in their efforts with neighborhood scale planning.

Deputy Director of Recreation and Marketing Lead

Deputy Director of Planning and Development and Marketing Lead

Deputy Director of Planning and Development and Marketing Lead

Deputy Director of Planning and Development and Board of Park Commissioners

YMCA, Visit Fort Wayne, Boys and Girls Club, United Front, Library and Schools

YMCA, Visit Fort Wayne, Boys and Girls Club, United Front, FW Library, FW Community Schools

Deputy Director of Planning and Development Home Owners Association Boards Short-term

Deputy Director of Planning and Development and Marketing Lead

See Parks and Recreation Providers list Short-term

Short-term (2-5 years)

Mid-term (5-10 years)

Long-term (10+ years)

Provide innovative opportunities to lower barriers to accessing parks, open spaces, and recreation amenities.

Realize a vision that every household is within a 25-minute bike, or transit ride of a destination park with consideration of the recreation offered by sub-divisions.

Evaluate potential partnerships with Citilink and other transportation providers for coupling public transportation passes with program registrations to ease access barriers.

Design and retrofit streets to promote safety and comfort for all users with sidewalks, human-scale lighting, street trees, crosswalks, protected bike lanes, narrow vehicle lanes and reduced speed limits.

Place accessible signage and wayfinding that help to guide and attract people to the park.

Work with Transportation and Public Works to develop maintenance strategies and funding streams that ensure walking, rolling and biking infrastructure is well-maintained over time.

Develop a Shared Use Agreement template to encourage other public and private entities to permit public access to their park and outdoor amenities.

Implement an access pass program for facilities and activities to provide free access for households based on SNAP eligibility; publicize the access pass program widely and in partnership with other entities such as schools, libraries, and places of worship.

Develop a universal park sign displayed throughout the system that allows residents and visitors to easily identify Fort Wayne’s public parks and open spaces.

Ensure that all signs are multilingual to reflect user demographics.

Support visitor navigation and engagement through a user-friendly system of trailheads, signage, wayfinding, social media and other communication tools, and interpretive elements.

When planning trailheads and interpretive elements, follow principles of context sensitive design, which calls for designs that are tailored to preserve, enhance, or respond to the local community and environment.

Incorporate Playground Communication Boards at all park playgrounds.

Deputy Director of Planning and Development

Recreational Trail Grants, SRTS, NLT, Parks and Trails Legacy Grant, CDBG, IDOT, home owners/ neighborhood associations

Deputy Director of Planning and Development and Director of Recreation

Recreational Trail Grants, SRTS, NLT, Parks and Trails Legacy Grant, CDBG, IDOT Mid-term

Deputy Director of Planning and Development

Recreational Trail Grants, SRTS, NLT, Parks and Trails Legacy Grant, CDBG, IDOT

Deputy Director of Planning and Development and Deputy of Park Maintenance

Adopt-a-Park,naming rights and sponsorships, adopt-a-trail, partnerships

Deputy Director of Planning and Development Recreational Trail Grants, SRTS, NLT, Parks and Trails Legacy Grant, CDBG, IDOT, Transportation and Public Works

Deputy Director of Planning and Development Developers, business-owners, home owners/ neighborhood Associations

Manager of Finance and Deputy Director of Recreation Grants, fundraising, operational partnerships, outdoor recreation grant program, Iron Range resources and rehabilitation board

Deputy Director of Planning and Development, Deputy of Park Maintenance, and Marketing Lead

Deputy Director of Planning and Development, Deputy of Park Maintenance, and Marketing Lead

Deputy Director of Planning and Development

Deputy Director of Planning and Development and Marketing Lead

Adopt-a-Park, naming rights and sponsorships, adopt-a-trail, partnerships

Fort Wayne inclusion and multicultural groups (United Front, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, etc) Ongoing

Fort Wayne inclusion and multicultural groups (United Front, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, etc)

Ongoing

Short-term (2-5 years)

Mid-term (5-10 years)

Long-term (10+ years)

Adopt-a-Park, naming rights and sponsorships, adopt-a-trail, partnerships Mid-term

Determine guidelines with specific goals based on park classification type to standardize accessibility.

Realize a vision for interconnected and continuous greenway trails and linear parks that follow rivers, highway underpasses, former railroads, and other corridors.

Build on bike and pedestrian planning and connect to regional trails beyond the city limits to adjacent municipalities.

Realize a vision for blueway trails along the river and navigable creeks. Create new opportunities, such as classes, for people to access water recreation safely and freely

Require that all new developments have an element of transportation and connectivity considerations and provide land to balance the park needs of their residents within the review process.

Continue to prioritize constructing pedestrian bridges where access across the water is limited.

Coordinate with Public Works to codify vehicular bridges to allow pedestrian access.

Prioritize annexation zones that will create connectivity to ensure that surrounding areas feel that they are a part of the system.

Revisit historic parks and boulevards envisioned by Kessler and Jaenicke to preserve their intent and function.

Coordinate with Public Works on pilot projects for one to two parkways to demonstrate different landscape treatments for improved appearance and sustainability and install walking paths.

Update and formalize the process for naming parks and facilities to accurately reflect up-to-date values. Ensure that the policy has mechanisms for renaming to provide recourse if values of the name no longer reflect the values of the City and/or Parks and Recreation Department.

Deputy Director of Planning and Development

Recreational Trail Grants, SRTS, NLT, Parks and Trails Legacy Grant, adopt-a-trail, CDBG, IDOT

Deputy Director of Planning and Development Recreational Trail Grants, NLT, Parks and Trails Legacy Grant, adopt-atrail, regional partnerships, IDOT, Allen County, FW Public Works, FW Right of Way Department Long-term

Deputy Director of Planning and Development Recreational Trail Grants, NLT, Parks and Trails Legacy Grant, adopt-atrail, regional partnerships, IDOT, Allen County

Deputy Director of Planning and Development FW Public Works, FW Right of Way Department, park dedication fee

Deputy Director of Planning and Development Recreational Trail Grants, NLT, Parks and Trails Legacy Grant, adopt-atrail, regional partnerships, IDOT, Allen County, Capital Improvement Fund, TIF

Deputy Director of Planning and Development Zoning incentives and bonuses Long-term

Deputy Director of Planning and Development Zoning incentives and bonuses, development impact fees, City Council, P and Z Commission

Deputy Director of Planning and Development Capital Improvement Fund, TIF, Public Works

Improve marketing efforts to ensure best practices.

Update the marketing manual with policies and procedures. Clarify the difference in advertising and sponsorship. For events that have sponsors, identify how partners will be tagged.

Complete an analysis of marketing and communication resources to identify the desired target market and the best suited tactics.

Board of Park Commissioners Adopt-a-Park, naming rights and sponsorships, adopt-a-trail, partnerships

Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Marketing Lead

Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Marketing Lead Community partners, local media groups, and community members

Short-term (2-5 years)

Mid-term (5-10 years)

Long-term (10+ years)

programming

Focus Fort Wayne’s programming infrastructure at designated district- or community-level parks with the facilities and acreage to accommodate robust programs with extended hours; appropriate equipment and safety measures; and strong staff, coaching and administrative support. Ensure these facilities are distributed city-wide for access by walking, biking and transit.

Support a dynamic programming evaluation process for all program offerings and options for adjusting programs and/or resources, as needed, based on evaluation outcomes.

Apply consistent program metrics and benchmarks, such as a minimum number of registrants, to ensure enrollment, attendance, budget, and cost recovery are meeting established goals.

Monitor program trends against regional and national offerings to ensure that programs are current and reflect evolving recreational interests.

Survey residents annually to ensure that park programming meets the needs of the population.

Balance maintenance, reinvestment, and new construction to meet current and future system needs within a sustainable staff and financial capacity.

Revise the zoning code in regard to public and recreation spaces to create quality parks and amenities that better serve the needs of the residents.

Deputy Director of Recreation Grants, fundraising, operational partnerships, outdoor recreation grant program, user fees, Iron Range resources and rehabilitation board

Deputy Director of Recreation Grants, fundraising, operational partnerships Short-term

Deputy Director of Recreation and Manager of Finance

Deputy Director of Recreation

Evaluate the current cost recovery system to determine if it adequately covers the cost for recreational programming. Manager of Finance

Implement systems with long lifecycles and low maintenance requirements wherever possible throughout the park system.

Evaluate new opportunities for revenue generation at sites where user, parking or event fees might be appropriate.

Establish park visitation baseline metrics.

Adopt park design standards that enumerate goals per acre by park classification for new park development and reinvestment projects.

Prioritize bringing park amenities into operating condition or, where necessary, removing or consolidating amenities.

Utilize maintenance standard guidelines for all park classification types to establish a service standard for new park and park improvement projects

Establish a method to account for the costs of maintaining individual parks.

Assess the potential for expansion of small parks and/or land acquisition to increase the size of parks and the amenities they offer.

Redevelop Legacy Parks in a way that preserves their historic integrity and does not jeopardize their registration status.

Revise subdivision standards to set detailed requirements for open space and including the Parks Department in planning to ensure that it is a usable, sustainable community benefit. Standards may include requirements for maintenance plans, connectivity, and universal design.

Deputy Director of Recreation

Marketing Lead Grants, fundraising, operational partnerships, outdoor recreation grant program, user fees

Deputy Director of Planning and Development

Deputy Director of Planning and Development

Deputy Director of Park Maintenance

Deputy Director of Park Maintenance Fort Wayne Community Development

Manager of Finance

Manager of Finance Fort Wayne Community Development

Deputy Director of Planning and Development Fort Wayne Community Development

Deputy Director of Planning and Development Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council

Short-term (2-5 years)

Mid-term (5-10 years)

Long-term (10+ years)

Increase Fort Wayne’s

Promote and support volunteerism to sustainably enhance and maintain the quality of park spaces.

Define and expand viable volunteer opportunities that support the stewardship, and/or care of park spaces for both one-time volunteer groups (e.g., litter clean-ups) and on-going volunteers (e.g., adopt programs).

Nurture relationships with local user groups, such as trail groups, advocacy groups, environmental partners, and volunteers supporting project development, implementation, programming, and maintenance efforts.

Support a culture of volunteerism, and help keep parks, trails, and open spaces in a state of good repair throughout all seasons, by providing educational opportunities for trail users on how to become trail stewards (i.e., proper trail etiquette, adapting to seasonal changes, leave no trace principles, etc.).

Develop a toolkit for fundraising for park maintenance and updates.

Develop a new position, Volunteer Coordinator, to manage and organize volunteers within the system.

Expand revenue generating activities in park spaces by creating a coordinated marketing strategy and utilizing staff resources to promote activities, park space events, and activity rentals.

Increase park staffing and funding to be in line with industry standards.

Publish an annual ‘State of the Parks” report that compiles existing financial and performance reporting, to paint a picture of citywide parks and recreation and build public trust and transparency in how dollars are spent. Explore creation of a system to capture reporting from other parks and recreation providers where possible.

With the Community Development Department, convene City, School Board, Housing Authority, Sewage and Water and other public and private institutions for a coordinated review of vacant or surplus landholdings to determine highest and best use, including identification of lands for parks, open space, and resilience. Repeat this exercise every three to five years to identify opportunities for new parkland, open space preservation and the co-location of public amenities such as parks, housing, and schools.

Identify mitigation tactics for park properties that may be impacted by flooding, rising water, or other hazards.

Prioritize a list of trail enhancement and creation projects remaining to be implemented from previous trail plans and create a timeline for capital investments.

Link undeveloped recreational land to existing parks through trail corridor connectivity.

Deputy Director of Park Maintenance

Board of Park Commissioners

Offer safe, sustainable, and diverse user experiences throughout the parks and open space system

Promote understanding and safety of all system users by indicating the park or trail type and uses on signs across the park system.

Incorporate engaging and educational interpretive signage in natural areas to encourage land stewardship.

Enhance existing reporting tools for documenting community needs, safety, system concerns, issues, and ideas.

Address the eroded sections of the streambank along the riverfront.

Given their ecological importance and vulnerability to flooding, prioritize resilience and conservation when improving parks along the river.

Deputy Director of Park Maintenance

Deputy Director of Park Maintenance and Manager of Finance

Deputy Director of Park Maintenance

Deputy Director of Recreation

Manager of Finance and Marketing Lead

Deputy Director of Planning and Development Community Development Department, School Board, Housing Authority, Sewage and Water and other public and private institutions

Deputy Director of Planning and Development Utilities, Engineering, Flood Control, Public Works, IDNR, IEPA

Deputy Director of Planning and Development Recreational Trail Grants, SRTS, NLT, Parks and Trails Legacy Grant, adopt-a-trail, CDBG, IDOT

Deputy Director of Planning and Development Public Works

Deputy Director of Planning and Development Recreational Trail Grants, SRTS, NLT, Parks and Trails Legacy Grant, adopt-a-trail, CDBG, IDOT

Deputy Director of Planning and Development and Marketing

Public Works, IDNR, IEPA

Deputy Director of Park Maintenance

Deputy Director of Park Maintenance

Deputy Director of Park Maintenance

Short-term (2-5 years)

Mid-term (5-10 years)

Long-term (10+ years)

Army Corps of Engineers, Utilities, Engineering, Flood Control, Public Works, IDNR, IEPA

Army Corps of Engineers, Utilities, Engineering, Flood Control, Public Works, IDNR, IEPA

Identify new opportunities for paid programming at underutilized facilities in parks and recreation in Fort Wayne.

Analyze destination parks and ensure that each has unique characteristics and distinctive qualities.

Consider the potential to require private development to support park, open space, and riverfront connectivity within the zoning code.

Identify new opportunities for publicprivate partnerships for parks and recreation in Fort Wayne.

Assess the potential to expand existing parks to utilize them as community centers for neighborhood gathering.

Evaluate internal and external program offerings to identify community recreation programming gaps, potential new program offerings, and areas for expanded and more formalized partnerships between Parks and Recreation and other community recreation service providers.

Foster connections among community recreation providers through keeping open communication to receive and respond to feedback and inform the community of recreation opportunities.

Host popular activities in under-utilized park spaces that are well maintained to better activate and increase awareness of those park spaces

Collaborate with the public to better use and improve park spaces for building a sense of community and togetherness, including consideration of resources, policies, volunteer availability, maintenance, and activating different park types.

Develop event infrastructure for neighborhood and community parks throughout the system, including, as appropriate, seating, power, lighting, etc.

Collaborate with local organizations to expand and strengthen opportunities for third-party entities to provide small-scale, popup park amenities that invite social interactions.

Activate parks spaces to support local, generational, social, and cultural interactions.

Review and revise plans, policies, and ordinances to better facilitate commercial operations and activate community spaces, including operations for food trucks, market vendors, e-mobility, beer gardens, and entertainment providers.

Identify opportunities for storytelling and signage to create or enhance a sense of identity and history in parks and open spaces.

Incorporate Universal Design guidelines in all new and updated parks and open spaces.

Deputy Director of Planning and Development Community Development, Planning and Zoning Commission, and City Council

Deputy Director of Planning and Development Community Development,

and Zoning Commission, and City Council

Deputy Director of Recreation See Parks and Recreation Providers list Short-term

Short-term (2-5 years)

Mid-term (5-10 years)

Long-term (10+ years)

Incorporate ADA design best practices for developed water access points, such as mobi-mats and on-site water wheelchair rentals.

Deputy Director of Recreation and Marketing See Parks and Recreation Providers list

Deputy Director of Recreation Board of Parks Commissioners, Chamber of Commerce and FW Public Works

Deputy Director of Recreation and Planning and Development

Board of Parks Commissioners, Chamber of Commerce and FW Public Works

Deputy Director of Recreation NRPA Grants, AARP Grants, fundraising, operational partnerships, FW Engineering FW Public Works

Deputy Director of Planning and Development Grants, fundraising, operational partnerships Short-term

Deputy Director of Planning and Development Community Development, Planning and Zoning Commission, and City Council Mid-term

Deputy Director of Planning and Development and Marketing Community Development, Planning and Zoning Commission, and City Council Mid-term

Deputy Director of Planning and Development

NRPA Grants, AARP Grants, FW Utilities, FW Engineering, FW Flood Control, FW Public Works, IDNR, IEPA

Deputy Director of Planning and Development NRPA Grants, AARP Grants, FW Utilities, FW Engineering, FW Flood Control, FW Public Works, IDNR, IEPA Mid-term

Care for and activate the rivers that run through the city

Develop additional fishing access points and launches for boats, stand up paddle boards and kayaks in coordination with parking lots.

Increase year-round activities that attract people to the river for entertainment, recreation, and gathering to enhance its activation and value.

Increase river views and access through new overlooks and ongoing maintenance of riparian vegetation.

Deputy Director of Recreation FW Engineering, FW Flood Control, FW Public Works, IDNR, IEPA

Strengthen river infrastructure to protect communities from flooding, encourages safe recreation, and restores native plant, fish, and wildlife populations.

Deputy Director of Recreation Chamber of Commerce, Community Development, Public Works, IDNR, IEPA

Deputy Director of Park Maintenance

FW Right of Way, FW Public Works, IDNR, IEPA, Recreational Trail Grants, SRTS, NLT, Parks and Trails Legacy Grant

Deputy Director of Park Maintenance Engineering, Flood Control, Public Works, IDNR, IEPA

Create a unified identity for the waterbodies in Fort Wayne. Fort Wayne Marketing Team Chamber of Commerce, Community Development, Public Works, IDNR, IEPA

Maximize the river as an opportunity to increase multimodal connections on and along the river through blueways and greenways.

Develop an Urban Forestry Master Plan that establishes metrics for the urban tree canopy, increases tree canopy across the city, with a focus on equitable distribution of tree cover

Change the City code to make tree protection ordinances enforceable. Utilize partnerships to assist in enforcing tree protection ordinances.

Identify opportunities to incentivize tree planting and preservation by private developers.

Deputy Director of Planning and Development Utilities, Engineering, Flood Control, Public Works, IDNR, IEPA

Deputy Director of Planning and Development

FW Streets, FW Right of Way, FW Public Works, IDNR, IEPA

Deputy Director of Planning and Development Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council, Public Works, IDNR, IEPA

Deputy Director of Planning and Development

FW Streets, FW Right of Way, FW Public Works, IDNR, IEPA

Preserve and enhance the city’s tree canopy

Develop partnerships to help execute the 5-year plan’s goal of planting 200 trees per year.

Deputy Director of Planning and Development

FW Streets, FW Right of Way, FW Public Works, IDNR, IEPA

Short-term (2-5 years)

Mid-term (5-10 years)

Long-term (10+ years)

Evaluate current Forestry budget and workforce to determine necessary resources to accomplish tree canopy goals.

Manager of Finance

FW Streets, FW Right of Way, FW Public Works, IDNR, IEPA

Preserve prioritized open land

Establish a process to collect and analyze data that will be used to determine the most ecologically valuable open spaces.

Create an acquisition plan to prioritize parcels that link and create contiguous green network with goals around wildlife habitat provision, conserving and enhancing vegetation quality and water quality management

Based on size and context, identify existing parks that should be dedicated as passive greenspace with stormwater, habitat, and beautification benefits rather than active recreation. Make this the first step toward a comprehensive urban habitat system that delivers citywide benefits—shade, biodiversity, beauty, and clean air and water—while supporting flood mitigation and resilience.

Along with the current Parks Land Use Policy, adopt a “no net loss” ordinance to protect parkland from encroachments and alternative uses. Adopt appropriate zoning to protect parkland and encourage compatible development at the perimeters of parks.

Identify and prioritize preservation of habitats that offer critical ecological functions and develop mechanisms to protect, restore, and expand these habitat.

Continue using native plants in new public landscape projects and educational outreach with partners on the benefits of native landscaping/plants.

Identify and map existing wetlands and seasonal ponds for further protection, maintenance, and restoration, while also considering locations for new wetland installation.

Maintain current programs that support pollinator habitat, e.g., Salomon Farms parking lot pollinator gardens, and recreation programming geared to outdoor activities, children’s bee classes, and guided hikes about plants, free or low cost.

Increase the parks and open space system as a tactic of climate-resiliency through implementing the climate adaptation strategies developed by Sustaining Fort Wayne Plan

Emphasize the use of riverfront parks for flood retention to increase the resiliency of the city.

Utilize green infrastructure (ex: rain gardens, green roofs, native planting, biofiltration swales) throughout parks in collaboration with those required or encouraged in street design and private development.

Identify opportunities for low maintenance design, such as low-mow plants and native plantings, to decrease the necessary upkeep.

Identify impaired streams in need of ecological improvement.

Coordinate with City Utilities and other City Departments to prioritize and implement Green Infrastructure and Sustainability efforts to meet or exceed Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems Permit requirements.

Deputy Director of Planning and Development Allen County, Utilities, Engineering, Public Works, IDNR, IEPA Mid-term

Deputy Director of Planning and Development City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, FW Right of Way, FW Public Works, IDNR, IEPA, Recreational Trail Grants, SRTS, NLT, Parks and Trails Legacy Grant

Deputy Director of Planning and Development FW Utilities, FW Engineering, FW Flood Control, FW Public Works, IDNR, IEPA

Deputy Director of Planning and Development City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, FW Right of Way, FW Public Works, FW Utilities, FW Engineering, FW Public Works

Deputy Director of Planning and Development

FW Utilities, FW Engineering, FW Public Works, IDNR, IEPA

Deputy Director of Planning and Development and Deputy Director of Park Maintenance

Deputy Director of Planning and Development

FW Community Development, FW Utilities, FW Engineering, FW Flood Control, FW Public Works, IDNR, IEPA Ongoing

FW Utilities, FW Engineering, FW Flood Control, FW Public Works, IDNR, IEPA

Deputy Director of Recreation FW Public Works, IDNR, IEPA Ongoing

Short-term (2-5 years)

Mid-term (5-10 years)

Long-term (10+ years)

Deputy Director of Planning and Development FW Utilities, FW Engineering, FW Flood Control, FW Public Works, IDNR, IEPA

Deputy Director of Planning and Development FW Utilities, FW Engineering, FW Flood Control, FW Public Works

Deputy Director of Planning and Development FW Utilities, FW Engineering, FW Public Works

Deputy Director of Planning and Development FW Flood Control, IDNR, IEPA

Deputy Director of Planning and Development FW Utilities, FW Engineering, FW Flood Control, FW Public Works, IDNR, IEPA

APPENDIX

A. Park Classifications and Inventory

B. Partner Survey Results

C. Public Survey Results

D. Community Workshop 1 Results

E. Community Workshop 2 Results

F. Social Pinpoint Results

G. Community Profile

H. Previous Plan Review

I. Full Recreation and Staffing Assessment

J. Recreation Trends

K. Park Conditions Assessment

Landscape Architecture Planning

Urban Design

Strategic Services

125 South Clark Street Suite 660 Chicago, Illinois 60603 312.360.1736 designworkshop.com

MEMORANDUM

To: City of Fort Wayne Staff

From: Design Workshop: Brian Corrie, Alexandra Pollock, Ashley McKnight

Date: March 31, 2023

Project Name: Fort Wayne Park System

Project #: 7037

Subject: Fort Wayne Park Classifications and Inventory

SIZE SERVICE AREA

Mini/Pocket Park

1 acre or less 1/4 mile radius (5-minute walk)

Mini Parks are small parks that pack a punch. Their Minimal amenities selected to serve their context. In Griswold Street Playground, design and amenities residential neighborhoods Summit Street vary depending on their they may have a small Block, West context and intended use. playground or picnic Central Playlot shelter for nearby families; in an urban environment, they may have gardens, art or places of respite.

Neighborhood Park

1.5-10 acres 1/2 mile radius Neighborhood Parks Relatively small parks in Klug Park, Bowser (10-minute walk) are relatively small parks residential areas. Mixed Park, Franklin located in residential large and small amenities- School Park, Gren neighborhoods. These -such as open lawns, Park parks serve specific pavilions, playgrounds, neighborhoods and have sports courts and fieldsamenities that reflect -provide both active those neighborhoods' and passive recreation characteristics and needs. for nearby residents for Neighborhood Parks daily leisure periods. should be welcoming and May have wide range of accessible for children, amenities depending on family groups, small neighborhood needs. Onneighborhood gatherings, street parking is typically and senior citizens. adequate. Should be centrally located within the neighborhood, with safe walking and bicycle access.

Community Park

10-30 acres 1-mile radius (20-minute walk)

Community Parks meet the day-to-day park and recreational needs of Fort Wayne residents. These parks are a focal point for communitywide activities and group gatherings. They provide facilities that serve a broad audience and balance active and passive recreation needs. Community Parks usually have both day and evening activities and are distributed throughout the city.

Common facilities include Community Centers, large play structures and sports fields, plus restrooms and lighting. Often allow for group activities not feasible nor desirable at the neighborhood level due to noise, lights, traffic, etc. May include paved areas for court games, picnic tables and shelters. Portions of land may include natural areas for outdoor recreation.

Vesey Park, Lions Park, Hamilton Park, Lakeside Park

SIZE SERVICE AREAS SITE CHARACTERISTICS PURPOSE AND FUNCTION LOCATION EXAMPLES

Regional Park

10-50 acres City and broader region Regional Parks serve the entire community, including those in and around Fort Wayne, with their unique amenities. These parks bring people together at communitywide events and promote tourism and economic development.

Open Space/Green Space

Park amenities, special events and unique landscapes make these parks destinations and attractions. Special features such as stages, waterbodies or historic sites may add to the park's character. Amenity expectations may include restrooms, parking, lighting, concessions, facilities for rental/ reservation, and expression of history, art and culture.

Promenade Park, Franke Park, Foster park

Size varies City and broader These spaces typically Natural land area with Orff Park, region provide environmental environmentally sensitive Williams Park, benefits, natural scenery, habitat and features, Noll Park and unique features. and riverfront areas and They afford a pleasant floodplains and creek environment to engage corridors. in passive recreation; preserve significant views and wildlife habitat; and provide outdoor and nature-oriented activities for residents and tourists. These lands protect

sensitive environmental features such as steep slopes, floodplains and wetlands.

Special Use

Size varies City and broader Special Use Facilities are Characteristics and River Greenway, region parks with recreational amenities vary based on Brookview Park, facilities that serve special use purpose. Hurshtown specific types of users Reservoir from across the city and region such as soccer and softball teams, disc golf players and skateboarders.

PARK NAME CLASSIFICATION

Griswold Avenue Playlot

Wells Street Park

Summit Street Block Park

West Central Playlot

Boone Street Playlot

Bass Playground

Miner Playground

Brackenridge Playground

John Street Park

Eastside Playlot

Turpie Playlot

Thieme Drive Overlook

Japanese Friendship Garden

Little Turtle memorial Park

Rudisill/Fairfield Park

Waynedale Gardens

Old Fort Park

Klug Park

Mini/Pocket Park

Mini/Pocket Park

Mini/Pocket Park

Mini/Pocket Park

Mini/Pocket Park

Mini/Pocket Park

Mini/Pocket Park

Mini/Pocket Park

Mini/Pocket Park

Mini/Pocket Park

Mini/Pocket Park

Mini/Pocket Park

Mini/Pocket Park

Mini/Pocket Park

Mini/Pocket Park

Mini/Pocket Park

Mini/Pocket Park

Neighborhood Park

Bowser Park Neighborhood Park

Franklin School Park

Neighborhood Park

Gren Park Neighborhood Park

Freimann Square

Neighborhood Park

Guidlin Park Neighborhood Park

Camp Allen Park

Neighborhood Park

Moody Park Neighborhood Park

Justin Study Park Neighborhood Park

Jehl Park Neighborhood Park

Hanna Homestead Park Neighborhood Park

Packard Park Neighborhood Park

Kettler Park Neighborhood Park

Lafayette Park Neighborhood Park

Brewer Park Neighborhood Park

Casselwood Park Neighborhood Park

Psi Ote Park Neighborhood Park

Waynedale Park Neighborhood Park

Courthouse Green Neighborhood Park

Robert E Meyers Park Neighborhood Park

Ronald G Repka Memorial Park Neighborhood Park

Rea Park Neighborhood Park

McCulloch Park * Neighborhood Park

Sheldon Drive Park Neighborhood Park

Vesey Park Community Park

Lions Park Community Park

Hamilton Park Community Park

Lakeside Park Community Park

Ivan Lebamoff Reservoir Park Community Park

Indian Village Park Community Park

Headwaters Park West Community Park

Headwaters Park East Community Park

Foster Park West Community Park

Bloomingdale Park Community Park

Buckner Park Community Park

Kreager Park Community Park

Tillman Park Community Park

Salomon Farm Park Community Park

Swinney Park Community Park

East Swinney Park Community Park

Bob Arnold Northside Park Community Park

Lawton Park Community Park

McMillen Park * Community Park

Weisser Park * Community Park

Rockhill Park * Community Park

McCormick Park * Community Park

Johnny Appleseed Park Regional Park

Promenade Park Regional Park

Franke Park * Regional Park

Foster Park Regional Park

Shoaff Park Regional Park

Orff Park

Seiling Park

Williams Park

Nuckols Park *

East Central Park

Roosevelt Park

Noll Park

Hanna’s Ford

Trader’s Point

Open Space/Green Space

Open Space/Green Space

Open Space/Green Space

Open Space/Green Space

Open Space/Green Space

Open Space/Green Space

Open Space/Green Space

Open Space/Green Space

Open Space/Green Space

Wells Street Bridge Special Use

Historic Old Fort *

Community Center

Jennings Center

Foellinger Freimann Botanical Conservatory

Lindenwood Nature Preserve

Daryl B Cobin Memorial Park

Special Use

Special Use

Special Use

Special Use

Special Use

Special Use

Mason Drive Park Special Use

River Greenway

Special Use

Brookview Park Special Use

Hurshtown Reservoir Special Use

* Historic Parks - Parks, boulevards, and parkways that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These parks have a historic connection to the 1912 Kessler Plan and are in-tended to preserve Fort Wayne’s culture, history, and ecology.

Answered: 22 Skipped: 2

Q4 My organization’s current relationship with Fort Wayne Parks is best described as:

Answered: 22 Skipped: 2

ANSWER CHOICES

A direct partnership (cooperative programming, shared resources, etc.)

An indirect partnership (share regular communications, serve on same committees, etc.) Mutual awareness but no current cooperation or regular contact

Q5 Which statement(s) best describes how you envision your future relationship with Fort Wayne Parks?

We are an integral par...

We would like to work more...

I support Fort Wayne Parks ...

If Fort Wayne Parks...

ANSWER CHOICES

We are an integral part of each other’s work

We would like to work more directly on some programming or initiatives

I support Fort Wayne Parks but don’t see a specific role for them in our work or us in theirs.

If Fort Wayne Parks did/offered ______ we could work together

Answered: 22 Skipped: 2 TOTAL 22

# IF FORT WAYNE PARKS DID/OFFERED ______ WE COULD WORK TOGETHER DATE There are no responses.

Q6 How often do you personally use Fort Wayne’s parks, open spaces, and recreation facilities?

Answered: 24 Skipped: 0

Parks (neighborhoo...

Greenways (biking,...

Rivers (kayak/canoe...

Recreation centers (ind...

Parks (neighborhood parks, squares, playgrounds, sports fields, etc.)

Greenways (biking, walking paths)

Rivers (kayak/canoe launches, swimming, etc.)

Recreation centers (indoor fitness, classes, games, camps, etc.)

Q7 In general, how would you rate the park system?

Answered: 23 Skipped: 1

Excellent, continuously...

Good but room for improvement

Fair but lots of work stil...

Poor, falls behind peer...

ANSWER CHOICES

Excellent, continuously improving, provides opportunities for everyone

Good but room for improvement

Fair but lots of work still to do

Poor, falls behind peer community standards

Q8 What are the TOP FIVE most important park sports/fitness facilities?

Answered: 23 Skipped: 1

Recreation center

Swimming pool

Bike trails

Outdoor

Skate park

Disc golf course

Golf course

Soccer field

Football field

Baseball/softba ll diamond

Basketball court

Pickleball court

Tennis court

Other (please specify)

Skate

Disc

Golf

Soccer

Football

Baseball/softball

Basketball

Pickleball

Tennis

Other (please specify)

Total Respondents: 23

Q9 What are the TOP FIVE most important other type of parks facilities?

Answered: 23 Skipped: 1

Nature center

Playground

Paved walking trails

Unpaved trails Community garden

Splash/spray water pad

Picnic, cookout, or...

Designated fishing area

Canoe and kayak launch

Dog run

Tennis court

Other (please specify)

Tennis court

Other (please specify)

Total Respondents: 23

Q10

Answered: 21 Skipped: 3

Events and programming...

Support for basic...

Build new structures a...

Other (please specify)

ANSWER CHOICES

Events and programming that respond to community-specific needs.

Support for basic maintenance and repairs equally across all parks.

Build new structures and facilities to meet specific community needs.

Expand the number and/or size of the parks and greenway system to provide more recreational opportunities.

Expand the number and/or size of parks and open spaces to protect habitat and benefit the environment.

Other (please specify)

Total Respondents: 21

Q11 When you imagine what Fort Wayne’s park system and open spaces could look like in 25 years, what are the most important community benefits you hope become part of the vision and roadmap provided by this Comprehensive Plan?

Answered: 23 Skipped: 1

Parks that promote soci...

Parks that improve...

Parks that protect... ‘Destination’ parks and...

Neighborhood parks that m...

Sports and recreation...

Park-based activities a...

High-quality and connecte...

Least Impo Somewhat I Most Impor

Parks that promote social connections

Parks that improve residents’ health and wellness

Parks that protect environmental health and natural resources (e.g. stormwater, air quality and habitat)

‘Destination’ parks and outdoor areas that promote economic development

Neighborhood parks that meet the daily and year-round needs of nearby residents

Sports and recreation opportunities that are strategically located to meet local and regional demand

Park-based activities and programs that enliven communities (e.g. fitness classes, movie festivals, walking history tours)

High-quality and connected system of greenways and other bike/pedestrian amenities (paved trails) for getting around

Q12 Do you have a BIG IDEA(S) for the future of parks and recreation in Fort Wayne? If so, what is it?

Answered: 12 Skipped: 12

# RESPONSES

1 Bike, Skate, Skateboard, Dog, stroller "share" programs. Could the public "check out" these items for enjoyment in parks and trails? We don't have oceans or mountains.. what can we do

2

All existing parks have bike and pedestrian connections that connect externally to neighborhoods and trail systems. In addition, plenty of internal bike and pedestrian connections to provide direct access to assets and activities. Loop sidewalks and trails present at all parks to provide fitness opportunity without having to travel long distances from home.

3 I have heard rumors of a new outdoor entertainment venue being constructed on our downtown Riverfront. I would like to see a design take shape that follows national and international best practices for entertainment venue design.

DATE

7/21/2023 11:29 AM

6/29/2023 11:12 AM

6/29/2023 6:07 AM

4 further activation of the rivers 6/19/2023 2:42 PM

5 Committment that all Parks, facilities and programs be inclusive in nature including for people with disabilities 6/5/2023 12:10 PM

6

-A unique park attraction that is permanent, like something crazy like a Ferris wheel - or better yet, a double Ferris wheel! I know it is a long shot and probably carries a lot of liability but let's think "yes" and work to "no". We need an icon that is unique (something residents will love and use yet it draws visitors) in the Midwest and no better place for it than in one of our beautiful parks. -I also saw unique open space climbing/sitting LARGE art structures that depicted diversity of people in Huntsville, AL during GFW, Inc.'s intercity visit. I have photos if you would like to see. 6/4/2023 7:37 PM

7 Our parks system is fantastic as it currently is. I would only encourage the parks to look at maybe smaller parks/accessibility areas to connect neighborhoods. 6/1/2023 8:59 AM

8 Thanks for inclusion of various perspectives in the planning. 5/31/2023 4:57 PM

9 Strategic creation of 'pocket parks' and other green spaces within urban areas, as well as reintroduction of tree canopy. 5/31/2023 4:17 PM

Synth Jams 5/31/2023 3:23 PM

A campground along the future route of the Poka-Bache Trail. 5/31/2023 2:46 PM 12 Take care of what they already have!!! 5/31/2023 2:37 PM

Q13 Do you have ideas for a collaboration between your organization and Parks? If so, please share it.

# RESPONSES

1

Answered: 11 Skipped: 13

I would like to serve as an entertainment industry expert consultant during the design, build and possibly management phase of any new entertainment facilities.

2 Freimann Square is an integral part of the state designated Arts Campus Fort Wayne Cultural District. When Arts United completes the expansion and modernization of the Arts United Center in 2025, and the Lofts at Headwaters Park project opens in 2025, the Arts Campus/Freimann Square neighborhood will have a very different feel. The additional residents living in the new Lofts, expanded Arts Campus patrons and students, and also pedestrians accessing downtown via the new Veterans Memorial bridge will create a much more active neighborhood. I look forward to continuing a partnership between Arts United and Fort Wayne Parks to animate the neighborhood with positive activities that serve both the new residents and current patrons.

3

We operate the Parkview Family Park at the PRMC campus, which is attached to 7 miles of trails. While just outside the City limits, it could be a good northern location for programming.

DATE

6/29/2023 6:07 AM

6/28/2023 12:56 PM

6/19/2023 2:42 PM

4 Like to sit down and discuss 6/5/2023 12:10 PM

5

Just stay in touch with one another and know we are strong partners in quality of place and in the visitor economy for our parks. 6/4/2023 7:37 PM

6 Would like to envision how Middle Waves Festival can be part of the Parks system somehow. 6/1/2023 12:58 PM

7 When it makes sense for us to collaborate on specific projects that align with things that we are working on - we would love to further our relationship with the Parks Department.

8

The Historic Preservation staff is a resource that is often an afterthought. When we are involved earlier we can assist, when we aren't consulted it can sometimes be a lost opportunity to provide historic context for decisions and/or technical assistance with rehabilitation of park historic resources.

6/1/2023 8:59 AM

5/31/2023 4:57 PM

9 A vegetation maintenance plan which emphasizes stormwater benefits and removal of invasive species. 5/31/2023 4:17 PM

10 Tree identifications along the trail (like at PFW). A book trail in a park. 5/31/2023 2:46 PM

11

We'll figure it out. We have a great relationship so far 5/31/2023 2:37 PM

Q14 Please share any other thoughts or comments about the planning process or Fort Wayne’s system of parks and recreation.

Answered: 9 Skipped: 15

# RESPONSES

1 I believe it is essential to maintain, and/or expand the footprint of our urban tree canopy, which includes conserving stands of older growth established trees, all while maintaining our current entertainment facilities and building new innovative entertainment facilities to ensure we are able to compete as one of the most attractive cities in America.

2 I appreciate the thoughtfulness the Fort Wayne Parks team brings to this planning process. Looking into the future of the system, I think we want to utilize our parks, trails, and waterways as 1) points of departure, 2) vehicles for connectivity, 3) engaging mileposts on a journey, and 4) final destinations. Lakeside Park is a wonderful destination for the Lakeside neighborhood, but can also be a point of departure for a walk or ride to the Arts Campus, Promenade Park, or other points downtown. Foster Park is a beautiful destination, but can also be a point of departure for an excursion to Electric Works, Parkview Field, etc. Enhancing the interconnectivity of the system encourages health and fitness, encourages exploration, and leads to a greater sense of place and connection to our community.

3 I am currently unaware of the current planning process.

DATE

6/29/2023 6:07 AM

6/28/2023 12:56 PM

6/19/2023 2:42 PM

4 Include people with disabilities in the planning process 6/5/2023 12:10 PM

5 -I think having activities within the parks is so important – especially to visitors. We would love more accessible bathrooms at some of the parks, splash pads, and signage. -What would also be great is if parks had designated food truck parking or more options for drinks/snacks not just at promenade park. -Making sure they maintain public golf courses (visitor draw) and even giving more improvements to the campground as it is the only one we have in county. -Will West Central Playlot (West Brackenridge and Fairfield) be a part of the “Urban Trail” which will provide a connection from the Grand Wayne to Electric Works (via Parkview Field)? -Also, universal accessibility designs must be considered to be put into plans on all future remodel and new capital projects. We want to grow our quality of place to be a stellar destination in the Midwest for accessible tourism and for our disabled residents.

6

The planning process needs to be incredibly inclusive. An online survey is great but is not going to reach populations that OFTEN use the parks and don't typically have a voice. Someone should be physically out at some of the most used parks getting survey responses from the very diverse groups of people who use the parks on a daily basis. What's not in here is about camps. Parks offers fantastic camps for kids and if those could be expanded at all that would be great. Again - enhancing what parks already does really well.

7 Continue to be aware of the 20th century framework of the George Kessler-designed FW Park & Blvd System Historic District. It was both a park plan and Fort Wayne's first comprehensive plan. Like many cities, Fort Wayne's first urban planning organization was the Park Board. The Kessler plan guided much of the city's growth from 1911 to c.1955.

8 Having an equitable method of engaging Fort Wayne citizens is critical.

6/4/2023 7:37 PM

6/1/2023 8:59 AM

5/31/2023 4:57 PM

5/31/2023 4:17 PM

9 Their leadership is excellent 5/31/2023 3:23 PM

I

I

I

Q1 What is your relationship to Fort Wayne? (Select all that apply)

Answered:

Q2 How many years have you lived in Fort Wayne?

Answered: 245 Skipped: 0

years

years

years

Q3 In which age range do you fall?

Answered: 244 Skipped: 1

Q5 How often do you use Fort Wayne’s parks, open spaces, and recreation facilities?

Answered: 217 Skipped: 28

Parks (neighborhoo...

Greenways (bike, walki...

Rivers (canoe/kayak...

Recreation Centers (ind...

Daily Once a week Several tim… Once a mo… Every few Rarely or n

Parks (neighborhood parks, squares, playgrounds, sports fields, etc.)

Greenways (bike, walking paths)

Rivers (canoe/kayak launch, swimming, etc.)

Recreation Centers (indoor fitness facilities, classes, games, etc.)

DAILY ONCE A WEEK SEVERAL TIMES A MONTH

Q6 What, if anything, prevents you or others in your household from using Fort Wayne’s recreation facilities, programs, parks or natural lands more often? (Select up to 5 biggest reasons)

Answered: 207 Skipped: 38

Availability –Facilities...

Condition –Facilities I...

Cost –Facilities...

Crowding –Parks or...

Limited Access by...

Parking – Not enough easy...

Timing –Activities o...

Safety – Don’t feel safe at...

Information –Not sure whe...

None – I use it without a...

Other (please specify)

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Availability – Facilities and/or activities that interest me are not offered.

Condition – Facilities I want are available, but they’re in poor condition (e.g. littered, dilapidated, dirty).

Cost – Facilities and/or activities I want require fees or equipment that are not affordable.

Crowding – Parks or activities I want are offered, but they’re too crowded.

Limited Access by Walking/Cycling – Parks or activities are not easy to get to by walking/cycling.

Parking – Not enough easy parking available.

Timing – Activities or events are not offered at times that are convenient for me.

Safety – Don’t feel safe at parks or activities.

Information – Not sure where to find good information about parks and activities.

None – I use it without any barriers.

Other (please specify)

Respondents: 207

love evrything about the trails and canoeing work out everyday at the y and play pickleball and seem not to get free to do those before mentioned activites proud and thrilled we have them however

Prefer hiking on natural trails. None currently available. 8/30/2023 9:28 PM

I would like to use parks on the north and northeast sides - rarely have time to access 8/30/2023 3:01 PM 5 Foster Park is a fairly short walk away, but we have to walk on the street for much of that-would be nice to have more sidewalks on Old Mill 8/30/2023 1:47 PM

7 Sad the kids go back to school too soon and pools close during the hottest part of summer 8/20/2023 3:07 PM

Please take note of the wonderful park by the lake in Kendallville, it’s a large facility for baseball, softball, playing walking, soccer, etc. I’ve been extremely disappointed over the last 30 years at North Ft Wayne, where a huge amount of tax dollars come to our city from, Never had a park such as that. I want some thing out north that’s nice clean big green, maybe has a pool, biking and walking trail, in this day and age, I can’t even believe that North Ft Wayne doesn’t have some thing huge to facilitate the burgeoning number of people living out here 8/17/2023 8:17 AM

10 My own disability - I will be visiting parks daily or at minimum weekly again soon, I hope. Although I would go to the dog park now but I can't renew my membership online which is a shame.. that needs updated please! Getting to the office is much harder than doing it online and adds a second place I need to get a ride to.

11

Play equipment at some parks is isolated. Some parks are also too big to feel comfortable again as play equipment for grandkids is too far away from parking and too isolated.

12 I would like to use more but I don't know much about using the rivers, ie where to launch a kayak and where can I kayak too. And the classes seem to not be a great time because I work a lot. But when I do manage to sneak one in, I love them.

13 There are no swimming pools.

14 Trail access is not near me (Wheelock, Flutter, Schwartz area)

8/3/2023 4:30 PM

8/2/2023 8:18 AM

7/27/2023 3:09 PM

6/30/2023 9:15 AM

6/21/2023 8:42 AM

We sometimes can't access certain spaces because they don't incorporate universal design for our child with disabilities. Sometimes the accessible parking is blocked or misused. For safety, I don't feel safe run in the more secluded parks/trails as a woman.

to do at the park as far a

Many individuals with disabilities don't have internet and may not be aware of all the fun and exciting events going on in the city. Finding other ways to inform the community about events and functions going on in the community could be such a great benefit to more residents if they were more aware of things. I don't have the magical answer. But, there are has to be other ways to let people know about functions. The League could possibly put out a list monthly of events, functions going on in the community to our cosumers, with our CEO"s approval. This would let more people know about things. If ever agency would let there clients, consumers etc know about things are we benefiting the community.

Q7 There are many reasons that people use Fort Wayne’s park system and open spaces. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being extremely important, please rate how important each of these are to you and your household.

Answered: 217 Skipped: 28

Enjoying nature or...

Playing at playgrounds

Picnics, BBQs or other soc...

Arts and culture (pub...

Outdoor adventure...

Playing team sports

Events (community...

Outdoor time with pets

Physical health and wellbeing (walking, running, biking, exercising)

Mental health and wellbeing (relaxing, getting away, etc.)

Playing at playgrounds

Enjoying nature or wildlife Picnics, BBQs or other social gatherings

Arts and culture (public art, performances, classes, etc.)

Outdoor adventure (kayaking, skating, etc.)

Playing team sports

Outdoor time with pets

Events (community festivals, markets, etc.)

How do you typically reach your favorite park? (Choose all that apply)

Answered: 212 Skipped: 33

Walking, I have sidewal...

Walking, I have sidewalk and trail access to my favorite park.

Bike, I have a bike trail or bike lane to my favorite park.

Transit, a bus runs nearby my favorite park.

Car is the only way to get to my favorite park.

Other (please specify)

Respondents:

Q9 During the past year, which of the following facilities did your household use in Fort Wayne’s parks and open spaces? (Check all that apply)

Answered: 210 Skipped: 35

Nature center

Recreation center

Playground

Paved walking trails

Unpaved trails

Community garden

Splash/spray water pad

Bike trails

Skate park

Dog run

Disc golf course

Golf course

Swimming pool

Designated fishing area

Canoe and kayak launch

Picnic, cookout, or...

Soccer field

Football field

Baseball/softba ll diamond

Basketball court

Pickleball court

Tennis court

Community/youth centers

Rental pavilions

Mountain bike trails

Other (please specify)

Nature

Recreation

Playground

Paved walking trails

Unpaved trails

Community garden

Splash/spray water pad

Bike trails

Outdoor fitness equipment

Skate park

Dog run

Disc golf course

Golf course

Swimming pool

Designated fishing area

Canoe and kayak launch

Picnic, cookout, or small group gathering area

Soccer field

Football field

Baseball/softball diamond

Basketball court

Pickleball court

Tennis court

Community/youth centers

Rental pavilions

Mountain bike trails

Other (please specify)

Total Respondents: 210

Q10 Do you feel that the facility/facilities or area(s) used for these activities adequately suited your needs? Why or why not?

Answered: 143 Skipped: 102

However, I love the rivers, but would like more opportunities for residents and visitors to be on the rivers who don't own a kayak or boat. I love that Fort Wayne Outfitters provides kayak and bike rentals. I think Outfitters is CRUCIAL for getting people out on the rivers. Additional boat rental/ride options would be great. Love sweet breeze, but additional options would be great, too. 9/13/2023 11:07

I am concerned about tennis courts being removed and being replaced by pickleball courts. There aren't a ton of tennis courts as it is, so I worry about tennis court availability down the road.

within Fort Wayne itself. But I would like to see Fort Wayne and surrounding communities be connected wit recreation trails. FW should work with Coesse, Columbia City, Larwell, Pierceton, and Warsaw to offer folks options to travel safely under their own power (i.e., bicycle be) and apart from cars between communities. I’m 70. My wife and I live in Warsaw. 8/17/2023 7:48 AM

We would make regular trips to Fort Wayne by bike, stay in Ft. Wayne overnight in a hotel, and return to Warsaw the next day if trails allowed us to do so. Build it, and we will come.

25 Yes

8/17/2023 6:12 AM

26 Yes 8/17/2023 3:55 AM

27 The pavilion was ok for a gathering but it could be so much more if it was improved and the surrounding park land improved.

28 Nice playgrounds. Unfortunately, we have to go home whenever he needs to go to the bathroom because the park's bathrooms are always locked.

8/17/2023 12:35 AM

8/16/2023 8:42 PM

29 Yes, the facilities suit my needs. 8/16/2023 6:38 PM

30 Needs upgrades 8/16/2023 6:29 PM

31 Yes 8/16/2023 6:25 PM

32 yes, I have small needs 8/16/2023 6:16 PM

33 Love biking the trail system 8/16/2023 3:14 PM

34 Yes, they met our needs. The only thing for some of the things, such as the nature lodge at Franke Park needed cosmetic updates in my opinions. 8/15/2023 9:15 AM

35 Yes 8/11/2023 10:40 PM

36 No 8/10/2023 8:08 PM

37 Yes except for the lack of lifeguards at the pool which sometimes affected whether we could use baby pool or not 8/9/2023 10:53 AM

38 A dog park or several smaller dog pens at Shoaff would be really cool, could put your dogs in while you eat or are doing other things nearby and not have to chain them up or keep them on leash the entire time so they can enjoy family time with the family but not be a burden. I think Fort Wayne wants to be a lot more dog friendly, if the city would help encourage it, I think we could accomplish that! We aren't known for much else that's positive, may as well bring in people with pets! 8/3/2023 4:34 PM

39 Again play equipment is often far away from parking or/and is too isolated. This makes it feel unsafe. 8/2/2023 8:20 AM 40 Yes the facilities are very generally very nice 8/1/2023 6:28 PM 41 Yes, our parks system is amazing, even though as an Arnold I am biased! 7/27/2023 3:11 PM 42 yes 7/27/2023 9:27 AM

Yes. I prefer unpaved paths because paved paths are hard on my back/feet. 7/18/2023 11:55 AM

Yes, able to walk/bike safely 7/18/2023 11:35 AM

Yes 7/18/2023 11:27 AM

7/18/2023 10:49 AM

I enjoy the trails because they are nearby, and safe and enjoyable. 7/18/2023 10:45 AM

Not really. The nature areas, where I go are available only by driving to them. 7/18/2023 10:27 AM 52 Over the last 10-15 years, we've been very pleased to see the improvements to the parks. Foster park has been a construction site for far too long. That has made us sad.

7/18/2023 10:20 AM

Yes 7/7/2023 9:37 AM

7/3/2023 5:27 PM

55 The parks are very crowded. My closest park is Indian Trails park, and it is so crowded, I don't usually take my kids.

7/3/2023 2:34 PM 56 Yes

6/30/2023 9:42 PM

57 No, I don’t know the locations and hours for all the splash pads. 6/30/2023 9:17 AM 58 Yes 6/29/2023 12:14 PM 59 Yes 6/29/2023 7:59 AM 60 Yes 6/28/2023 11:35 PM

Mostly. Most are kept in good condition. 6/28/2023 7:48 PM

Yes 6/28/2023 6:56 PM 63 Yes. 6/28/2023 9:43 AM 64 Yes 6/28/2023 7:11 AM

65 Yes, we aren’t too picky 6/28/2023 7:02 AM

66 Yes 6/27/2023 2:41 PM

67 Yes, the facilities have really improved. 6/26/2023 1:26 PM

68 Yes—conditions are good. It is just an ordeal to get there because we have to drive. 6/23/2023 7:30 AM

69 Yes, I feel the facilities are adequate. 6/22/2023 11:58 AM

70 Yes, the trails seem to be well kept and safe. 6/22/2023 10:48 AM 71 Yes 6/21/2023 7:59 PM

72 Yes. 6/21/2023 4:06 PM

73 I don’t kayak because o believe the rivers are way to dirty 6/21/2023 1:08 PM

74 Mostly. Easier access to the bike trails from everywhere would be nice, there are dead-spots where access is difficult or dangerous due to car traffic. More mountain bike trails would be nice. It would be good to maintain and utilize the hill at La Rez park.

6/21/2023 12:20 PM

75 Yes 6/21/2023 11:20 AM

76 At least one slide is always broken, regardless of which park we go to 6/21/2023 10:38 AM

77 yes 6/21/2023 10:02 AM

78 Somewhat, the trails are well paved but they do get easily crowded due to the size and lack of parks in Fort Wayne 6/21/2023 8:54 AM

79 I would like to have more adult after 50 classes like sewing for beginners 6/21/2023 8:15 AM

80 Yes 6/21/2023 7:52 AM

81 Yes 6/21/2023 7:48 AM

82 Yes. 6/21/2023 7:19 AM

83 Some of the playgrounds being upgraded in their accessibility would be incredible, especially some of the surface materials. We also love the disability-friendly hours at the pools and would love to see those expanded.

84 trail maps at entrance would make exploring the trail system better. I dont explor because I dont want to get to far away & i dont know where trails lead

85 Yes

6/20/2023 1:29 PM

6/20/2023 9:12 AM

6/19/2023 10:10 PM

86 There is a park for everything 6/19/2023 9:41 PM

87 Yes! 6/19/2023 6:47 PM

88 Nope

6/19/2023 6:06 PM

89 I love the mowed paths at Shoaff Park and other FW Parks. The only reason that some of these spaces may not be suited for my needs (and or safe) is when there are herbicide applications that occur in human use areas with no posted signs or indicators of herbicide presence.

6/19/2023 6:03 PM

90 We are lucky to have so many parks spread out in the city 6/19/2023 4:38 PM

91 No, there are many areas inaccessible for those who are handicapped or simply elderly and have difficulty with endurance, but especially difficulty with the ability to pick up their feet as they walk.

6/19/2023 3:07 PM

92 yes 6/19/2023 1:18 PM

93 Yes - are well maintained and expanded offers. Concerned greatly about the golf course reno at Foster Park, however.

94 Police presence on the trails needs to occur to help with safety. Could we put police on bikes patrolling them? Could we put mile markers or some identification on the trails to help in cases of emergency so first responders can find a person needing help?

6/17/2023 10:55 AM

6/16/2023 10:34 AM

95 We need even more connections, so we don't always have to go to downtown first in order to get to another part if town. Eg along Engle Road 6/15/2023 3:35 PM 96 Yes 6/15/2023 8:40 AM

98 Yes. Met my objective 6/14/2023 9:29 PM

99 Yes because what I needed was available. 6/14/2023 3:35 PM

100 No, there needs to be irrigation and lighting for the rugby fields. There is not enough fields to support the growing numbers of the teams. Often, multiple teams are attempting to share space and that is not conducive to our development of skills and growing the teams. 6/13/2023 10:09 AM

- my dog loves walking around Lakeside Park. My only complaint is there are not enough trash receptacles along the walking trails

Some very much needed upgrades to park and pavilion would more cleaning form animal feces and more parking space to be specific Lakeside Park very minimal parking 6/12/2023 8:25 AM

Yes, except the playground at Shoaff needs to be updated, some of the equipment doesn't look attractive 6/12/2023 8:23 AM

yes so far just moved here so I am working on going to them and learning them 6/9/2023 10:35 AM

More public bathrooms. 6/8/2023 10:31 PM

113 In the late spring, summer, & early fall, things are good (although more shade trees, water fountains, & trash cans would be nice), but lights are needed in the winter. 6/8/2023 10:12 PM

Yes. Though I would appreciate better sidewalks along some streets and roads leading to parks and recreation areas. I wish I could believe the city is fully committed to making sure the city parks will be available in all areas- that they will be fully maintained throughout the city.

116 Yes, however, if Pufferbelly was connected it would be used more often.

6/8/2023 9:57 PM

6/8/2023 3:26 PM

6/8/2023 3:18 PM

117 Yes. I think the parks dept. does a great job. 6/8/2023 1:34 PM

118 Yes. Be great to have more sw Fort wayne and sidewalk down Covington near walnut creek to connect. 6/5/2023 2:36 PM

119 Yes 6/5/2023 11:20 AM

120 Yes , everytime I go to a park it’s always everything I need there . 6/2/2023 2:54 PM

121 Yes . Plenty of open space in addition to natural areas. Rarely run into overly crowded noisy activities. 6/1/2023 5:23 PM 122 Yes 6/1/2023 3:23 PM

123 I am really really happy to see so many Pickleball courts. Thank you for putting these in! 6/1/2023 1:17 PM

124 Now that we have more pickleball courts in the area, we are in a better position to find open courts. 5/31/2023 3:48 PM 125 Yes 5/31/2023 3:05 PM

Yes 5/31/2023 2:23 PM

127 Yes, overall my family and I simply like access to available green space and places to walk in nature. 5/31/2023 2:17 PM

128 Yes 5/31/2023 2:13 PM 129 Yes. We also use the park facilities to connect to other facilities like the tree walk at PFW, and Eagle Marsh. Where is the " nature center" 5/31/2023 2:13 PM 130 Yes Beautiful parks. Very proud. 5/31/2023 2:02 PM 131 Yes.Like the continued trail expansion(s) 5/31/2023 6:57 AM

132 Yes, we love having access to Fort Wayne Outfitters and the many trails around the city. 5/30/2023 8:55 AM

133 Would prefer more walking paths 5/29/2023 7:14 PM

134 Yes. Clean 5/27/2023 8:01 PM

135 For the most part yes. But some of the parks my family and I have visited have been very disappointing therefore we don’t go to those parks much. And for my future family and children I would like to see some of the parks that don’t get much attention to be fixed up and thought about.

136 I'm originally from a place with lots of wild nature. Fort Wayne doesn't even scratch the surface-- all the nature here's surrounded by horrible roads, small, degraded

5/27/2023 6:12 PM

5/26/2023 10:10 PM

137 Yes. I really like that trail growth is linking more parks 5/26/2023 8:08 AM

138 I feel there isn't enough diamond 5/25/2023 9:48 PM

139 Yes…open walking paths are great for seniors. 5/25/2023 5:06 PM

140 Went to the tennis facility with plywood practice wall. This is a must. 5/25/2023 1:00 PM

141 Yes, but we have to travel away from 46803 to access these amenities. 5/24/2023 6:48 PM

142 I would prefer a connected walking trail to parks to make it safer to walk and ride bikes. Ultimately to connect to downtown 5/24/2023 6:46 PM

143 For the most part, yes. 5/24/2023 6:16 PM

Answered: 203 Skipped: 42

Yes, and it/they meet...

Yes, but the parks/spaces...

Yes, but the facilities a...

Yes, but it doesn’t feel...

Other (please specify)

ANSWER CHOICES

Yes, and it/they meet our neighborhood’s needs

Yes, but the parks/spaces don’t provide the opportunities/activities we need and desire

Yes, but the facilities are in poor condition

Yes, but it doesn’t feel safe

No.

Other (please specify)

have the marsh that's somewhat close, but it's riddled with mosquitoes and crime. No shade to speak of, no place for children to play and only one small pavilion. Quite frankly, it isn't a very pretty place.

fit our needs as long as we go with others, not by ourselves

parks are great and our nearest (Moody) I believe is going to be redone to be better suited to the area's needs.

Q12 What makes your favorite park special? (Check all that apply)

Answered: 191 Skipped:

Yes, it’s where the...

Yes, the park is one of th...

Yes, there is a wonderful...

Yes, youths consider the...

Nothing makes my park special

Other (please specify)

ANSWER CHOICES

Yes, it’s where the community gathers for recreational and social events.

Yes, the park is one of the most beautiful places in the neighborhood.

Yes, there is a wonderful relationship between the park and nearby dining and shopping opportunities.

Yes, youths consider the park as the center of our neighborhood.

Nothing makes my park special

Other (please specify)

Respondents:

go out on trails and know that they are there. I even found a map with bathrooms and stuff listed in an app! Very nice.

The mowed and wooded trails at Shoaff Park are the park's best asset. 6/19/2023 6:05 PM

Beautiful flowers and old native trees.also the paved areas that are amenable to access for all. 6/19/2023 3:10 PM

Indian Trails Park: Just nice place to run or watch the sunset 6/15/2023 3:36 PM

St Joe river and nature makes shoaff park cool 6/12/2023 9:37 AM

24 The activities like splash pad area, Walking trail ,swing set, basketball area and parking and the condition of the park. 6/12/2023 8:28 AM

25 Safety is a real issue 6/11/2023 8:47 AM 26 It is safer to walk in the park because there is no vehicle traffic on most of the trail. 6/8/2023 10:14 PM 27 Foster Park is a gem and my family and I use it all the time. I fear that the proposed golf renovation will destroy the park for the non- golfing citizens.

6/8/2023 10:01 PM 28 Great for biking and access to trails 6/8/2023 3:19 PM

29 My favorite park is not in my neighborhood, but the splash pad and trails around Kreager are a hit with my family 6/3/2023 9:04 AM 30 nature 5/31/2023 3:11 PM 31 It connects us to nature and the community. 5/31/2023 2:14 PM 32 Foster Park is amazing 5/31/2023 6:58 AM 33 It's a nature preserve 5/26/2023 10:10 PM 34 All reasons apply as I add them to when I am in Ft Wayne for other reasons 5/26/2023 12:40 PM 35 Great softball diamond 5/25/2023 9:54 PM

36 I live close to downtown. Downtown parks are awesome 5/25/2023 1:02 PM

Events and programming...

Support for basic...

Build new structures a...

Expand the number and/o...

Expand the number and/o...

Other (please specify)

ANSWER CHOICES

Events and programming that respond to community-specific needs.

Support for basic maintenance and repairs equally across all parks.

Build new structures and facilities to meet specific community needs.

Expand the number and/or size of the parks and greenway system to provide more recreational opportunities.

Expand the number and/or size of parks and open spaces to protect habitat and benefit the environment.

Other (please specify)

Answered: 192 Skipped: 53 Total Respondents: 192

Indoor aquatic facility. Yes we have the y’s but those are not accessible to all. 8/17/2023 1:08 PM

Things to do (fun activities) that also includes learning events that are all free (stuff to do keeps people happy and out of trouble and low income people can't afford to do anything really honestly in this economy), maybe build new buildings if it increases the amount of free things to do, expand the trail systems and make sure everything we already have looks decent/stays maintained. 8/3/2023 4:51 PM

Less huge mowed grass spaces and more bio diversity, plants and pollinators more rain gardens and meadows like you see in Chicago parks. Lions park and moody park both have huge grass areas that don’t get used and could be gorgeous meadows 6/30/2023 9:45

Specifically encourage after school use programming for parents and children together. 6/12/2023 8:26 AM 24 Add sidewalks, curb ramps and other access-improvement infrastructure to the perimeter of all parks in order to encourage and accommodate safe access for pedestrians and other nonmotorized modes of transportation. 2 continue to modify facilities in order to expand and update recreational opportunities that serve greater numbers of residents and visitors. 6/9/2023 10:01 AM

Make sure that quality facilities and natural areas are available throughout the city- especially in lower income areas. 6/8/2023 10:08 PM

Keep Foster park the way it is, the trails along the river would make it less safe for women. And there is plenty of golfing space already. 6/1/2023 1:20 PM

fixing the cracks in the Lion's Park Pickleball Courts 5/31/2023 3:52 PM

Increased Safety - especially at Promenade Park during the evening hours 5/30/2023 8:57 AM

Q14

Communities with relativ...

Communities that are the...

Communities with a histo...

Communities with lower...

Communities with the... Communities with the...

Other (please specify) ANSWER

Communities with relatively low current rates of park and open space visitation.

Communities that are the farthest away from parks and open spaces.

Communities with a history of deteriorating parks, greenways and other public facilities and services.

Communities with lower median household income and home values.

Communities with the greatest need for the shade, air quality and water quality benefits provided by parks and open space.

Communities with the greatest need for the health and wellness benefits of parks and greenways.

Other (please specify)

Answered: 189 Skipped: 56 Total Respondents: 189

well as freedom to do things on my own to some extent. I will likely need to switch to another method of transportation as my health declines, but I am SO hoping I can find something else similar to this so I can still feel included going forward. This was very important to me and honestly changed my life discovering the dog park, trail systems, and bathrooms and drinking fountains along that path even honestly. A charging station would be the only thing I can think that would've given me any more freedom because my board can only go so far before needing charged but mostly it's been great! Thank you!

If you look at census tract and other data, several of the items above overlap (lower income, away from accessible parks, great need for mental and environmental benefits of a park for example)

All areas need to have well maintained natural areas and open spaces. Create new areas throughout the city. Do not destroy what is there now.

Think at

5:29 PM

Well, the fact that I need to think so hard to answer this, I guess means we need to work on this haha. I notice my neighborhood uses a neighborhood app which I think is just called nextdoor and Ring gets a lot of activity but honestly NextDoor more so in my neighborhood. Maybe Fort Wayne needs a forum for parks and stuff to share information and ideas. Or just share NextDoor to encourage more people to use it and that would probably be enough. It's like a social media for your neighborhood specifically and shows you when people who live near you join. So encourages communities to meet and know each other!

I found this online while looking up a specific class. I think if you promoted on social media and on-air at PBS, CBS and ABC, you will get more visibility. Fliers at grocery stores, convenience stores that would have the QR code.

60 Neighborhood Associations, facebook 6/21/2023 11:27 AM 61 more widely distributed information and online response/interaction 6/21/2023 10:43 AM

via mail or in-person community meeting 6/21/2023 9:29 AM

nowlinsndra@yahoo.com 6/21/2023 8:17 AM

email-jaymeyates@outlook.com 6/21/2023 7:54 AM 66 Community meetings in well known spaces led by trusted people 6/21/2023 7:54 AM

No clue. Next Door? 6/21/2023 7:25 AM

Targeted social media, email lists 6/20/2023 1:31 PM

community meetings that are well advertised with lots of advance notice 6/20/2023 9:14 AM

N/A 6/19/2023 10:11 PM

72 Surveys like this are very effective and easily accessible. Continue to hold open, recorded town hall style forums where everyone from the public is invited. 6/19/2023 6:14 PM 73 Don't ask 6/19/2023 6:10 PM

Email dennycoverstone@gmail.com or call 260-312-5202 6/19/2023 3:12 PM

75 Facebook, email, neighborhood associations 6/19/2023 1:23 PM 76 social media/news 6/17/2023 10:56 AM 77 Surveying in person door to door. Visit kids at schools 6/15/2023 8:40 PM 78 Facebook, Radio, 6/15/2023 3:39 PM

Email / text messages 6/15/2023 9:24 AM 80 Web. 6/15/2023 8:42 AM

81 Posters in Spanish-speaking areas. 6/14/2023 3:37 PM 82 mollyazook@gmail.com 6/13/2023 10:12 AM

83 Host focus groups with groups that are already meeting socially in various cultures. Provide materials that are accessible in the languages. Have interpreters involved. 6/12/2023 10:48 PM

Town meeting 6/12/2023 8:42 PM

Email 6/12/2023 11:49 AM

86 You can hear from us as much as we can speak, but tou have to LISTEN for it to make any difference. Are you involved with the Party Boats on the river decision? Not a single member of the general public spoke up in favor - only corporations. 6/12/2023 9:01 AM 87 Send survey through technically or the mail. 6/12/2023 8:31 AM

88 Survey works. Also we have a neighborhood association that can share information through its social media profile. 6/12/2023 8:26 AM 89 Neighborhood Facebook groups 6/11/2023 8:36 AM 90 maryK@the-league.org 6/9/2023 10:40 AM 91 Social media and email 6/8/2023 10:36 PM 92 Surveys like this and ask people. Go to the parks and ask the people that use them. 6/8/2023 10:20 PM 93 News paper, TV. ( local ) Social Media. Better bulletin boards and news kiosks in the parks themselves. 6/8/2023 10:08 PM

94 A mailed postcard inviting residents to participate in the survey 6/8/2023 3:30 PM

internet, radio/Noarth East Indiana Reading Radio Services (Allen County Public Library), Television Slot (News 15), Social Media (Facebook), The League for The blind and Disabled and Radio stations (community calendars).

I feel like these surveys help out a lot

This area doesn't seem to attend large area wide meetings.. probably canvassing areas door to door.

people where they are. Find a champion in the community and make sure they are on board. In the Bloomingdale Neighborhood this is association president Chris Walker.

I obtained the info while visiting the botanical gardens. Utilize the libraries, too.

Q16 When you imagine what Fort Wayne’s park system and open spaces could look like in 25 years, what are the most important community benefits you hope become part of the vision and roadmap provided by this Comprehensive Plan? (Select up to 5 top priorities)

Answered: 188 Skipped: 57

Parks that promote soci...

Parks that improve...

Parks that protect...

‘Destination’ parks and...

Neighborhood parks that m...

Sports and recreation...

Park-based activities a...

High-quality and connecte...

ANSWER CHOICES

Parks that promote social connections

Parks that improve residents’ health and wellness

Parks that protect environmental health and natural resources (e.g. stormwater, air quality and habitat)

‘Destination’ parks and outdoor areas that promote economic development

Neighborhood parks that meet the daily and year-round needs of nearby residents

Sports and recreation opportunities that are strategically located to meet local and regional demand

Park-based activities and programs that enliven communities (e.g. fitness classes, movie festivals, walking history tours)

High-quality and connected system of greenways and other bike/pedestrian amenities (paved trails) for getting around

Total Respondents: 188

RESPONSES

Q17 Do you have a BIG IDEA(S) for the future of parks and recreation in Fort Wayne? If so, what is it?

Answered: 97 Skipped: 148

RESPONSES

1 river greenway keep progressing with restaurants on the water as much as possible and concerts continue

I would love to see playgrounds offer young children more opportunities for play. How about a Story Trail to promote movement and early literacy? And please, don't make the golf course at Foster Park bigger! Focus on families and children. How about letting us rent bocci balls and other things from our neighborhood library so we can play in our neighborhoods with our neighbors?! 9/1/2023 10:36 AM

Turn headwaters into something more natural. No one really uses it most of the time, and it's just grass. We could have a great forest right downtown. Buy all the land around lindenwood to make it bigger. Require all housing developments to pay into parks budgets.

Purchase land for a quality community garden - offering lessons on gardening, canning and saving produce. Have gravel pathways and water l- similar to cities like Fishers, Naperville and many other more progressive community gardens. Make gardening cool and environmentally effective

7 Make the area between Rail Overpass on the north, Rudisill on the south, Clinton on the west and Lafayette on the east into a "Central Park (New York)" like park area.

8:01 PM

8/30/2023 3:20 PM

Take advantage of unused or underused areas in neighborhoods to develop smaller, accessible parks. In 25 years there should be 100 of these smaller parks and the surrounding neighborhoods should be encouraged to help with maintenance and upkeep 8/20/2023 10:43 AM

Without Fox Island there is nowhere to go to swim or fish. Are there any other spaces that could be made into pond/lake areas for the public? Long ago we used to have playground equipment at Swinney Park east, and Jaenike Gardens at Swinney west was a beautiful garden full of flowers. And I'm also sad that they took out the swimming pool. 8/17/2023 5:42 PM

8/17/2023 5:26 PM

Indoor Aquatic facility. Something like Carmel has the Waterpark and the indoor pool. A lazy river promotes physical fitness to those with joint issues or recovering from injury. With only being able to use outdoor facilities 3 months out of the year this would meet residents needs. This could also have a community center, to provide a place for gatherings, programming, etc. incorporate a walking track, basketball courts, fitness equipment and you have a destination for people to gather, have a lap pool and a rec pool inside. This would bring people together if downtown and treadmills overlooked the river. This would not only benefit tourism but the local economy and bring businesses and families. 8/17/2023 1:15 PM

15 Connect FW to surrounding communities via recreation trails that are inaccessible to motorists. 8/17/2023 7:55 AM

Dog parks 8/17/2023 6:16 AM 17 I'd be very happy to begin by making the current parks useful and usable by the majority of the neighbors who surroundnit. 8/17/2023 12:42 AM

19 Need to have more summer programs in neighborhood parks. More rec. For teens 8/16/2023 6:35 PM

20 needs to be more respect for wildlife areas and undisturbed areas 8/16/2023 6:22 PM

21 A trail to connect Buckner, Lindenwood Preserve and Hamilton Park 8/16/2023 3:19 PM

22

24

I like the direction they’re going at the moment. Splash Pads are great for the summer, and new innovative playground equipment for kiddos. I do wish to see some of the older pavilions and lodges updated. Especially ones that have a long standing history. Maybe more outdoor events in the winter months. I feel like both kids and adults would benefit from getting outside even in the winter. There’s a couple parks everyone goes sledding at, but I’d like to see more parks available for winter activities such as that, because the ones that do tend to get overcrowded. Winter events for the community like a snowman building contest, or something of the sort, weather permitting. Silly, fun things that bring the joy back to simple things. Maybe a seasonal installment at a couple of the parks that is set up for snowball fights with barriers and walls, etc. Just brainstorming. ��

Games! Events with free food, games, maybe rides or a small theme park would be awesome but I'm not sure if it would be possible. A rollercoaster that goes from one side of town to the other or something unique and fun. But mostly just more free events including food, games, movies, music, maybe give aways... I enjoyed the one event we fought that was like that and they did educational information sharing with some local police. That was neat, got to learn about drones and cars Fort Wayne uses. Played games, got some food, played more games. Was a nice day.

25 There should be a concerted effort between park system and trail system to make it possible to safely get to ALL parks by bike routes

26 More variety would be nice. I have seen new futsal/street soccer fields in Warsaw that would be great, plus different types of courts, playgrounds and unique points of interests in the parks would help a lot. There are a lot of great parks, but they feel somewhat copy and pasted around town. Few walking paths and a play ground area with swings. Changing the type of equipment at that parks so there is at least a variety within close distance to a majority of the city would be beneficial.

27 Need a water park

8/15/2023 9:26 AM

8/5/2023 3:40 PM

8/3/2023 5:04 PM

8/1/2023 6:31 PM

7/28/2023 1:21 PM

7/27/2023 9:32 AM

28 Parks that are clean, safe, handicap accessible to all ages. Everyone isn't interested in being on the river boats. 7/21/2023 9:05 AM

29 Make them safer for elderly women who want to go to a park alone.

7/18/2023 12:03 PM

30 More opportunities to have fun and safe recreational space in the winter months indoors 7/18/2023 11:32 AM

31 Restore Fox Island 7/18/2023 10:52 AM

32 For the most part, I think you're doing a good job. There are a few parks that are difficult for pedestrians to get to because of traffic....(Bluffton/ Old Mill intersection, as well as the marsh on Engle Rd. It would be nice to have pedestrian bridges in spots like that.

7/18/2023 10:38 AM

33 I would say a trail that goes from one state park to another that cuts through fort wayne but I hear thats already happening. So my other thought is an outdoor track owned by the city where runners can do speed workouts 7/18/2023 10:14 AM

34 Neighborhood scale community centers style pavilions/programs 7/7/2023 9:43 AM

35 Trail connecting Times Corners and Brierwood Hills on Jefferson to the Aboite trail system 7/4/2023 2:10 PM

36 More pollinator gardens, rain gardens, meadows, and education on native plants and wild edibles. Also more trail accessibility to parks.

6/30/2023 9:51 PM

37 Community swimming pools, water features, ie fountains, waterfalls. 6/30/2023 9:23 AM

38 More SMALLER pocket parks dispersed THROUGHOUT the city. 6/29/2023 8:04 AM

39 White water kayaking 6/28/2023 11:49 PM

40 A public beach / boardwalk 6/28/2023 9:33 AM

41

Inspiration from the High Line- would love to see dilapidated connector areas revived and planted with native plants. Invasive buy back program like Bloomington - swap it for a native plant or tree or bush All pear trees removed and replaced Go the other way for the 100 years and get rid of Foster Park golf course and turn into a forest and prairie ;) Milwaukee has these great spiral river overlooks with mini stepped seating/walking amphitheater layers of grass below - those would be great!

6/27/2023 11:25 PM

42 Movies in the park. 6/27/2023 11:04 PM

43 Signage in at least Spanish and Burmese 6/27/2023 2:45 PM

44 A location that has 12 or more pickleball courts in one location to host larger tournaments. Sixteen or more would be even better.

45 The addition of pickleball courts at several parks has been wonderful. One part with 8 or more courts would be great to host tournaments or larger events. This could partially be accomplished by painting pickleball lines on tennis courts (2 pickleball courts per tennis courts) so pickleball courts could be used with portable nets. For example, Foster Park has 6 pickleball courts and two tennis courts. With lines and portable nets, there could be total of 10 pickleball courts when needed.

46 Park connections with public school students. Teach kids about plants and caring for the environment. Help them to respect the parks. Gardens for students at each public school.

6/26/2023 1:33 PM

6/26/2023 1:20 PM

6/21/2023 4:12 PM

47 Love to see more disc golf and maybe a city golf course 6/21/2023 1:12 PM

48 Everywhere in town should be accessible by greenways with no more than four blocks of roads required to bike anywhere. 6/21/2023 12:29 PM

49 no 6/21/2023 10:44 AM

50 Having parks similar to bigger cities, like Indianapolis. Parks with murals and large pavement walkways for biking and walking, like Foster Park. Parks with large stages to host more concerts and events, like Headwaters Park or a park that's near a large space to build a temporary stage for outdoor concerts. Headwaters park is no longer big enough for large concert events, especially post-Covid. We need to take note from other larger cities that attract different ages of residents. The main thing that we have to do in Fort Wayne is eat. Every other month is a new restaurant and when we get a new park, it's either small, or it doesn't offer anything special to attract young adults. 6/21/2023 9:37 AM

51 Parks that more integrated with corporate developments.

6/21/2023 9:34 AM

52 To bring in Mental Health into low-income residents who otherwise might not be seeking mental health services due to income. 6/21/2023 8:19 AM

53 Parks that are able to hold popular large festivals and events other than Headwaters.

54 No

55 Leave the trail at Foster the way it is.

56 We've already taken some great first steps in making our new parks accessible and inclusive. It would be great to see universal design implemented in every park in our community.

6/21/2023 8:00 AM

6/21/2023 7:54 AM

6/21/2023 7:26 AM

6/20/2023 1:32 PM

57 exercise equipment at parks 6/20/2023 9:16 AM

58 N/A 6/19/2023 10:12 PM

59 Inventory and protect the native trees on all city property. No amount of money or construction activity can create a native old growth tree. Stop clear cutting wooded areas for pointless massive areas of grass boulevards along park entryways/exits. Stop spraying herbicides and pesticides in our community parks and along our roadways that drain into bodies of water. Practice minimal impact development and protect natural areas. Do not cut away vegetation and trees along the banks of rivers and allow the root systems to naturally prevent soil erosion. Invest in electricity and aerator infrastructure for the standing bodies of water in our parks to prevent the overgrowth of algae and bacteria.

6/19/2023 6:26 PM

60 I have a few ideas. Among them a design that will be in keeping with flowers paying tribute to trees. And trees paying tribute to flowers. I have designs that may facilitate the use of 6/19/2023 3:24 PM

topology. And still please the admirers. Making safety interactive in the parks and trails.

61 STOP building golf courses. Focus on sustainable ground cover and not grass. Showcase rain gardens and native wildflowers. Offer plots for community vegetable gardens, offer classes.

6/19/2023 1:32 PM

62 Multiple, smaller satellite skateparks throughout neighborhood parks 6/15/2023 8:42 PM

63 Safe bike lanes where separate one are not possible. Upkeep and expasion of the ones we have.

6/15/2023 3:41 PM

64 McMillen park: a third rugby field, lighting for all the rugby fields, watering for the rugby fields 6/13/2023 10:14 AM

65 No

66 N/A

6/12/2023 8:43 PM

6/12/2023 11:50 AM

67 No 6/12/2023 9:02 AM

68 Just the amount of activities at the park 6/12/2023 8:34 AM

69 Out of the box playgrounds to inspire children and not just dowtown. Also more parking close to the downtown parks. (Maybe not such a big idea)

70 Modest idea: improved lighting on walking and bike paths that does not contribute significantly to light pollution. Expanding walking/bike paths.

71 1. Shake up the golf courses in our parks. Redesign to be more compact, reduce water and maintenance energy/resource input, flexible in use (reversible, disc compatible and other games/activities).

72 Well, if you are looking at a 25-year plan, climate change is going to lead to food security issues. We are going to need a lot more community gardens, especially year-round hoop houses to extend the growing season.

73 Stop the proposal to increase the size of the golf course at Foster Park which will damage the park itself and the natural areas along the river.

74 I do not. I think we have a wonderful parks system. I feel that for the most part, they are well kept. However, I do feel strongly that each park should get equal attention. This will be important for the health and well-being of each neighborhood, regardless of home value.

75 Connection from Marion to Angola greenways.

76 Nothing major at this time. Just trying to find a way to keep the community connected. Getting people back out and connecting with each other.

77 More sw Fort Wayne where there aren't many. Sidewalks connecting Covington elementary to count line road would be great so kids can travel safely!

78 Don't need huge entertainment structures. Need smaller gathering areas, picnic tables everywhere, better restroom facilities, benches, flowers and shrubbery.

6/12/2023 8:27 AM

6/11/2023 8:40 AM

6/9/2023 10:24 AM

6/8/2023 10:31 PM

6/8/2023 10:19 PM

6/8/2023 3:44 PM

6/8/2023 3:22 PM

6/8/2023 3:20 PM

6/5/2023 2:39 PM

6/1/2023 5:39 PM

79 Historic preservation and highlighting community 6/1/2023 3:25 PM

80 More trees 5/31/2023 4:02 PM

81 Choose one facility that would have 24 outdoor pickleball courts. This would then become the hub of pickleball while all of the other parks with 4 or 6 courts would promote the game.

5/31/2023 3:55 PM

82 large water water park (indoor & outdoor). it would bring people to the community as a destination. 5/31/2023 3:14 PM

83 Fishing areas that aren't just boat launches. Accessible from a parking lot. 5/31/2023 3:08 PM

84 Parks District for more adequate funding 5/31/2023 3:08 PM

85 - Restore Jaenicke Gardens to its former glory, or to an appropriate, modern 2.0 version.More splash pads(?) - these are nice alternatives to pools and can be more accessible (and likely easier to manage/staff)

5/31/2023 2:47 PM

86 Every park have Wi-Fi, EV charging stations and vending machines. 5/31/2023 2:33 PM

87 We need another campground. It would be especially nice to have one focused on tent 5/31/2023 2:22 PM

camping along the future Poka-Bache trail.

88 Build something like "Red Rock" in Colorado. This would promote many questions that you have asked in this survey. High School/College Graduations, Concerts for several ages, surrounded by restaurants, small bars, etc that every age could attend. I realize not good for us in the Winter but Colorado has concerts in colder months. Perhaps encourage people to dress and sit outside in the chilly weather which promotes good health.

89

5/31/2023 2:21 PM

Downtown public short-term marina suitable for private pontoon boats 5/31/2023 7:01 AM

90 More diversity in play structures for older kids, more places to walk in wooded areas, playgrounds connected to greenway. More playgrounds in general

5/29/2023 7:20 PM

91 More pools with classes in swimming. Summer activities for neighborhood children 5/27/2023 8:18 PM

92

Improve access by foot to parks! I live 1/4 mi from a park and have to drive every time as there are no sidewalks or safe crossings over Jefferson

93 Downtown public short-term marina/dockage. If area at 4th St and Lawton Park was selected, it's close to Headwaters, has some vehicle parking, is out of the main river channel and could be dredged creating more future flood remediation.

5/26/2023 10:13 PM

5/26/2023 8:17 AM

94 Bring back the summer program for neighborhood children. 5/25/2023 9:58 PM

95 Conservation and maintenance of current parks.

5/25/2023 12:39 PM

96 Themed based parks. Hanna Homestead to be the heart of basketball completion for the city. 5/24/2023 6:53 PM

97 Connectivity and redevelopment of all parks that have lighting, playgrounds, splash pads, and clean environment. 5/24/2023 6:49 PM

Q18 Please share any other thoughts or comments about the planning process or Fort Wayne’s system of parks and recreation

Answered: 60 Skipped: 185

1 I need more bike repair stations. There is one bike shop near me, and they have limited hours. I also usually have to travel by car to get there- and my bike usually just needs a new tube 9/13/2023 12:12 PM

2 I would love to see not just parks with open space, but creative placemaking elements that are really exciting for people to visit, or come to sit and just be. More than park benches and picnic tables and pavilions. I am always looking for places where I could take a book, bring a lunch, and go sit for a couple hours to take in my surroundings. We have some like that, and Promenade Park certainly offers some of that - but thinking of how we can incorporate nature with placemaking elements to create spaces people keep returning to. 9/13/2023 11:30 AM

3 Maintenance, m aintenance and maintenance. 9/12/2023 4:05 PM

4 I hope the greenway doesn't get displaced to make way for the party boats planned for Spy Run. The greenway benefits Fort Wayne much more than noisy party boats. 9/1/2023 11:51 PM

5 I would like the neighborhood associations to be able to take the bulbs etc. that are removed from parks, to plant in our neighborhood's public spaces. 9/1/2023 10:36 AM

6 Be attuned to needs of handicapped people who need paved paths & closer parking spaces. 9/1/2023 3:42 AM

Reactivate the efforts from long ago when our park board was proactive on land acquisition. The city will continue to grow and land will get more and more expensive. Buy NOW before we can’t afford it! 8/30/2023 3:20 PM

8

Involve neighborhood associations in planning and discussions concerning parks in area. 8/20/2023 5:32 PM 9 While Fort Wayne has some truly wonderful parks, they are large and primarily accessible only by car. Nobody should be more than a 10-15 minute walk from a park.

8/20/2023 10:43 AM

12 I like Foster Park as it is. I like the wide walking paths. I am not interested in a fancy golf course. There are more walkers that use our park than golfers. 8/17/2023 3:27 PM

We also need to focus on parks for all ages and abilities. Have equipment for those in wheelchairs is important to attract new families and business to grow Fort Wayne.

1:15 PM

a sliver. 8/17/2023 12:42 AM

We really need to focus on kids as they are our future, we need more planned activities that are free or affordable 8/9/2023 11:01 AM

8/5/2023 3:40 PM

19 The only big issue I can think of is for the general public, we do too many paid events that cost way too much for low income individuals to participate and pay their bills. (Seriously, it's that tight for a lot of us.) It would be nice to either add an option to get first waived that's not too difficult to accomplish, or more free events. For myself personally, more access to communication needs besides phone calls as communication verbally is very difficult due to my disability. I text, email, use websites, etc when possible but it's a long way from being easily accessible for me as of now. Like I want to renew my dog park pass online but can't.

8/3/2023 5:04 PM

That's simple and should be easily accomplished but can't be. Would love to see that improved. And besides that, the new dog parks being installed are way too expensive. I know those were not the city of Fort Wayne, but I would LOVE to see Fort Wayne take on an indoor dog park in the future and open more dog parks, maybe a trail system specifically for walking our dogs in because my friends and I used to enjoy hiking the trails with our dogs, but otherwise had zero interest haha. And include more stuff dog friendly environments in planning the future of Fort Wayne!! Everyone seems to love bringing or seeing dogs out and about in Fort Wayne! (Yes, I'm from the dog crazed community of Fort Wayne, for sure)

20 needs to be open and inclusive 7/27/2023 9:32 AM

21

More flowers. Foster park has beautiful flower beds. More shade. Trees are so beautiful and provide comforting spaces. Fountains/water features too are extremely beautiful and provide calming sounds. Thank you for allowing in put.

22 I think Fort Wayne has some nice parks, but some have been let go and some are not safe to be in day or night. I think the parks are adequate, but nothing special.

23 Promenade is such a beautiful design and seems to promote social cohesion while also providing a beautiful natural space full of native plants etc! Please expand this model/design to other places. Please reduce, or eliminate all use of pesticides in your parks. It is not safe for humans, waterways, workers, children, pollinators or wildlife. Also consider greatly reducing huge mowed areas. Lions park is a prime example - you could still keep ample space for people to play or do sports while creating a huge bio diverse Meadow land or pollinator gardens, etc.

24 I miss the ice rink at McMillen Park

7/18/2023 10:38 AM

7/18/2023 10:35 AM

6/30/2023 9:51 PM

6/29/2023 12:27 PM

25 Continue to ask for public input. 6/29/2023 8:04 AM

26 Improve a big circle for bike trails circling Fort Wayne 6/28/2023 11:49 PM

27 Easy and streamlined process for neighborhoods to establish pocket parks would be great! 6/27/2023 11:25 PM

28 The process moves too slowly. I know the Parks Dept wants to do research, but things move too slowly. The Dept often impedes progress.

29 Much more aggressive maintenance program of removing invasive plants (e.g., honeysuckle, autumn olive, multiflora rose, Callery/Bradford pear, poison hemlock, and garlic mustard) and planting native trees and shrubs would go a long way toward enhancing the feel of our parks and greenways.

30

Intentional equity and inclusion so that no neighborhoods, areas, or zip codes are left behind or are an afterthought.

6/26/2023 1:33 PM

6/21/2023 12:29 PM

6/21/2023 8:00 AM

31 NA 6/21/2023 7:54 AM

32 Leave the trail at Foster the way it is.

33 Please keep doing the accessibility focus groups!

6/21/2023 7:26 AM

6/20/2023 1:32 PM

34 N/A 6/19/2023 10:12 PM

35 We are in desperate need of a safe walking path to Electric Works from the Fort Wayne Trails. The most obvious choice is a route from Swinney Park to EW. However, the route has horrific flooding and the sidewalk across from the Swinney Tennis Courts are not safe, there is no guard rail on the far side of the side walk and it's much to close to the road. The signage is very poor when directing people via the trails to EW as well.

36 I love our Fort Wayne Parks and appreciate the wonderful job that the FW Park Department is doing to maintain our biggest asset!

37 I think that handicapped ♿ access needs to be improved. The wooden pathways and bridges can cause a lot of extra pain for those who cope with a high degree of diffuse pain. The smoother the pathways, the better. Those with debility including the elderly are excluded from many areas that are accessible only by stairways.

38 Focus on the inner city and south east. People who can afford to move out to the additions and developments have plenty of land and access. We need more small green spaces and a larger tree canopy that serve those most in need.

6/19/2023 9:01 PM

6/19/2023 6:26 PM

6/19/2023 3:24 PM

6/19/2023 1:32 PM

39 I live about 1 mile from Kreager park & river greenway, but have to drive there to walk or ride my bike. There are no sidewalks, paved paths or even a shoulder on the road. (Maysville Rd.)

6/14/2023 8:11 PM 40 N/A 6/12/2023 8:43 PM

11:50 AM

6/12/2023 9:02 AM

43

44

Start building up park in the low income areas instead of making the park that's in the far area so perfect. I can only speak for my household i think people would enjoy there community more if it had something to really offer beside the basic slides and swings and basketball courts.

Please do not expand a golf course in a way that encroaches on walking/bike paths. The focal point of a park should be nature and safety, not a golf course.

6/12/2023 8:34 AM

6/11/2023 8:40 AM

45 Solar lighting along the greenway, more community gardens 6/8/2023 10:31 PM

46 I think the proposal to expand The golf course in Foster Park works against the spirit of the park itself. Golf courses are not supportive of native plants or pollinators. The machines compact soil do it no longer acts as a sponge. Golf lawns use tons of chemical that poison the water. The area is restricted to those who can afford to play - those with leisure and money.

47 Connection from Marion to Angola greenways.

48 Need more trashcans throughout the parks- many of the parks I regularly visit (Lakeside, Northside, Franke, Shoaff, Johnny Appleseed) have relatively few trashcans, but A LOT of trash. Also need more trashcans along the Greenway, particularly along the St Joe on both sides from mm 0 to Johnny Appleseed.

6/8/2023 10:19 PM

6/8/2023 3:22 PM

6/5/2023 11:25 AM

49 Do not destroy Franke Park by putting a larger entertainment facility in there. Leave our parks open and natural. 6/1/2023 5:39 PM

50 Desperately need input from communities which have very little green space or access to green spaces 5/31/2023 4:02 PM

51 Continue expanding Pickleball opportunities. More and more people are looking for places to play 5/31/2023 3:55 PM

52 Protect Fort Wayne's park system legacy by properly funding and staffing the department 5/31/2023 3:08 PM

53 Have special youth oriented sessions to get their input run by other youth. 5/31/2023 2:33 PM

54

Get sponsors for food, etc in the parks. Not just for "big" festivals i.e. 3 Rivers Festival. Encourage families to come out. Promote "Social Integration". Power of Connection is important including "Seniors". People of all ages are alone. Maybe encourage Park Captains for each area. 5/31/2023 2:21 PM

55 Take care of what you have FIRST! 5/31/2023 2:16 PM

56 All parks need restrooms that get cleaned/checked daily 5/31/2023 7:01 AM

57 More nature, less glorified sidewalks called "trails" 5/26/2023 10:13 PM

58 Need to bring back the flower beds at Foster Park. Lots of senior pictures get taken there. 5/26/2023 8:17 AM

59 Engaging local colleges, universities, and public schools K-12 in the processes of developing ideas, promoting stewardship, and hands on learning. Hiring and consulting with people who reside in Fort Wayne. 5/25/2023 12:39 PM

60 Encourage residents that live in close proximity to a park to participate in steering committees and fund raising 5/24/2023 6:53 PM

Q19 Do any children 17 or under live in your household?

Answered: 186 Skipped: 59

ANSWER CHOICES

Q20 Are you or any other members of your household aged 65 or older?

Answered: 186 Skipped: 59

ANSWER CHOICES

Q21 Which race or ethnicity best describes you?

Answered: 181 Skipped: 64

ANSWER

American Indian or Alaskan

White / Caucasian

Prefer not to answer Multiple ethnicity/ Other (please specify)

Q22 Do you or any members of your household identify as disabled or impaired? Answered: 185 Skipped:

Q23 How much do you anticipate your household's total income before taxes will be for the current year? (Please include in your total income money from all sources for all persons living in your household.)

Answered: 175 Skipped: 70

Less than $24,999

$25,000 to $49,999

$50,000 to $99,999

$100,000 to $149,999

$150,000 to $199,999

$200,000 or more

ANSWER CHOICES

Less than $24,999

$25,000 to $49,999

$50,000 to $99,999

$100,000 to $149,999

$150,000 to $199,999

$200,000 or more

RESPONSES

Landscape Architecture

Planning

Urban Design

Strategic Services

125 South Clark Street Suite 660

Chicago, Illinois 60603

312.360.1736

designworkshop.com

WORKSHOP 1 SUMMARY

To: City of Fort Wayne

From: Design Workshop

Date: June 14, 2023

Project Name: Fort Wayne Parks System Comprehensive Plan

Project #: 6648

Subject: Public Workshop and Polling Results

Community Workshop 1 Summary and Findings

Overview

The objective of Community Workshop 1 was to educate community members about the park plan process, share initial data findings, and gather foundational feedback. The Fort Wayne community was invited to attend one of three separate in-person community workshops where multiple methods of engagement were utilized including comment cards, dot boards, and discussions with Parks staff and planning team The workshops were held on May 24th & 25th, 2023. A total of 57 participants attended the three events. The workshop was an open-house format with opportunities for participants to flow freely between boards and provide input on their own accord.

In addition to introduction boards, there were 9 boards displayed at the workshops that reflect four overarching topics. A portion of the boards provided key data findings and others asked for participant input. Respondents were asked to respond to the following topics in the form of open responses, written sticky notes, dots, and verbal discussion.

1. Sharing Vision and Ideas for the Parks System Comprehensive Plan

2.Reviewing Existing Data

3.Identifying Community Needs

4.Defining Equity and Resiliency in Fort Wayne, IN

The following memorandum provides a summary of responses from all 57 participants.

To supplement the in-person workshops, an online poll was also developed. As of June 14th, 2023, there were (70) public responses to the online survey and (14) “Community Partner” responses. As an attempt to solicit more responses from all communities, the survey was developed in three languages. The following is the status of the responses:

1. English Survey – 70 respondents

2.Spanish Survey – 0 respondents

3.Burmese Survey – 0 respondents

4.Community Partner Survey – 14 respondents.

The findings from this online survey will be highlighted in a separate memorandum.

Questions

1. What is your BIG IDEA for Fort Wayne’s parks and recreation? Participants were asked to place their big idea for Fort Wayne’s parks system on a sticky note. For the full list of open responses, see the appendix at the end of this document. Responses varied but had common words amongst them. These words can be used to identify recurring responses. For instance, multiple respondents gave thoughts around expanding dog parks, public accessibility, creating destinations, and pools. Topics of comments included creating destinations, establishing partnerships, and expanding the trail system.

2. What do you love about your Fort Wayne parks and recreation?

Participants were asked to identify what they love about their parks system. Like question number one, responses were written on a sticky note and placed on the board. Full responses may be found in the appendix. Common words regarding what respondents love included trails, walking, and nature.

3. What types of facilities do you think we need more of? Less of?

Participants were asked to place a green dot on an image of specific facilities that they think Fort Wayne needs more of and a red dot on those that the city needs less of. A majority of respondents identified community gardens (15 responses) as the facility that Fort Wayne is most in need of. This is followed by playgrounds (13 responses), riverfront parks (12 responses), natural areas (10 responses), and hiking (10 responses). In addition, there was a portion of the board for participants to write in “Other” responses on a sticky note. The following facilities were noted:

• Public swimming pool

• Public golf course

• Pollinator gardens with native plants

• Splash pad

• Dog parks with lights in the winter

• Dog parks

• Parking

In addition to the board, participants were also encouraged to fill out a handout. This handout asked a similar question, but requests that respondents select up to five and provide their reasoning. This handout is intended to prioritize facilities and understand why respondents think that the city needs them. The column on the right, “Priority”, represents the number of respondents who selected the facility on the handout. The open comments on the handout can be found in the appendix of this document.

4. What is the most important thing we need to improve about Fort Wayne’s parks and recreation?

Participants were asked to write the most important improvement for Fort Wayne’s parks and recreation on a sticky note. Responses varied from updates in specific parks, including Lawton and Kettler, to developing additional facilities such as trails and fields, and recommending maintenance updates. Common words included park, trails, Lawton, and baseball. The full list of responses may be viewed at the end of this document.

5. What does an equitable parks and recreation system look like in Fort Wayne?

Participants were asked to write what an equitable parks system looks like in Fort Wayne. Feedback varied in groups to prioritize such as children, seniors, and specific locations. It also emphasized safety, language barriers, and accessibility. The full list of responses may be viewed at the end of this document.

Appendix: Open Responses

1. Comment Cards

• Good quality parks in low-income areas

• Need basketball

• Look into land acres trust - what are they doing in terms of LOS?

• In pursuit of diversity, equity, and inclusion, please add actual demographic questions to all surveys and make mandatory so as to receive a representative sample size for the local population. Thereto, in order to have a quality sampling, the survey results should strive to match as closely as possible to the census.

• Northwest area of Auburn Road. No parks for children, Pickleball, courts/tennis and more trails.

• Pufferbelly – dog waste & maintenance issues

• Some weed control chemical seem to harm trees more than they are supposed to. I’ve seen similar tree stress on Purdue tree walk.

• Every road that crosses trails must provide clear view of Road 30 feet from road for bikers and walkers.

2. What is your BIG IDEA for Fort Wayne’s parks and recreation?

• More amenities that bring people to Lawton Park

• Continue to expand bike trails and bike transportation lanes around Fort Wayne and Allen County.

• Trails should travel through more parks.

• I would love more parks like Taylor’s dream and/or Finch Creek in Noblesville.

• We need a couple senior playground parks.

• Paved paths more.

• More community centers.

• More pavilions and updated pavilions.

• Each park should have a seam or something unique such as an activity.

• Dog parks

• Waterslides

• Water pool

• All parks should have pools

• Food trucks for free

• Animal space

• Add pollinator garden to each park with native plants.

• Coordinated adult and senior, athletic activities.

• Charge for dog parks.

• Establish themes for some parks to create a destination experience.

• Space amenities out in neighborhoods.

• More courts in the northwest (Pickleball, tennis, and basketball).

• Dog parks need to be big – 20+ acres.

• Public/private partnerships – churches, and YMCA.

• Large play structures like there used to be.

• Continue to build a diverse/fun park system.

• Create more destinations with public access

• More recreational destinations to explore, to play, to create.

• Make connections with existing youth sports leagues.

• Large scale, unique garden/flower gardens

• Ensure adequate staffing as park activities expand

• Create mini destinations along the river.

• Provide access to public property and adjacent businesses.

• Find a way to incorporate “private“ HOA park/green spaces

• Make a theme for each park.

3. What do you love about your Fort Wayne parks and recreation?

• Hiking trails and nature trails.

• Promenade park, downtown Fort Wayne, festivals, and markets.

• Green space available all year.

• Quiet contemplative areas are available too.

• Flowers, diverse activities, open/free.

• Plants and trees

• Inclusive of all the community

• Walking paths and trails

• Wide open spaces – nice walking trails

• Nature and people-watching

• More neighborhood trees – keep up the good work

• Shoaff Park, biking, walking, tennis, golf all within five minutes from my house

• Connecting all parks for bikers and walkers

4. Facility Handout:

• I love the trail system and would like to see it continue to be interconnected with city/regional hiking trails such as County Parks, ACRES Land Trust, etc. Finding a way to incorporate "private" HOA parks/green spaces would be nice too.

• More swimming and water options because this is the north and not many people have swimming pools. Same goes for water access. Community gardens should increase in common spaces and community.

• I would love to see more pocket parks with a community garden component.

• I love the pools. Please try to keep all three open all summer.

• Fewer and fewer natural areas cause an ecological disaster/a place to connect with nature is nice.

• Existing bike/walk path. This needs to be connected to each other and neighborhood resources.

• My daughter loves rock climbing and zip lining at camp, but there is no regular opportunity.

• Accessible natural areas and hiking trails help people’s mental health and physical health.

• Keep existing swimming pools open.

• I take my autistic son to a lot of parks and trails. I think having parks that are safely away from the roads/danger/water is important for kids’ safety. Sometimes it can be hard as a single mom to assure my child's safety at places closer to danger.

• The current areas we use are great and much appreciated! It does help to have restroom facilities (easy to find) with preschool kids.

5. What is the most important thing we need to improve about Fort Wayne’s parks and recreation?

• More to do around Lawton Park.

• Update baseball field in Lawton Park.

• Pave better paths.

• Parking

• More picnic tables in Kettler Parks and flowers

• Updating playground equipment at parks like Franke.

• Playground seating for parents.

• Public bathrooms are often locked.

• Developed a Park adoption program.

• Too many baseball fields.

• More dog poop containers – especially on a long, Dupont Road and Pufferbelly

• Better access into the rivers.

• Off leash dog trails.

• More courts, fields, diamonds, ample parking.

• More food vendors.

• More trails

• The left turn exit out of Solomon onto Dupont – very dangerous without a stoplight

• More lights at pickle ball courts for evening play.

• Connect PV to commercial properties, sidewalk to Penn station strip mall.

• Rental garden plots (start small)

• Maintaining grass cutting along the trails.

• Empty the poop stations before and after weekends

6. What does an equitable parks and recreation system look like in Fort Wayne?

• Disability parks.

• Benches

• Green space for all!

• Diverse structures and handicap accessibility.

• Expand river greenway to reach all residential lands.

• Shaded benches

• Adequate parking

• Sidewalks on all borders of park.

• Put amenities into low-income neighborhoods and infrastructure into neighborhoods

• More on the south side (especially southeast)

• Putting by connectivity between parks

• Honor the history of parks

• Easily accessible parks in all areas of the city.

• Multilingual signage.

• Scholarships or sliding scale pricing.

• ASL at events.

• Consider sidewalk safety.

• Walking/bike safety.

• Quality parks with activities and low-income neighborhoods.

• Parks in greenways and suburban areas.

• Tennis court should have plywood walls for kids to practice along.

• Working restrooms and water fountains in all parks.

• Accessible playgrounds in pass and buildings.

• Amenities that are accessible for all activities.

Landscape Architecture

Planning

Urban Design Strategic Services

125 South Clark Street

Suite 660

Chicago, Illinois 60603

312.360.1736

designworkshop.com

WORKSHOP 2 SUMMARY

To: City of Fort Wayne

From: Design Workshop

Date: October 18, 2023

Project Name: Fort Wayne Parks System Master Plan

Project #: 6648

Subject: Workshop 2 Results

Community Workshop 2 Summary and Findings

Overview

The objective of Community Workshop 2 was to share our initial findings from earlier engagement tactics as well as gather feedback on our interpretation and plan recommendations. The Fort Wayne community was invited to attend one of three separate in-person community workshops where multiple methods of engagement were utilized including comment cards, dot boards, and discussions with staff.

The workshops were held on October 10th and 11th, 2023. A total of 24 participants attended the three events. The workshop was an open-house format with opportunities for participants to flow freely between boards and provide input as schedules allowed.

In total, there were 14 boards displayed at the workshops. The boards displayed various topics and recommendations including engagement input, draft plan principles, draft trail opportunity, and parks within each city quadrant. Respondents were asked to respond to the following topics in the form of open responses, worksheets, written sticky notes, dots, and verbal discussion.

The following provides a summary of responses from all 24 participants.

Board Responses:

I. Principles: Participants were asked to review the draft plan principles as well as draft recommendations. The accompanying question was an open response asking for the thoughts of the participants.

a.Equity

i. Equity of usage is huge. Large amounts of our immigrant population have no park history other than ours. It is imperative. They learn about free access.

ii. Increase greenways and improve parks in the southeast quadrant of city.

b. Access

i. Boulevard “improvements” must include wide sidewalks, raised crosswalks, protected bike lanes.

ii. Expand greenways so there is walking and bike access between all major parks and neighborhoods.

c. Environment

i. Preserve existing forests in the city.

ii. We use the parks for bird watching and would love more tree canopy. Prairie land is also great for wildlife

II. Principle Priority Matrix: Participants were asked to rank the principles in order from lowest priority to highest priority to understand where time and resources should be allocated. The following table summarizes responses from this exercise.

Participants also wrote open comments that all of these should be priorities and that trails should be protected from commercial entities (specifically St. Joe).

III. Imaging Our Destinations: Participants were asked to identify the types of amenities that would make a park a “destination”. They were also asked the furthest distance that they would be willing to walk for these amenity types. The average walking time is 25 minutes with two (2) participants selecting 20 minutes and two (2) selecting 30 minutes.

Figure: Amenity Preferences

IV. Quadrants: Four boards displayed the different quadrants in the city (NW, NE, SW, and SE) and the parks existing within them. Participants were encouraged to place dots on the parks to reflect their preference for active (red dots) and/or passive (green dots) parks. They were also provided space to provide input through open response. Accompanying the boards was a handout that also asked participants to identify a preference for passive and active parks in addition to their thoughts on the quality of the park and changes that should be implemented in historical parks.

a. Southwest Quadrant

i. Foster Park Kayak Access Point

ii. Foster - love the diversity of the people who use the park. Love the wide walking trail. Keep it!

iii. Love Foster Park gardens in the spring. A city highlight. Leave the lights on at the tennis court until 12am.

Figure: SW Quadrant Input

b. Southeast Quadrant

i. Brewer park needs a dog park and a covered open air pavilion near the playground area.

SE Quadrant Input

c. Northeast Quadrant (Please note, the map did not have any dots for active and/or passive parks)

i. Love lakeside park!

ii. Noticed the cut loch (reduction in site) to the planting beds.

iii. Love Shoaff Park.

iv. Wide walking trails.

v. Please add a barrier or protected bike lane on the Columbia Ave. bridge over the Maumee River as part of the greenway trail.

Figure:

d. Northwest Quadrant

i. Please continue to allow and expand the mountain bike trails of Franke Park. Would love to see more features, such as a pump track and small bike park with jumps.

ii. Investment in mountain biking facilities at Franke! Trail head bathrooms, pump track, repair stand. MTB brings lots of people to Franke - arguably the best trail within 1 hour drive of the Ft Wayne.

iii. Keep planting trees and native IN plants.

iv. Wetland + Bioswale features!

v. Promenade is great!

vi. We love the natural stepped rock features in the new park section connecting Promenade and Headwaters.

Figure: NW Quadrant Input

V. Trails: A map displayed opportunities for both blueway and greenway connections in relation to current amenities and natural resources in the city. Each path was given a label (Blueways 1-5 and Greenways A-D) and participants were asked which connection should be prioritized.

In addition to the priorities, participants were given a booklet and asked to provide open comment on the maps. The comments are summarized as follows:

i. Add Poca bache Trail

ii. Add abandoned trail to opportunities - FW to stukenville

iii. Add Six Mile greenway

iv. Add abide potential greenway

v. Cedar Creek

5

Figure: Trail Priority Input

Open Comment:

1. I would like to see doors added to the park structure in Hamilton Park

2. There are issues with homeless people in Promenade Park.

3. An opportunity? For SW – Bass Rd.

There is a beautiful piece of prospects along the south side of Bass Rd. It has a pond of lake + is already forested. I think it is west of Thomas Rd + The Pointe Church. Who owns this? Have they been approached? Do you work with Acres Land Trust? Idea: Partner with Acres on some of these acquisitions. Idea: Ask that prospects owner for Long Term plans.

4. Buckner Park

Bass Rd has Buckner Park – a nice new park. Love all the amenities for families + children, eg. Splash pad + soft playground with pavilion + enough benches around the play area. But the walking trail: will there be trees? I hope so. And is that a permissible trail that goes back into the woods? I always wonder if I’m trespassing because there is no signage. Need help.

5. Both NE + SW quadrants seem lacking in park space for the modern homes. The SE definitely needs its pocket parks, playgrounds, and open space for games to be within walking/biking distance.

6. Trial area: Parnell Area/Spy Run Extension/Boat Launch/ Tippmann I was alarmed when the property was posted for sale. It’s along the St. Joe River, floods + has a trail running through it – a lovely part of the Spy Run Extension trail. How did this happen? Does Parks Dept not have anear to the ground or the local real estate community? Let’s get with it and make those connections- Before critical properties come up for sale.

7. I love the trails this city has! It was one asset that drew us here about 20 yes ago. Recommendation – SW

Aboite Center Rd has a nice bike trail with connections eastward to Eagle Marsh + the Towpath Trail, but watch out going westward to the Township parks Indian Trails (I know – Not your domain). The trail stops abruptly at Winterfield Run with no crosswalk or light on a busy street to cross over to the existing sidewalk along the south side of Aboite Center Rd.

8. Native Plants promotion (One idea: Shoaff Park) It’s time to launch a public campaign to promote less lawn and more natural area. Why so much mowing? Be the role model for commercial property owners and home owners. For example, the green strip in Shoaff Park between the walking trail and St. Joe Rd could all be prairie on native plants. It’s not needed for frisbee golf. Scottish golf on biking/walking. Why not let it go native green? (I used to think it should be landscaped w/trees +shrubs to buffer walkers from the street.) We are losing pollinators. We need action. We need good role models.

9. Hamilton w/Lindenwood preserve + Buckner. Cougar Trail.

Emerness lake needs landscape maintenance, (w Covington, I-65, right, Lenden lane)

10. More signage + dog trash cans in Promenade Park

11. Hamilton Park should have signage to delineate how many laps equate to a mile.

12. Fitness area at Hamilton.

13. Alas. The next is remarkably similar to the prior years. And yet, we haven’t increased equitable access. Haven’t upgraded parking, not enough bike parking, yada.

14. At Hamilton, I would like to see doors added to the park structure to allow for more yearround use and to prevent the homeless from using the structure at night.

15. Rudisill Blvd Bike Route seems dangerous without raised glows bumps. Hand to see where bike lane is.

16. Lamon Park + Headwaters Park signage

Event Images:

Landscape Architecture Planning Urban Design Strategic Services

125 South Clark Street Suite 660 Chicago, Illinois 60603 312.360.1736 designworkshop.com

Social Pinpoint Summary

To: City of Fort Wayne Parks and Recrea�on Department

From: Design Workshop

Date: October 23, 2023

Project Name: Parks System Comprehensive Plan

Subject: Social Pinpoint Summary

Below is a Social Pinpoint generated summary of responses.

I. Response wordcloud:

II. Response type:

III. Top responses based on “Likes”

Franke Park

City Boundary

Keep improving the mountain bike and hiking trees. They are a huge asset for Fort Wayne! 14

There should be flashing lights or a stop light for pedestrians crossing from Electric Works to McCulloch Park. Right now it’s far too dangerous. It’s particularly frightening during the Saturday farmers market. 14

Historic Old Fort Emphasis on keeping our Historic assets high on the maintenance priorities. Important for teaching the future generations 13

City Boundary

There should be trash cans on this side of the park, near the boat ramp. Fisherman leave lots of trash down by the water. 11

City Boundary New parks needed in SE fort wayne. We spend a disproportionate amount on the wealthiest neighborhoods like downtown. Help SE get outside more too 11

IV. Sen�ment

• Note that these are auto generated and may not be 100% accurate.

0, City Boundary

HISTORIC OLD FORT,

0, City Boundary

There should be flashing lights or a stop light for pedestrians crossing from Electric Works to McCulloch Park. Right now it’s far too dangerous. It’s particularly frightening during the Saturday farmers market.

Emphasis on keeping our Historic assets high on the maintenance priorities. Important for teaching the future generations

There should be trash cans on this side of the park, near the boat ramp. Fisherman leave lots of trash down by the water.

New parks needed in SE fort wayne. We spend a disproportionate amount on the wealthiest neighborhoods like downtown. Help SE get outside more too

and benches to watch on the north

Northside park could use walking paths around the circumference of the park. Already has sidewalks on two sides. Something similar to Foster Park would be nice and add safety for people walking on the Charlotte side which has no sidewalks at all.

New Places 0, City Boundary

I would like to see use of the vacant riverside property alongside Winchester rd , that was a flood plane for residents and acquired by the city some years ago, it is already being mowed by the city anyway and already looks pretty much like a park but is not accessible to the public, it would be easy to make it a really nice riverside park , with river access for fishing or picnicking or even rafting activities for an additional launch point. It is a shame to see this property go on unused !!

0, SHOAFF PARK, City Boundary, Parks

Bridge is in disrepair. It shows active on Fort Wayne Trail maps misleading tourists trying to navigate the city. The trail does not offer information on repair or reroute options. It looks like it has not seen structural improvement since the 1950-60s. It would be nice to have re-route options and possible repair plans.

There should be more trash cans along all trails. This part of the trail is especially littered with cans and bottles.

It would be really great to have sidewalks along the main road that goes through the middle of Shoaff Park (the section of road between the golf course and the Frisbee golf course). I always see people walking along there but there are no sidewalks and there really should be for safety reasons.

The pedestrian bridge is not useable. This would be a great thing to fix for connectivity of

We need MORE Skate/Bike Parks in our City. Kokomo, Indiana for instance has 2 Skateparks, and a brand new concrete Pump Track.

Schoaff Park: PLEASE post signs prohibiting the use of golf clubs and golf balls anywhere outside the regular golf course and practice range areas. There are people frequently using the open areas to practice their golfing and it is a serious danger to others trying to enjoy the park! Anyone playing disc golf, picnicing, relaxing on a blanket on the far side of a hill, playing other games or just strolling across the open fields should NOT have to be at risk of being struck by a golf ball.

New Places 0, City Boundary

While our city waits for developers to invest at sites like this, perhaps they could be planted with grass and function as a temporary downtown dog park. There are an increasing number of downtown residents with pets, and a walkable location would be welcome. The temporary parks would beautify these zones and attract pedestrian traffic to this area of Fort Wayne. The park can move on to another empty lot when development moves forward.

Maintenance 0, City Boundary

0, City Boundary

Recreation 0, FRANKE PARK, City Boundary, Parks

Many people cross Coldwater here to get to the pufferbelly trail just up the road. It is extremely dangerous with all the traffic and the crosswalk only being on one side of the light. Please address this issue!

The bridge over this canal is an essential component to most of the 05 neighborhood's bike or foot commute downtown, but both the concrete and wood of the bridge are dangerously deteriorated.

The user-created bike trails are a nuisance dangerous, bad for water quality and local ecosystem, and you don't have the workers to maintain that much poorly designed trail. I'd like to see bike trails cut in half or more so we can have wellengineered and maintained tracks thar don't hurt the local environment or put other park users around risk.

Nature 0, City Boundary

New Places 0, City Boundary

We need more natural areas in this area! Not manicured lawns, but woods, trails, wildlife habitat. Real nature, even of it's just a few city lots returned to forest. People need nature

Indoor water park. Diamond Jim’s was a legendary site for many who grew up here but we haven’t had anything like that in decades and have to travel hours away to do so. This would be good year round revenue and another attraction for those outside of the city.

0, TILLMAN PARK, City Boundary, Parks

Maintenance 0, City Boundary

Recreation 0, City Boundary

0, EAST SWINNEY

PARK, City Boundary, Parks

Maintenance 0, City Boundary

I just wanted to acknowledge that the Tillman Park Disc Golf course is really awesome. Thanks for having this featre.

The trail system should connect directly to Electric Works campus.

FW needs a disc golf course 1. In SW/NW Fort Wayne and 2. One that you can rent and ride a golf cart on!

The tennis courts need to be resurfaced or replaced. Many cracks. I know it's very expensive, but these courts are supposed to be the premier tennis courts in the park system.

There should be trash cans on this corner of Lakeside Park. The people fishing in this pond, as well as trail users on the other side of the street leave a lot of trash in this area.

Maintenance 0, City Boundary

Recreation 0, City Boundary

There should be a trash can at this trailhead. Many people park here to eat lunch in their car or on the bench and then dump their trash in the parking lot. Makes this an unpleasant place to visit, even though this is a very nice peaceful trail otherwise.

You should do something with the old Lakeside Golf Course. A natural area with paths would be nice.

Structures 0, City Boundary

0, WEST SWINNEY

Structures

A concrete walkway that surrounds the hill to the top would be a nice addition, with a pavilion/lookout area at the top. It’s a nice place to look over the city.

PARK, City Boundary, Parks Kayak and canoe launch point from Swinney Park on the Saint Mary’s River.

Maintenance 0, EAST SWINNEY

PARK, City Boundary, Parks

The trail is overgrown and not accessible for users in this portion.

Maintenance 0, City Boundary

New Places 0, City Boundary

There needs to be access to the Pufferbelly Trail at this location. There is right-of-way located here. Can the city make this access available?

I don’t know where there is a good location but in order to keep up with other cities and attract families as well as business and it would provide weekend visitors a place to come. We need an indoor/outdoor community aquatic facilities. Something with a lazy river that people can water walk in. I say community center because there can be places to have gatherings as well as walking trail and fitness equipment. Aside from joining the YMCA our city does not offer this indoor type fac.

1 46816 Maintenance 0, MCCULLOCH PARK, City Boundary, Parks

I would love to see a sign acknowledging the Broadway Cemetery that was in this location in the late 1800s. 6 0

Maintenance 0, City Boundary

Installing a button and painting a crosswalk here would allow for safer connectivity to the trail system that runs north.

Please construct a pedestrian bridge for the future Pufferbelly Trail crossing Coliseum, instead of the planned surface-level crossing.

A surface-level connection would only add to the high traffic, and prove exceedingly dangerous for trail users.

Existing surface level crossings on even "small" two lane roads such as Carroll Rd have already proven FATAL to trail users on multiple occasions.

0

Maintenance 0, City Boundary

There are plenty of empty parking lots in the area that could be converted to nice pedestrian space.

0 Recreation PAYTON PARK, Parks

It would be great to add a Splash pad to the newly revived Payton county park. It is now a short walk away from several

Structures

Recreation

0, EAST SWINNEY PARK, City Boundary, Parks

neighborhoods and would offer a nice neighborhood addition for a family oriented area.

The east side of swinney park needs a set of restrooms for people to be able to get to. It's a good walk over to the only bathrooms that are on the west side of the park. The bathrooms need to have a good lock on the door to keep people from being able to invade people's privacy while they are utilizing the park's restrooms. We don't need to have anymore restrooms that have multiple urinals and toilet stalls because those dividers and stall doors aren't cheap and are damaged in other parks. 5 0

0, SALOMON FARM PARK, City Boundary, Parks Is it possible to construct a trail to the bridge from the Pufferbelly or the YMCA loop?

Recreation

Recreation

0, KREAGER PARK, City Boundary, Parks

0, SHOAFF PARK, City Boundary, Parks

5 2

I belive a addition of basketball courts at Krieger Park aligns perfectly with Indiana's basketball culture and offers an inclusive space for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in healthy recreational activities. This enhancement not only complements the park's existing offerings, but also fosters community engagement and physical well-being, making Krieger Park an even more valuable asset to the city. 5 0 46815

The expansion and modernization of basketball courts at Shaoff Park are essential steps to further leverage Indiana's renowned basketball heritage. By enhancing the park's facilities, we reinforce the state's commitment to fostering health, unity, and community engagement through the universal language of basketball. This endeavor aligns seamlessly with Indiana's cultural identity and will undoubtedly contribute to the wellbeing and sense of belonging for residents and visitors alike. 5 0 46815

Structures

Recreation

0, FRANKE PARK, City Boundary, Parks

Once fox Island is back up, wouldn't a pedestrian bridge between it and eagle marsh be *amazing* ? There's no truly big nature anywhere in NE indiana, so the chance to really go long distances or deep into wilderness and away from car nouse doesn’t exist. But if we can loop over both parks, that would be great.

Yes!! They just cover every inch of the forest with random ruts and you can see soil and plant destruction more and more. There's so little great forest left in the area, let's be smarter about our trails, so everyone benefits. The park should work with trail designers to revamp all of it

0, SHOAFF PARK, City Boundary, Parks Dredge pond and stock for better fishing.

Places 0, City Boundary

0, EAST SWINNEY PARK, City Boundary, Parks

Potential for park conversion of apparently empty dealership lots

Clearing around some of the pond would help fishers and disc golfers coexist in peace. Currently the pond is overgrown and the only place to fish is on the disc golf holes.

The bus routes here don’t have sidewalks to them, which is really dangerous for people in wheelchairs at these stops.

New Places

0, FREIMANN SQUARE, City Boundary, Parks

0, PROMENADE PARK, City Boundary, Parks

In the vegetable garden section of the landscaping, it would be nice if there was some sort of sign explaining if people are encouraged or discouraged from picking any vegetables or herbs!

Consider adding more trees or other form of shade on the east side of the playground. The sun beats down on it and makes it miserable to be at.

New Places 0, City Boundary

Nature 0, FOELLINGER

FREIMANN BOTANICAL

CONSERVATORY, City Boundary, Parks

Nature 0, City Boundary

Something must be done about the trail crossing here. It is highly unsafe to cross the street to get to/from the St. Joe or Maumee rivergreenways. Also, the Maumee pathway ends right at the corner without any real indication of what someone is supposed to do, if you don't already know. There should either a new crosswalk solution of a bridge underpass here. There should also definitely be wider sidewalks along the bridge, they are barely wide enough for one person to safely cross, much less two

It would be cool to see more / bigger garden style parks displays throughout the city maybe with connections to the Botanical Conservatory with walking trails, seasonal displays, holiday lights, storybook themes for families. Like the Meyers Garden in Grand Rapids, but with a Fort Wayne flair. 5 0

I believe that the COFW or County own several flood plain lots adjacent to the golf course. Please consider turning this into a native pararie rather than continuing to mow it. 5 0

Recreation 0, City Boundary

I LOVE all the art murals going in downtown...just a tip though... when you look at all the major cities with tourism that COME to visit art statues... they in most cases are not abstract statues/pieces people go to see. Most people are drawn to things that are relatable. To me it serves no purpose to spend massive amounts of money on artwork if people aren't going to relate to or be drawn TO it. People aren't drawn downtown to the pieces going in. Missing the mark with statue choices. 4 6

Structures 0, IVAN LEBAMOFF

RESERVOIR PARK, City Boundary, Parks

The reservoir is in desperate need for a really wonderful bathroom for the park utilizers to have access to with a really sturdy lock on the doors for personal privacy and protection. This great park needs to have a very good drinking fountain like the ones in promenade park. 4 0

0, KREAGER PARK, City Boundary, Parks

A slab was poured for an extra bench that was never installed. Please consider putting in the bench. We love our neighborhood park!

It would be great if the playground on the side of the park with the soccer fields could get some updates, currently several things on the little kid play area are boarded up.

0, WEST SWINNEY

PARK, City Boundary, Parks

I just wanted to comment that the disc golf courses at Swinney are awesome. Additional trees, revitalized baskets, and signage would help them keep going for the next twenty years.

I’m not sure who owns this land, but I would LOVE to see a playground and splash pad go here. Maybe a natural playground, with natives as well. A play creek could be incorporated to help with drainage if needed. And a spot for a small cafe or coffee shop connected to the park (also restrooms). All of this would be walkable for the immediate community in the area.

There’s a huge greenspace here that could be turned into a gorgeous nature park with natural play areas for kids, splash pad, even a cafe or coffee attached to the park (and bathrooms).

Structures 0, City Boundary

As we move through phase 2 and 3 of the Riverfront parks, it would be great to see more of the swings added along the river. They are obviously a Prominade Park favorite, and often fully occupied.

This segment of the sidewalk juts outward around a small privately owned roundabout in the adjacent parking lot (visible in google maps).

If you are headed west->east on a bike, this is a large downhill stretch where you could easily hit 20mph+ without pedaling. Adding signage about the sudden curve and impending dropout of the sidewalk would be safer.

Maintenance 0, City Boundary

Recreation

0, EAST SWINNEY PARK, City Boundary, Parks

New Places 0, City Boundary

The assumption that any cyclist should be paying attention is warranted, however the consequences for crashing at that speed might warrant this

Since the pool was removed the children of the Nebraska neighborhood have no where close to go for water fun. Please install a splash pad

I really think we need a sidewalk here, and crosswalks at Illinois and Thomas road intersection, I occasionally see people walking or riding bikes and I always wonder why there's no sidewalk

Recreation

0, HEADWATERS PARK EAST, City Boundary, Parks

Nature 0, City Boundary

I think we could use more winter offers besides the Headwaters Rink or maybe reimagine the rink into a skating ribbon through the trails in Headwaters or something else that can be enjoyed like an attraction all winter long with or without natural snow.

Would be nice to see more trees planted here to fill in the canopy. There could also be a few benches placed in shaded areas. This space is managed by Ambassadors property management team. Would likely to work with them on it.

Structures

0, City Boundary

0, EAST SWINNEY PARK, City Boundary, Parks

There is a lot right here that has been vacant for YEARS. It is a fenced pasture with a house where they used to have sheep.

There isn't a good playground close by in the area that can be used for families during the weekdays. There are plenty of families in the area that would benefit from a park in this area. There could easily be a walking path built to it through the addition.

Swinney park is in desperate need of having a lot of lights put in throughout the whole entire park. After the sun starts to set, it's extremely dark and quite difficult for people that are walking or on bicycles to make it through there.

Structures

Structures

0, PROMENADE PARK, City Boundary, Parks

0, HEADWATERS PARK WEST, City Boundary, Parks

The main bathroom is not a good idea for a place to be having privacy while using the urinals or the toilets in the men's restroom. People have been known to look over the urinal dividers and look at others who are not there for this reason. The toilet stall walls doesn't need the wide gapes that are exposing people that are using the bathroom. The door to the toilet stall is damaged to the point where you're not able to get it to lock anymore and at the top it's bent. Trash can needs replaced 3 0

Both the east side and the west side of headwaters park needs to have restrooms for the public to use. The restrooms need to have a good lock on the doors for the user to be able to go to the restroom in peace and quiet without any disturbances. 3 0

Recreation 0, LIONS PARK, City Boundary, Parks There should be a paved walking loop at Lions Park. 3 1

Maintenance 0, City Boundary

Addressing the safety concerns along the Pufferbelly path and YMCA entrance is of paramount importance. Urgent rerouting of the path behind the YMCA building is a prudent step to ensure the seamless flow of vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians while prioritizing their safety. This strategic adjustment reflects a commitment to a secure and harmonious urban environment, enhancing the overall well-being of the community and visitors.

Buy the old home Depot or a larger as pot in the city. A build a year around indoor water park. It would bring jobs. And income to the water park for the city and income to restaurants, hotels and other business. That we loose to other state every year

Definitely would like to see this old neighborhood pool area become a park. It would be nice to have trails, a

and

New Places

0, WEST SWINNEY PARK, City Boundary, Parks

0, WEST SWINNEY PARK, City Boundary, Parks

Maintenance 0, City Boundary

Hi there,

I am a resident of West Central and an avid disc golfer. I love the disc golf courses at Swinney.

I have a dog that I frequently walk around the neighborhood - a dog park similar to those at Foster Park or Johhny Appleseed would be great where the pool used to be.

Many residents do not have large yards and an enclosed area would be great for our pups!

Adding disc golf holes in this area of the park would be a really great addition. I rarely see any park patrons over here.

Maintenance 0, City Boundary

The bollards here have always been incredibly tight for cyclists; for some reason there are two posts on the edge in addition to the center post. Changing this backto one single-post in the center would make this more sensible. It is very tight as it is for cyclists already making a 90 degree turn into this part of the trail (if coming from the west).

Very much agree; I was excited to hear about the trail connection, until i learned it was just going to be a levelcrossing on Coliseum. I understand it is not easy to create these structures, get permits, planning, right-of-way. But as the original commentor pointed out, this is extremely unsafe for cyclists and pedestrians as-planned. I love fort wayne, but it is still car-centric. Cyclists are a second thought to drivers in a hurry who are not looking. Please explore alternative options! 3 0

0, SHOAFF PARK, City Boundary, Parks

0, HEADWATERS PARK EAST, City Boundary, Parks

Should add speed bumps all along the loop in Shoaff Park. People drive too fast, especially around the curve and near the playground.

The east side of Headwaters Park can feel very unsafe. There are tall bushes on hills on all sides of you, where you have no visibility of what is around the curve.

Too much confusion over the crosswalks in this city. So many kids (not in the crosswalk) walk out in front oncoming traffic here. With the increase in traffic year after year on a major road that is basically an on and off ramp to a highway there really should be a pedestrian bridge for the amount of schools that use these major roads.

Also wish they would think of a way for walking kids to make it safely south of the ramps.

0, MCCULLOCH PARK, City Boundary, Parks

I would like to see the playground equipment updated. The proximity to Electric Works is desirable to families, but the playground is lacking.

A tree has fallen on the walking trail from the end of Penn Ave down to the trail. It has blocked the trail that has been used for 50+ years. Can you cut up the fallen tree to unblock this path?

0, City Boundary

The VERY historic "Mechanic Street Bridge" (a/k/a Swinney Park Footbridge) is an irreplaceable example of late 19th Century engineering, as well as a vital pedestrian connection between a major city park and several historic neighborhoods. I've been told that complete rehabilitation is "in the works" and understand that engineering work had to precede actual renovation, but would hope that this process is well along by now. Mayor Henry once assured me that it will be done. Let us know

0, JOHNNY APPLESEED

PARK, City Boundary, Parks

We had reservations for camping at Johnny Appleseed in spots, #3 and #4, we made this reservation well in advance. When we arrived the camp hosts gave us several different stories about why we were Not going to get the sites that we had reserved. If you are not going to give us the sites that we reserved then Why are we given our choice of the sites ? Why aren’t the other rules of the park inforced ? See pictures.

I, and at least several of my neighbors, would love to see the trees and green space along Lexington Ave. turned into a park. I'd also love to see the Shawnee Branch library moved to the area where Hauser Hall (part of the defunct Taylor University Fort Wayne campus) is being torn down. There is ample parking available at the site and would be within walking distance of several neighborhoods. What a great site that could be, with a library and park right next to each other!

0, FRANKE PARK, City

0, FRANKE PARK, City Boundary, Parks

The Foellinger Theatre is such a cool outdoor venue and it could be used more and programmed with a variety of different acts and events from local, regional, and national artists. But, updates/improvements may be needed to create a better quality experience for performers, production, and eventgoers.

0, City Boundary

This triangle was a great opportunity for native plants rather than grass. Conjure loves sustainability and native gardening.

0, TILLMAN PARK, City Boundary, Parks Bike parking.

Why doesn't Reservoir Park don't have accessible rest rooms or pavillion ? We (concerned citizens) have been advocating for years now. Long before Riverfront and other projects. Tired of lies and excuses. We've met several times with park board and even the mayor only to get promises and lies.

0, SHOAFF PARK, City Boundary, Parks

0, City Boundary

Recreation 0, City Boundary

Roof on Shoaff Park Pavillion next to baseball diamond looks like an eye sore. The interior of the Pavillion is really nice otherwise.

I have no complaints about the murals though. They all are beautiful.

Let’s get JRL and Praise Park really well connected to an accessible NE FW trail system 2 1 46825 Structures

0, EAST SWINNEY PARK, City Boundary, Parks

0, WEISSER PARK, City Boundary, Parks

Recreation 0, City Boundary

The drinking fountain is really not suitable. It would be really nice to see one in replacement of it like the ones that are in the promenade park on the south side of the river and the north side of the river at both restrooms.

There should be better signage to stay off the golf course if you aren't golfing and better fencing along the perimeter to stop people from cutting through the golf course. It is hard to enjoy golfing while there are kids running around on the fairway. 2 1

I think adding a 18 hole pro level disc golf course would be a great addition to this area. Also it would be nice to add trails throughout the old Lakeside Golf Course. 2 1 46815

Recreation 0, City Boundary

I love all our current murals as they are. For future murals I would love to see more of a focus on the history of Fort Wayne. We have so many cool things that have happened here so let’s honor that. Just some ideas but could we can paint a mural celebrating the industry workers GE, International Harvester, etc. We also had an entire population of Native Americans live here, including Chief Little Turtle. The flood of 1982 was a pretty big deal too. Let’s paint all that!

House on this corner needs taken out in the name of safety using eminent domain. The number of accidents at this intersection is beyond comprehension.

0, FOSTER PARK, City Boundary, Parks

New Places 0, City Boundary

I am anxiously awaiting the start of revamping the Foster Park golf course. Besides bringing in more revenue to the city, it will be a premier public course to go to, for both our citizens and out of town guests. I have seen a presentation on what will take place and I believe that when done, 90% of the neighbors will agree that it was a good move. I can't wait to host the Ft. Wayne Women's City Golf Tournament there! So lets' get started!!!

Piggy back on existing utility easements at corner of Grandview Drive/Melody Lane to provide trail connection for Brierwood Hills north to connect with Aboite Trails on Covington Road. 2 0 46804

Maintenance

0, MCMILLEN PARK, City Boundary, Parks

New Places 0, City Boundary

While the maintenance crew at the golf course has been doing a fantastic job of caring for the course, make sure that they have what they need to do their job. I know equipment and parts are expensive, but the golf course is getting busier, bringing in revenue, unlike some of the newer projects I have seen. Please put more money in the budget for our revenue bearing golf courses, versus new projects. TY 2 1 46805

Potential area for park in open area. Wasn't a sculpture park tossed out as an idea at one point?

SALOMON FARM PARK, City Boundary, Parks

Yes, we absolutely need more parks on the SE side. I’ve lived in Village Woods for 7 years and have young children-I would love to be able to walk to a park in addition to the library (Hessen Cassel branch).

It would be wonderful to see a small playground or even community garden put into this city-owned green space!

This park definitely needs more trails and a better connection to the Pufferbelly Trail.

intersection really hard to see traffic traveling on Coldwater

We would love to see a sidewalk added along the west side of Rothman Rd and a pedestrian bridge across Maplecrest so residents can safely walk and/or ride bikes across Maplecrest and follow the new sidewalks along the east side of Rothman towards Shoaf Park. We'd love to see that sidewalk continue all the way to Shoaf Park as well.

Would be awesome to see some of the space on the south side of the farm developed into a disc golf course. Currently there aren’t any

Somewhere, a local indoor/outdoor water park would be great, as the nearest are over two hours away.

0, HISTORIC OLD FORT, City Boundary, Parks

0, WEST SWINNEY

Historic Fort Wayne, Inc, operates the Old Fort on behalf of the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department. We are undertaking a building renovation program in order that future generations will hear the stories of those early days in the city's founding. Modest improvements to the park environment will greatly enhance the experience for guests and visitors to the park. Suggestions include a small shelter or pavilion, access to drinking water. Thank you!

0, LAKESIDE PARK, City Boundary, Parks

I have lived in the area for over 20 years and all the other parks seem to have new equipment and lakeside has had the same things for over 20 years. It would be nice for an update. Even keeping the old stuff but there is plenty of room to expand and improve.

A trail and/or wider roads/shoulder all along Cedar Canyon would benefit the many people/families trying to safely

0, City Boundary

Places 0, City Boundary

What if we reimagined how people could navigate around/through the dams? It could be a great way to expand the footprint for people to explore Allen County's riverfront.

This would be a great location for a neighborhood park now that the old Taylor FW dorms have been torn down.

0, HEADWATERS PARK EAST, City Boundary, Parks

We are treating this statue w/ so little respect; it's bare all around it and hidden in a corner. It needs native plants all around it, especially those that are important to the Indigenous people of the area. A great place for education on native and edible plants!

I'm a volunteer for the cleanup they weren't holding people back to reforest. They were planting and cleaning up invasives while waiting for the logging that was NECESSARY to make the park the least bit usable. You have no idea the absolute disaster area it is; I've seen it first hand. The park can't be used safely until thousands of tree hazards are cleaned up.

Update the playground equipment please! But leave the green turtle.

Please replace the old barely functional water fountain. I'd love to see the multi-level ones that include dog bowls, child height and adult height spouts.

off till road, Madina Parkway, Chesterton Trail, Pufferbelly Trail crosses street, very dangerous, can't see crossers, overgrowth, left numerous messages to cut, nothing done, very dangerous, bikers fly over the road, people don't stop, instead of new stuff, maintain, maintain, maintain!

The lot is on Coldwater Rd. It is a commercial lot now but has never had a real business on it.

0, EAST SWINNEY

PARK, City Boundary, Parks

The electrical outlet at the pavilion is in need of repair. It doesn't give off a lot of power to be sufficient.

Maintenance HARLAN PARK, Parks Post phone number/contact info for renting community house.

0, BOB ARNOLD

Recreation

NORTHSIDE PARK, City Boundary, Parks

New Places 0, City Boundary

Agree with this 100%! Especially with so many students walking to North Side High School through the park

Fort Wayne needs a concrete bike park and pump track.

Out in the burbs, maybe, but that's not the kind of thing I'd want right in the downtown area. It would have a huge footprint, increased traffic, and would be bad for the environment. The parks department can barely maintain the facilities they have. IF an investor thinks it's worth the capital, let them do it

New Places 0, City Boundary What are plans to develop east Central Park?

New Places 0, City Boundary

Maintenance

0, MCMILLEN PARK, City Boundary, Parks

0, MOODY PARK, City Boundary, Parks

Lol, so the gangs have MORE public areas to deal drugs and shoot each other up? Actually, you may be on to something. That would help keep their business out of the neighborhoods. Yes, more parks/gang playgrounds!! Onward!

Continue to keep up with and improve McMillan par 3 course and 18-hole golf course (a little innovative changes wouldn't hurt either). I am a Lifetime Sports alumnus and would love to see the program continue on and improve!

More attractions needed in Moody Park. Lots of land with potential, especially in proximity to Electric Works

0, HAMILTON PARK, City Boundary, Parks 1/2 of this park needs cleaned/replaced. Someone pooped in the slide. There's vulgar writings all over.

0, IVAN LEBAMOFF

Maintenance

RESERVOIR PARK, City Boundary, Parks

Scraping the goose droppings off the walkway around the water would make the park a lot more attractive to use at all times. 1

46808

HEADWATERS PARK EAST, City Boundary, Parks Construct a large permanent entry to accommodate the equipment that tears up the park during TRF.

LAKESIDE PARK, City

We love the playground, but the mulch is hard for kids with low muscle or wheelchairs to play on.

WEST SWINNEY

Please add numerous small, green, metal trash cans on posts (such as those in Shoaff Park) throughout Foster park for visitors to deposit their dogs' poop bags. Also, please add at least one more dispenser of poop bags.

Although there is a (¿30-gal?) trash can only about a hundred feet from the reader board, the clear acrylic box for maps by Fort Wayne Trails is almost full of used poop bags.

We could benefit from an off leash dog area. everyone uses the

Maintenance 0, City Boundary

Using The Treetop Canopy Trail design of Promenade Park only a short section would be required to replace the bridge. A beautiful addition to the River Greenway pedestrians and cyclists enjoy the view. Visible from the Headwaters Park side of the St. Mary's River at Trader's Point it ties the two parks together. All these features beautify the area, raise property values, sends the right message to the community and beyond. Also more respectful of the environment and safer than a path and wall.

This is not specific to this neighborhood but the whole city.

I wish the city funded a tree program where people or even contractors could get trees from the city and plant them for free. We have so many lost to weather and construction each year. Many aging out. Many showing so much stress. It would be great to encourage growth. New neighborhoods & old.

Nature 0, City Boundary

Recreation

0, SHOAFF PARK, City Boundary, Parks

Maintenance 0, EAST SWINNEY PARK, City Boundary, Parks

Maintenance 0, City Boundary

People won't bother going through the city if they have to pay the same or comparable as they would through a store.

Shoaff Park Golf Course is a beautiful Golf Course. They need new carts. They need more carts and most important it would be nice to have a cart barn so the carts stay clean. Nothing is more disgusting than to crawl into a dirty golf cart from dust and rain. I would buy a season pass just to pay there but I'm not going to unless they upgrade this golf course.

Clean up the branches, trash, and trees stuck on the side of the Maumee Dam

0, FOSTER PARK, City Boundary, Parks

New Places 0, City Boundary

I see many positives to updating the golf course, but I do have concerns about the proposed changes to the trails. Our family uses the paved path for walking and bike rides with our kids, often continuing on to Tillman Park via the River Greenway trails. We also enjoy walking through the woods on the unpaved trails, though they are often in need of maintenance. Foster Park is lovely, but I'd love to see more native areas as well.

We need a community center in Aboite. After visiting the Minneapolis suburbs, each town/community has their own well kept and attended Community Center. Amenities - pool, kids indoor playground, meeting rooms, etc. This area historically has had difficulties keeping businesses and there is plenty of parking around. Currently, community events have to be held at private venues such as the YMCA, churches, etc.

Recreation

0, SHOAFF PARK, City Boundary, Parks

The addition of a state of the art concrete bicycle pump track or a skate/bmx park to Shoaff would be welcome to this park and the North side of the city. This would bring a new adventure for many folks for as new option for exercise and enjoying the Fort Wayne parks.

0, KREAGER PARK, City Boundary, Parks A bmx or bicycle pump track would be a welcome addition.

Recreation

0, SHOAFF PARK, City Boundary, Parks

It would be great to have a free off leash dog park here with a separate area for smaller dogs, and which would encompass all the hills and trees in this part of the loop behind the baseball diamond.

It would be great to see this parcel of land, which is for sale, and includes a beautiful stand of mature trees and a large field which extends down to the river, turned in to a park. This area needs more green spaces for walking and hiking trails as well as a playground with all of the development being done.

0, LAKESIDE PARK, City Boundary, Parks

Please make some part of parks like this more natural, to help create wildlife sanctuary for animals trying to make it between the tiny preserves at the edge of the city plan a meadow w/ native plant education in a corner or PLEASE stop dying the water that weird color. Instead plant some more natural plantings on the edge.

It's not nearly as nice to walk around a sterile park like this as real nature. Plus you will save on gas & CO2 release from all the mowing

0, FRANKE PARK, City Boundary, Parks

Decrease the user-created trail mess and make well-maintained biking trails. It's better for watershed, runoff, trail maintenance, and the experience of *all* users. If you have bike only welldrained trails designed by experts, it will be much better for bikers, too.

PARK, City

sails

0, KETTLER PARK, City Boundary, Parks Paint the courts like in LaRez. The neighborhood kids would love

0, KETTLER PARK, City

Nature 0, City Boundary

The park is great but lacks elements of nature. Native flower gardens providing habitat for pollinators while educating the community about these plants would be wonderful. Bee Kind Landscaping lives down the road is willing to help:

EAST SWINNEY

0, EAST SWINNEY

Add public art and lighting to the underpass bridge between Swinney East and Swinney Central.

A sidewalk from this underpass bridge to the facilities at the Tennis Court building would also be immensely helpful to provide connectivity to restrooms, as there are none at East.

0, FOSTER PARK, City Boundary, Parks

New Places 0, City Boundary

An additional water fountain on the south side of the park would be great!

This failed housing development is an absolute blight on Fort Wayne and could be an amazing park and nature preserve with some TLC and time.

Recreation 0, City Boundary

This Disc Golf course is a great short, beginner course. It could use a sign with the full course map somewhere as well as signs helping you navigate to the next tee. Especially since it's beginner friendly, the navigation needs to be beginner friendly as well.

Maintenance 0, City Boundary

Erosion emergency which will eventually affect Bluffton Road. For 4 years I have asked. Please no ugly rip rap. Large flat stones tastefully terraced would work. The WPA section of the St. Mary’s River stone work has lasted all this time near the Bluffton Road bridge as an example.

Nature 0, City Boundary

Maintenance 0, City Boundary

Acquire open space for open space sake to keep Romary from developing old dumping ground of city concrete sidewalks. The last remaining open space of Chief Richardsville Reserve. No need for improvements, just enough trail access to the lake for kayakers.

Electric Works needs to have better connectivity provided by the city. Pedestrian and biking.

Playground needs some TLC and better seating. It’s heavily used by neighborhood children. Implement the PAPA plan.

Nature 0, City Boundary

Recreation 0, City Boundary

Would love to see the city purchase this green space from Ambassador. It’s heavily used by all surrounding neighborhoods and would be a shame to lose this space.

Foster Park Golf Course needs help. Many of the tees are uneven, and there are "marshy" areas in several fairways. I love the course, but it's frustrating to play many times.

You should add a dog park at Lawton Park or another location better suited.

Nature 0, City Boundary Yes! Love that idea!

Recreation 0, City Boundary Right next to the (now vacant) DeBrands

EAST SWINNEY PARK, City Boundary, Parks

Places 0, City Boundary

Places 0, City Boundary

Many of the donut neighborhoods around FW that have been annexed in the last 25 years do not have adequate funding put towards parks. it is the responsibility of the HOAs to maintain common areas and provide any recreation such as tennis and pickleball courts, benches and playgrounds while see dozens of neighborhood parks more central to FW that have nice playground equipment. I like the $5000 neighborhood grants ideas, I hope that remains, but it also needs to be more proportionate to the siz

Purchase the Plex outdoor driving range to a Parks and Rec driving range, call it Eagle Marsh Driving Range. Potential for other public golf activities?

Speaking of refreshments. It'd be lovely to have a popsicle stand as a constant business for park goers and their families to enjoy!

Property Records unfortunately show this was recently bought in April of 2023 from Avalon Summersports Club Inc. to private owners.

pinned location between Airport Expressway and Shamrock Rd is all privately owned by Lawn & Turf Real Estate LLC.

Indoor waterpark would be legit!!! Columbus, OH has several options but it’s so far

0, City Boundary

I love the historic art idea. I thought there used to be a Little Turtle statue here somewhere but honestly I don't know where it is. I wish there was more about him around the city.

I don't mind abstract. I just would like to see new statues that aren't abstract. It just seems like abstracts all they are putting in. Bredwig has some amazing whimsical art pieces too. I think him doing a big statue would keep drawing a ton of people/families/tourists. Maybe even a few based historic figures.

Structures EAGLE MARSH, Parks

Here there is usually a bathroom along the trail which is great, but using the trail toward the east it can usually be many miles before you can find another bathroom (Rock Hill or Sweeney Park). It'd be nice if there could at least be a portapotty somewhere else along the path east (and maybe also toward the north before hitting the YMCA Aboite park).

FOX ISLAND, Parks

We would love an adventure course or something interactivewe have such wonderful outdoor, mostly flat parks already- we could do something that’s more of an attraction

Redevelop Mercedes dealership (since they are moving) into a park or trailhead and connect to Engle Road

FOX ISLAND, Parks

It is my understanding that the park is closed for restoration after severe weather took down a number of trees. Since it is a nature preserve, I'd say remove fallen trees where they are a hazard and let nature do its own restoration. Go ahead and plant some new trees and shrubs if so desired, but let people come in and enjoy the trails once again.

The area that is protected as a nature preserve should not be reforested. It should be left alone by the nature preserve law. Yes. Efforts to remove invasives should proceed. Yes. the trails

Maintenance

should be opened or relocated where possible. But it should not be replanted within the nature preserve.

Maintenance

Structures

Structures

0, HEADWATERS PARK

EAST, City Boundary, Parks

0, GREN PARK, City Boundary, Parks

0, City Boundary

0, GREN PARK, City Boundary, Parks

I second this for sure!!! The bushes are in dire need of a major trimming

Resurface walking track and playground area. Trim trees off the ground and away from entrance to walking track on south entrance. Trim weeds and tall grass.

Add bathroom, water fountain with dog bowl, poop bag station, and light in pavilion.

Add bathroom, water fountain with dog bowl, poop bag station, and light in pavilion.

Recreation

Recreation

0, EAST CENTRAL PARK, City Boundary, Parks

0, HANNA HOMESTEAD, City Boundary, Parks

Could this area and towards River City Ventures be utilized for a new playground experience that invites different experiences than a typical playground set up provides. Opportunities to create, imagine, build, etc. (not just play, run, swing, climb).

The Hanna Homestead has a connection with Turnstone. We could connect with that history and build more accessible features in this park for all families, kids, and individuals to enjoy and explore.

Structures

0, FOSTER PARK, City Boundary, Parks

While traveling in Lisbon last year loved to stop at the kiosks located in every park. They were beautiful places that brought a lot of people together outdoors. Maybe the city could place one here when the construction is finished? The space could be rented to a vendor or the city could run their own shop.

Structures 0, FOSTER PARK, City Boundary, Parks

Maintenance 0, City Boundary

This is probably very expensive and a tall order but I always thought it would be nice to have street lights along this trail. It would make for a safer evening walking environment and add to the beauty of the park.

And for people who don't use them, too! We need sidewalks and safer crossings all over the city.

Nature 0, PROMENADE PARK, City Boundary, Parks The smallest slide gets especially hot!

Many dead animals here on a regular basis. I assume they're trying to get from one side of the river to the other but are met with a brick wall. Don't have a solution but it makes me sad to see on my route to work. I've called 311 for it multiple times.

New Places 0, City Boundary

Maintenance

Recreation

0, BOB ARNOLD

NORTHSIDE PARK, City Boundary, Parks

0, KREAGER PARK, City Boundary, Parks

Structures 0, City Boundary

New Places 0, City Boundary

Get rid of current executive leadership, specifically Chuck R and Steve M. They are running the dept into the ground

Drinking fountains in the vicinity of the soccer fields would be a good addition.

Leave bathrooms always open after the remodel

I love the idea of the library being moved here. This would be wonderful.

Nature

Structures

0, FOSTER PARK, City Boundary, Parks

0, FOSTER PARK, City Boundary, Parks

0, INDIAN VILLAGE PARK, City Boundary, Parks

New Places

New Places

Structures

Structures

Please make this area pedestrian only as you said you would at an ice cream social in Foster Park about 10 years ago. Move all the traffic elsewhere, possibly to the other entrance exit that is currently closed or to somewhere off of Hartman Road. Please get all these horrible noisy cars that vibrate our Windows all day long and all these people that failed driver's ed and can't figure out how to drive in and out of the park away from this entrance exit and away from the nice houses in the neigh

Please do not put anything that would encourage more people next to the houses. It is super noisy as it is and it's a nightmare to live here

This would be a good area to move parking to to get it away from the houses

0, FOSTER PARK, City Boundary, Parks Wheelchair access parking space for the river Greenway

0, FOSTER PARK, City Boundary, Parks

0, MCMILLEN PARK, City Boundary, Parks

0, MCMILLEN PARK, City Boundary, Parks

Nice area for a new vehicle entrance exit to the park. Make the current one pedestrian only

McMillan Park needs pavilions with electricity for people to rent to hold parties and family gatherings. Very large Pavilions. 0 0

McMillan needs large pavilions with electricity and kitchen access to hold gatherings

Recreation

0, BOB ARNOLD NORTHSIDE PARK, City Boundary, Parks

Recreation 0, FOELLINGER FREIMANN BOTANICAL CONSERVATORY, City

Swimming pools should be open in August and September when it is still hot out. It makes no sense that you close them as soon as it starts to get hot out

Boundary, Parks Bring back the botanic Roots concert series

Maintenance 0, City Boundary

The spot that was chosen for a light is just strange and doesn't seem to serve any purpose at all other than being on a confusing curve and you can't figure out what's going on when you're driving. I would remove the light from its current location half a block north and move it down to the entrance exit location

Structures

0, FOSTER PARK, City Boundary, Parks

City

0, IVAN LEBAMOFF RESERVOIR PARK, City

Has the park is closed at night I would not encourage anymore attendance in the park while it is closed. It's noisy enough as it is and the people coming out of it in the dark are generally those who have failed driver's ed and failed the inspection of their vehicle and generally create a nuisance all around for everyone. Definitely would not encourage any more Park attendance especially a

0, FOSTER PARK, City Boundary, Parks

Nature 0, City Boundary

One private or public organization should not be allowed to take over the ENTIRE PARK and deny access to the rest of the city to the park. Stop allowing this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not only do they deny everyone else access, they break all the park rules about amplified music, etc. The purpose of the park system is NOT to create a massive nuisance to the surrounding neighborhood for your own entertainment and pleasure. The parks supposedly belong to everyone. STOP ALLOWING THIS!!!!

I'm not so sure you really want the park district to own this area. Their policy is that a private group can rent a park out, fence off access to everyone else, and then break all the park rules, blaring music, throwing garbage everywhere, etc. Do you really want this going on in this location?

Nature 0, City Boundary

I'm not so sure you really want the park district to own this area. Their policy is that a private group can rent a park out, fence off access to everyone else, and then break all the park rules, blaring music, throwing garbage everywhere, etc. Do you really want this going on in this location?

Landscape Architecture Planning Urban Design Strategic Services

125 South Clark Street Suite 660 Chicago, Illinois 60603

312.360.1736 designworkshop.com

COMMUNITY PROFILE

To: City of Fort Wayne Staff

From: Design Workshop: Kurt Culbertson, Brian Corrie, Alexandra Pollock, Ashley McKnight

Date: June 14, 2023

Project Name: Fort Wayne Park System Comprehensive Plan

Project #: 7037

Subject: Fort Wayne Community Profile Summary

OUTLINE

• Purpose

• Demographics

o Population

o Population Projections

o Households

o Age

o Race, Ethnicity, and Language

• Economics

o Workforce Profile

o Income

• Equity

o Disenfranchised Populations

o Park Locations

o Walkshed

• Conclusion

PURPOSE

This memorandum is intended to illustrate community profile data for Fort Wayne and correlate findings to outdoor recreation parks and recreation planning In the future, key information from this memorandum will be included in the plan document to highlight how data was used to inform recommendations. These findings will also be used to express the existing conditions and a broad overview of opportunities and challenges in public engagement efforts. In addition to Fort Wayne data, the maps contained in each analysis also display data for surrounding areas. Since residents in adjacent

communities also utilize the city’s park system, they are important to consider when assessing users and needs.

In your review of this memo please look for:

1. Any gaps or misrepresentation in recreation interests and trends

2. Confirm population numbers/sources appropriate for use in level of service analysis. Please note that the most up-to-date information was used. This is the reasoning behind different sources (ArcGIS and Census data) and different years being used. The dates and sources are noted to ensure clarity on where and when the data lives.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Population

Fort Wayne, the county seat of Allen County, is located in northeast Indiana. The city’s population of 266,373 (2022 population) makes up almost 5% of the state’s population. According to ArcGIS Business Analyst, the city’s population has increased by 3.32%, or about 8,448 people, between 2011 and 2021. This growth rate is significantly below both the county, state, and national increase rates over the 10year period, at 7.95%, 4.60% and 7.54%, respectively.

Change

Populatio n, percent change, 20112021

Table 1: Population Change

Source: ArcGIS Business Analyst, 2023

Population Projections

The population of Fort Wayne is increasing and is expected to reach approximately 268,965 by the year 2027 (Esri, 2022). This is an increase of approximately 5.8% from 2021. While the growth rate is not exponentially large, Fort Wayne must consider the differing needs and desires that population change brings. According to the map below, the southeast and northeast quadrants of Fort Wayne are significantly denser than other areas of the city. As is typical with cities, the density steadily decreases outward toward the city boundaries. There is also a densely populated area between the northeast and northwest quadrant. This is where two large colleges, Purdue University Fort Wayne and Ivy Tech Community College, are located.

Figure 1: Population Density Distribution

Households

According to Esri data, there are 108,656 households in Fort Wayne in 2022. The average household size is 2.40 individuals, slightly smaller than the state’s 2.49 individuals. Within the city’s 117,164 housing units (ESRI, 2022), 58.8% are owner occupied and 34% are renter occupied while 7.3% are vacant. The percentage of vacant units is lower than the state’s 8.9%. This percentage of units that are owned, rented, and vacant are expected to remain relatively consistent through 2027.

Source: Esri, Business Analyst 2023

Source: Esri, Business Analyst 2023

Table 2: Households

Table 3: Household Units

Age

The median age in Fort Wayne is 36.8 years old compared to the national average of 38.9 years old. Young adults between the ages of 25 – 34 account for the largest age segment in the city (14.2%). This is a shift from 2010 where the largest segment of the population was ages 15 – 24 (14.6%). The proportion of children (those less than 14 years of age) is 20.1%, which is more than the state’s 18.6% There is a relatively consistent spread of population, shaped in a bell curve, amongst all age groups.

Figure 2 shows the average age distribution in Fort Wayne. Examining the age distribution throughout the city has important implications for parks planning because each generation can exhibit differing preferences regarding housing, work, entertainment, and recreation The middle portion of the northwest quadrant is significantly older than adjacent areas in the city. This may be in part due to senior facilities such as Kingston Care Center and ResCare Community Living. In contrast, there are several pockets of younger residents including inward towards downtown and by the city’s larger colleges. This distribution may also speak to the areas’ surroundings and amenities. For instance, Ludwig Park and Stonefield are suburban-style neighborhoods without parks nearby, while neighborhoods including East Central and Maumee Terrace are close to downtown and offer nearby passive and active opportunities for all ages. Once again, this signifies the importance of examining age distribution to ensure that all ages have parks, open spaces and recreational opportunities to enjoy.

Owner Occupied Housing Units Renter Occupied Housing Units Vacant Occupied Housing Units

Table 4: Household Occupancy Source: Esri, Business Analyst 2023

Race, Ethnicity and Language

Compared to the state, Fort Wayne is more diverse (ESRI, 2022). Fort Wayne’s white/Caucasian population is the largest racial group in the city (65.4%), followed by Black or African American (15.3%), Asian (6%), and some other race alone (excluding American Indian and Pacific Islander) (5.7%) reported by ESRI 2022 Projections People who identified as two or more races make up 8.0% of the population, larger than the state’s 6.4%. It is notable that Fort Wayne has one of the largest Burmese populations in North America, contributing to the high portion (6.0%) of Asian residents

According to ESRI data, a majority of city residents above the age of five speak only English (87.1%), followed by Spanish speakers (6.3%) and Indo-European languages (5.6%). The city is slowly growing in diversity compared to previous years’ demographic makeups. A Diversity Index is used to understand the racial and ethnic makeup of a specific geography. The Diversity Index is based on the Census block group level and ranges from 0 (no diversity) to 100 (complete diversity). As described by ESRI, when using this data, “if an area’s entire population belongs to one race group and one ethnic group, then an area has zero diversity. An area’s diversity index increases to 100 when the population is evenly divided into two or more race/ethnic groups.” Fort Wayne’s Diversity Index is projected to grow from 63.5 in 2022 to 65.2 in 2027, reflecting a diverse makeup. The following maps show the diversity of Fort Wayne. Figure 3 shows the overall diversity distribution. According to the map below, the southeast area is by

Figure 2: Fort Wayne Age Distribution

far the most diverse portion of the city. Many neighborhoods in the quadrant are predominantly Hispanic/Latino.

Racial Demographics

Table 5: City and State Racial Demographics

Source: Esri, Business Analyst 2023

Figure 3: Diversity Distribution

ECONOMICS

Workforce Profile

More than half of the city’s residents over the age of 16 (131,418 people) are white collar employees defined as those who perform professional, desk, managerial or administrative work The largest group under this category are employees classified as professionals (22.1%), followed by management/business/finance (13.7%), administrative support (12.2%), and those in sales (9.8%). Blue collar employees make up 26.2% of the employees within Fort Wayne with the largest groups being in production (10.5%) and transportation/material moving (9.0%).

The city’s largest employers include Parkview Health Systems, Lutheran Health Network, General Motors, Fort Wayne Community Schools, and Lincoln Financial Group. Workforce profiles help recreation planning efforts through identifying potential periods of the day that the Fort Wayne population may recreate and the typical hours available for leisure.

According to 2021 US Census Data, the daytime population for Fort Wayne is 318,996 people. This means that according to 2021 census estimates, approximately 55,182 people commute into Fort Wayne for work. When planning, it is important to consider additional recreation provisions that may be needed for this influx of a daytime workforce population.

2020 16+ in Labor Force

Table 6: 2020 Labor Force

Source: Esri, Business Analyst 2023

Income

Fort Wayne’s Median Household Income (MHI) of $76,202 is substantially lower than that of the state of Indiana’s MHI of $87,952 (Esri, 2022). Median household incomes are expected to grow to $89,584 by 2027 in Fort Wayne and $102,898 in Indiana, revealing a similar growth rate in incomes.

Table 7 shows the distribution of 2022 household incomes reported by ESRI. The largest group of households (19.8%) make between $50,000-$74,999, in line with the state’s largest housing group income Over a quarter of all households (29.3%) earn less than $34,999 annually, which is a larger percentage of households than the state’s 25.9%. The city has fewer high-income households than Indiana, with 21.9% of households in Fort Wayne earning more than $100,000 annually, compared to the state’s 28.4% Figure 4 displays the distribution of incomes throughout Fort Wayne and surrounding

areas. A majority of the population makes between $49,000 and $70,000. Outer edges of the westernand northern-most portions of the city have the highest median income. This data may indicate a greater need for the city to provide affordable recreation and outdoor space at a local level.

2020 Households by Income

Table 7: Household Income Distribution

Source: Esri, Business Analyst 2020

Figure 4: Income Distribution

Employment & Poverty

A city’s unemployment rate is a key indicator of its economic health. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that Fort Wayne’s annual unemployment rate for the year of 2021 was 3.5%, much lower than 2020’s rate of 7.5%. It should be noted that this rate was largely impacted by, and may vary as a result of, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic As a result, historical data was also reviewed for a more accurate representation of the city’s unemployment status. While 3.5 is above the annual rates for 2017-2019, it is lower than 2016’s rate of 4.1.

In 2021, roughly 21,474 individuals had incomes below 50% of the poverty level. This percentage (8.33%) is greater than the state’s 6.11%. It is important to take this disparity in income levels into consideration with decision making for the City of Fort Wayne

EQUITY

Disenfranchised Populations

Overlaying socioeconomic information with data related to the availability and quality of parks, open space, and recreation offerings can portray critical gaps in the system.

Common factors for identifying disenfranchised populations are:

• Population (5 years and over for whom poverty status is determined) below poverty level

• Households receiving food stamps/ SNAP benefits

• Persons with a disability

• Populations 18 to 64 that do not speak English

When compared to the state, Fort Wayne has a higher percentage of the population that may be identified as disenfranchised. The percentage of households below the poverty level (16.35%) is significantly more than the percentage in Indiana (11.80%). In terms of Fort Wayne’s percentage of persons with a disability, those with ambulatory disabilities make up the largest percentage of the overall population (8.3%), specifically ages 75 and up. This is important in designing parks and recreation spaces that incorporate universal design principles, those that are inviting and comfortable for all users, regardless of age or ability.

Park Locations

Disenfranchised Populations

with a

Population 1864 That Speaks Only A Language Other Than English

Table 8: At-Risk Populations

Source: ACS 1-Year Estimate and Esri Business Analyst, 2020

Historically, Fort Wayne has been divided into four unofficial quadrants: northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest. The boundaries of these quadrants consist of both streets and natural features. Calhoun Street divides the southwest and southeast, while the St. Joseph River sits between the northwest and northeast quadrants. The Maumee River is the dividing feature between the northeast and southeast. The northwest and southwest quadrants are divided by multiple portions of assets, including the St. Mary’s River and the Chicago, Fort Wayne and Eastern Railroad (CFE).

Figure 5 reflects the parks and open spaces provided by the City of Fort Wayne. This map illustrates the lack of parks, recreation and open spaces towards the outer boundaries of the city. The map also identifies parks outside of the city’s immediate boundaries. This is because those parks serve both the adjacent municipality and the residents of Fort Wayne. While each quadrant of the city has a similar number of parks and open spaces, residents in southeast Fort Wayne are better served due to a more even distribution of such spaces throughout the quadrant. This concept of accessibility is further analyzed in Figure 6 which provides detail on walking capability

Figure 5: Fort Wayne Parks Distribution

Gap Analysis

The walkshed analysis, as shown in Figure 6, identifies parks and natural spaces within Fort Wayne that are considered accessible. The analysis was conducted by calculating a 10-minute walk from the entrances of Fort Wayne’s parks. Using GIS, the analysis determines how far one can travel on foot from each city-owned park within 10 minutes using the street, sidewalk, and trail network. The walkshed accounts for barriers that might impede access, including railroad tracks, rivers, interstates, and roads with a speed limit higher than 45 mph. Park access points were also considered to account for gates and other barriers that impede entry. Residential address points were also layered onto this walkshed to reveal homes that cannot reach greenspace within a short walk. These households are considered “underserved” for the purposes of this analysis.

A deeper look into the walkshed analysis gives a clearer understanding of park access gaps in the city. Approximately 27% of total residential land in Fort Wayne is within a 10-minute walking distance from parks, recreation, and open spaces. It is important to consider that some of this residential land is made up of neighborhood associations. These associations can contain parks that are not considered public and therefore are not calculated in this data. As a result, when the residential land within neighborhood

Figure 6: Community Walkshed

associations is removed, the percentage of residential land within a 10-minute walkshed increases to 35% (excluding neighborhood associations). It is also important to note that although residents may have access to a park, this gap analysis does not determine the quality of a park. For instance, residents may be a 5-minute walk to open land with a picnic table, but 45-minute walk to a park that serves their needs with a basketball court and restrooms.

The following summary, split up by quadrants (shown in Figure 5), describes potential barriers to accessibility and underserved areas. Attention was given to on-the-ground features (major state roads, waterways and rail) that may impose access barriers. This gap analysis will change and progress throughout the project through further understanding of the complexities of the system from input, data, and best practices

Northeast Fort Wayne:

• State Road (SR) 930 runs through the middle of the northeast quadrant, creating a barrier for residents in the area. The two rivers, St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s River, also act as barriers to park and open space accessibility. This is because getting across the rivers and the state road is difficult, if not impossible, without infrastructure such as a tunnel or bridge. Therefore, residents would have to go around the barrier, adding time to the walk, or use a vehicle to get there. In particular, homes on the eastern side of SR 930 may have difficulty accessing parks and open spaces to the west such as Lindenwood Nature Preserve. Similarly, St. Joseph’s River may also reduce accessibility to Shoaff Park.

• The center of northeast Fort Wayne has no parks. A majority of the development in this area is single family residential. Therefore, neighborhood parks with amenities focused on surrounding demographics are likely needed in this area.

Northwest Fort Wayne:

• Northwest Fort Wayne consists of commercial, industrial, and residential development. The area has two large parks – Solomon Homestead Park and Franke Park. It is clear from Figure 2 that Solomon Homestead Park has a limit to accessibility on the eastern side of the park. This is due to private development blocking public accessibility. Similarly, the northern part of Franke Park lacks accessibility due to residential development backing into the park, making the only access from Sherman Boulevard or around Shoaff Lake.

• In terms of acreage and number of parks, northwest Fort Wayne is well served. However, the residential areas in the middle of the quadrant are severely lacking parks and open spaces within a 10-minute walk. Smith Field airport may attribute to this. Due to the nuisance impacts of an airport, the area is likely not considered one where people want to recreate. However, there are residences near the area that are significantly lacking park access.

Southeast Fort Wayne:

• Similar to northeast Fort Wayne, SR 69 runs through the middle of southeast Fort Wayne, creating barriers for those who would like to walk to parks on either side of the state road.

• According to the IDNR 5-year Master Plan, southeast Fort Wayne has the second largest number of parks and open spaces compared to the other quadrants. However, it has the lowest amount of acreage in parks and open spaces. This likely means that as Figure 2 shows, the quadrant has more neighborhood and pocket parks and is in need of larger parks and open spaces such as community and regional parks.

Southwest Fort Wayne:

• The St. Mary’s River and CFE railroad are two large barriers for residents in the southwest quadrant. However, manmade routes, such as the St. Mary’s Pathway, allow pedestrians and bicyclists to pass over the river. Thus, despite these two barriers, this quadrant appears to have the most accessible parks and open spaces according to Figure 2.

• The southwestern-most corner of the quadrant contains Fort Wayne International Airport. Unlike in the northwest quadrant, the areas around the airport are mostly commercial and industrial developments. The nearest neighborhood, Southwest Waynedale, is served by Waynedale Park.

CONCLUSION

• Fort Wayne is becoming increasingly diverse. This is important because the community’s spaces – including parks and recreation – should reflect these diverse cultures. This can be represented in the park system in the form of art, education strategies, and translation in wayfinding elements.

• A majority of Fort Wayne’s residents have annual incomes below $50,000, with a large portion of households below the poverty level. This indicates household expenditures for recreation may be lower than other communities in the state, and a greater need for the city to provide affordable recreation and outdoor space to a larger portion of the community.

• Mapping analysis reveals that areas with the youngest and most diverse portions of the population are also places with low incomes. This data is significant in planning, especially when considering access to recreational amenities.

• More information is needed to determine the impact of neighborhood associations on park access. High-income areas with low levels of park access may be served by private facilities.

Landscape Architecture Planning

Urban Design Strategic Services

125 South Clark Street Suite 660 Chicago, Illinois 60603

312.360.1736 designworkshop.com

MEMORANDUM

To: City of Fort Wayne Staff

From: Design Workshop

Date: June 14, 2023

Project Name: Fort Wayne Parks System Master Plan

Project #: 7074

Subject: Recreation Trends Memo

OUTLINE

• Purpose

• Key Findings

• National Trends

o National Changes in Activity

o Parks and Recreation Policy and Initiative Trends

o Challenges to Youth Recreation

• Statewide Trends

o Parks and Recreation Context

o Economic Impacts of Parks and Recreation

o Participation Trends

o Goals and Opportunities

• Local Trends

o Parks and Recreation Context

o Participation Trends

• Conclusion

PURPOSE

This memorandum is intended to capture all currently available data regarding recreation use and an analysis of what this means for Fort Wayne’s recreation planning Key information from this memo will be included in the final document when applicable and some information may be used to express the existing conditions and broad overview of opportunities in public engagement/information efforts.

In your review of this memo please look for:

• Any gaps or misrepresentation in recreation interests and trends

• Questions found in margins that confirm or update key stats or info.

• Additional data sources to cite.

• Highlight interesting or key information to bring forward in external documents or communications.

KEY FINDINGS

National Findings:

• The Physical Activity Council’s 2021 annual study shows how inactivity is reversely proportional to income, with individuals earning under $25,000 showing an inactivity rate as high as 41.5% compared to those who earn above $100,000 with inactivity rates of 13.0%

• According to ESRI Business Analyst Sports and Leisure report which breaks down expected participation rates of activities throughout the state, the most popular are walking (29.2%), swimming (14.2%), hiking (13.3%), fishing (11.8%), and sporting events (11.4%).

Statewide Findings:

• According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, in 2021 outdoor recreation in Indiana generated over $12.9 million, which accounts for 3.1% of the state’s gross domestic product (GDP). Outdoor recreation also provided approximately 107,420 jobs in the state of Indiana, which is about 3.4% of the state’s employment. This amounts to about $6.1 million in wages and salaries. Outdoor recreation within Indiana also accounts for 3.1% of the nationwide outdoor recreation economy value (454 billion dollars total). This ranges from 4.8% in Hawaii to 1.3% in Connecticut.

• The activities that add the most economic value to Indiana’s GDP are conventional outdoor recreation activities ($8.1 million) (bicycling, boating, hiking, hunting, etc.), RV-ing ($5.4 million), and supporting outdoor recreation ($2.7 million) (construction, travel and tourism, local trips, government expenditures, etc.).

• According to Indiana’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP 2021-2025):

o The Department of Natural Resources Division of Outdoor Recreation’s longitudinal research reveals that throughout the past four Indiana SCORPs (a 25-year stretch), outdoor pedestrian use (including day hiking) was the most popular outdoor recreation activity among Indiana residents.

o Statewide goals are as follows:

1. Develop more trails and bicycle/pedestrian facilities.

2. Encourage and promote outdoor recreation participation.

3. Continue emphasizing Indiana's aquatic resources, both natural and man-made.

4. Protect and enhance Indiana's natural and outdoor recreation resources.

5. Provide funding for outdoor recreation development at the state and local levels.

o Statewide needs have been identified as:

1. More varied kinds of trail-related facilities (especially pedestrian) are needed.

2. Natural-resource-based recreation of many kinds is still a major need.

3. Community and individual health and wellness needs are becoming a greater priority.

4. Use of and demand for local parks and recreation appears to be growing.

5. Funding is tight for parks and recreation. Adaptation and innovation are vital.

o Tourism is at a record value for the state’s economy. According to a 2017 Rockport Analytics study, approximately 80 million people visited Indiana, spending nearly $12.7 billion on lodging, food, entertainment, shopping and transportation.

• Equity and Services Findings:

o Including the most recent SCORP (2021-2025), the last four SCORPs highlighted significant gaps in the state’s parks and open space coverage. These SCORPS have revealed an unequitable distribution of public outdoor recreation acreage statewide.

o Allen County was determined to be a “Critical County” based on having a population growth rate that exceeds the statewide rate and lacking the recommended supply of outdoor recreation acres of 55 acres per 1,000 people.

o According to the State SCORP, in general, Indiana’s obesity epidemic has increased since the last SCORP in 2016. The report finds that according to the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), over 1/3 (34.1%) of state residents are obese, ranking Indiana as the 15th highest obesity rate in the United States.

o A survey conducted by National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)shows that up to 60 percent of respondent Parks and Recreation agencies are supporting food distribution and pantries, daycare for children of essential workers and first responders, and safe places for learning. This is a result of the pre-established community trust and familiarity for Parks and Recreation. In this vital role, it is important for departments to acknowledge any social and racial disparities, how those disparities have impacted parks and recreation services, and work towards implementing solutions.

• According to the National Recreation and Park Association, trends to consider in Parks and Recreation planning for 2023 include: lasting impacts from the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), employee satisfaction, mental health, technology, health equity, and accessibility

NATIONAL

TRENDS

NATIONAL CHANGES IN ACTIVITY

Overview of National Trends

An analysis of national recreation trends is useful in understanding changing needs and should be considered during decision-making regarding what activities may need additional accommodation in the future. Nationwide, activity in the US is increasing. Per the 2023 Sports, Fitness, and Industry Association Trends Report, an annual nationwide study conducted by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), approximately 77.6% of Americans participated in at least one activity during the 2022 calendar year, which is a 9% increase from 2017 and a 1.9% increase from 2021. For the first time since 2010, the number of totally inactive people, those who have not participated at least once in any of the sports/activities that SFIA tracks, has dropped below 70 million people in the US for a total of only 22.4% of inactive Americans. This is the fourth consecutive year of this decreasing trend.

National Trends in Sports

It should be noted that SFIA groups what is termed “sports categories” into the following 7 groups: Fitness, Individual Sports, Outdoor Sports, Team Sports, Racquet Sports, Water Sports, and Winter Sports. The activities included in these categories are as follows:

1. Fitness: Aquatic Exercise, Barre, Bodyweight Exercise & Bodyweight Accessory-Assisted Training, Boot Camp Style Training, Cardio Kickboxing, Cross-Training Style Workouts, Dance, Step, and Other Choreographed Exercise to Music, Elliptical Motion/CrossTrainer, Barbells, Dumbbells/Hand Weights, High Impact/Intensity Training, Kettlebells, Pilates Training, Rowing Machine, Running/Jogging, Stair-Climbing Machine, Stationary Cycling (Group/Recumbent or Upright), Swimming for Fitness, Tai Chi, Treadmill, Walking for Fitness, Weight/Resistance Machines, and Yoga.

2. Outdoor Sports: Adventure Racing, Archery, Backpacking Overnight, Bicycling (Road/Paved Surface, Mountain/Non-Paved Surface, BMX), Birdwatching (excursion more than 1/4 mile from home/vehicle), Boardsailing/Windsurfing, Camping (RV), Camping, Canoeing, Climbing (Indoor, Sport/Boulder, Traditional/Ice/Mountaineering), Fishing (Fly, Saltwater, Freshwater/Other), Hiking (Day), Hunting (Bow, Handgun, Rifle, Shotgun), Kayaking (White Water, Sea/Touring, Recreational), Rafting, Running/Jogging, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Shooting (Sport Clays, Trap/Skeet), Skateboarding, Skiing (Alpine/Downhill, Freestyle, Cross-Country), Snorkeling, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Stand- Up Paddling, Surfing, Trail Running, Triathlon (Non-Traditional/ Off-Road, Traditional/Road), Wakeboarding, Wildlife Viewing, and Winter Fat Biking.

3. Individual Sports: Adventure Racing, Archery, Bowling, Boxing for Competition, Boxing for Fitness, Golf on a 9 or 18-hole Golf Course, Horseback Riding, Hunting (Bow, Handgun, Rifle, Shotgun), Ice Skating, Martial Arts, MMA for Competition, MMA for Fitness, Roller Skating (2x2 Wheels, Inline Wheels), Shooting (Sport Clays, Trap/Skeet), Skateboarding, Target Shooting (Handgun, Rifle), Triathlon (non-Traditional/Off Road, Traditional/Road).

4. Team Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Football (Flag, Tackle, Touch), Gymnastics, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Paintball, Roller Hockey, Rugby, Soccer (Indoor, Outdoor), Softball (Fast-Pitch, Slow-Pitch), Swimming on a Team, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball (Beach/Sand, Court, Grass), and Wrestling.

5. Racquet Sports: Badminton, Cardio Tennis, Pickleball, Pop Tennis, Racquetball, Squash, Table Tennis, and Tennis.

6. Water Sports: Boardsailing/Windsurfing, Canoeing, Kayaking (White Water, Sea/Touring, Recreational), Jet Skiing, Rafting, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, StandUp Paddling, Surfing, Wakeboarding, and Water Skiing.

7. Winter Sports: Alpine Touring, Skiing (Alpine/Downhill, Freestyle, Cross-Country), Sledding/Saucer Riding/Snow Tubing, Snowboarding, Snowboard Touring, Snowshoeing, and Winter Fat Biking.

Overall, sports participation increased or stayed steady. The largest increase in participants is seen in racquet sports, increasing by 17.6% from 2021 to 2022. Of all the racquet sports, pickleball has increased the most with an 85.7% increase. Individual and winter sports were the only categories out of seven that did not increase. Adversely, team sports participation has increased by 23.2% in 2022. This is likely a result of the drop seen in 2019 as a result of COVID-19. Many recreation shifts can be credited to

the pandemic and the advised social distancing measures that were advised in an effort to stop the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-COVID 19). It is important to consider the effects that are still being seen today from COVID-19. Figure 1 depicts participation levels for the U.S. population aged above 6 in 2017 and 2022. This is an important comparison of participation over time, as well as a resource in identifying shifts from COVID-19.

Figure 1: U.S. Rates of Participation per Sports Category, 2017 & 2022

Source: Sports, Fitness, and Industry Association Trends Report, 2023

Fitness sports have stayed significantly higher in participation rates as compared to other categories. This category includes both commonly organized group activities (typically facilitated by fields and courts) as well as individual activities and fitness (yoga, aquatic exercise, dance, weightlifting). This reflects the significance of maintaining and expanding spaces and amenities for these fitness activities, including sports fields and recreation centers.

The report also identifies participation rates of specific sports. Basketball, soccer (outdoor), football (flag), and football (tackle) all have had increases in total participation over the last consecutive three years. Basketball had the highest three-year increase of 13.0%. Basketball’s success may be attributed to the limited amount of equipment needed to participate and the limited space requirements necessary, which makes basketball the only traditional sport that can be played at many American dwellings as a driveway pickup game. Similar to those sports, trail running and hiking (day) have also witnessed increases in total participation for the past five years.

National Trends by Demographics

Participation trends were analyzed across all generations including ‘Boomers’ (1945 – 1964), ‘Gen X’ (1965 – 1979), ‘Millennials’ (1980 – 1999), and ‘Gen Z’ (2000+) (See figure 2). Fitness and outdoor sports were the top two-sport categories participated in across every generation. Despite this, fitness is the only category that Gen Z participates significantly less than other generations (approximately 11% lower than other generations). This year, 2023, was the third year straight that fitness participation rate has increased for Boomers. This may translate to a higher need for senior-focused activities and health clubs.

In addition to generations, the report breaks down categories by specific ages. Outdoor and team sports are the most participated categories for children ages 6-12. The top category shifts to fitness by age 14, followed by outdoor and team sports. A significant decline appears in team sports from ages 15-19. This is useful in identifying the needs of specific age groups.

2: 2022 Participation by Generation

Source: Sports, Fitness, and Industry Association Trends Report, 2023 Intent to Participate

The SFIA report indicates activities people aspire to start based on those who are inactive. Further, the report then splits up desires by age group and income level. Across all age groups except for 18-24-yearolds and 25-34-year-olds, inactivity has decreased. According to beliefs by SFIA, these age groups may have become more inactive in 2022 because a large portion were experiencing significant life changes (i.e., going to college or having kids), which were put on hold during the beginning of the pandemic.

Across almost all age groups and income levels of inactive Americans, the two most common activities they are interested in participating in over the next year were fishing and camping. It is notable that fishing was not the top, nor even in the top 10 aspirational activities for those ages 18-24. Instead, that age group is most interested in working out with weights in the next 12 months. Similarly, instead of camping, yoga was the second-highest sport that those who make $75,000 to $99,999 aspire to participate in the next 12 months. This information may be useful in determining what sports will likely see an increase in users and therefore, need more support.

Figure

Recreation Trends Across Generations and Income Levels

The Physical Activity Council’s 2021 annual study for sports, fitness, and recreation participation shows that fitness, outdoor sports, and individual sports have had the highest participation rates among Americans for the past six years at rates reaching 67.3%, 53.9%, and 41.8%, respectively. It is important to note that while individual sports have some of the highest participation rates across the nation, it has declined by 5% since 2016. On the other hand, fitness sports and outdoor sports have both increased by 3% and 5% since 2016. Of note, when broken down by generation, there is a significant difference in team sports popularity. Among Gen Z, those born in 2000 and later, the participation rate is 55.8%. The participation rates are lower for each generation with only 30.6% for millennials and getting as low as 5.1% for boomers, those born between 1945 – 1964.

When asked about which activities they are most interested in yet do not participate in, younger individuals (ages six to 17) predominantly chose fishing and running/jogging. Young adults, those between the ages of 18 – 34, are most interested in participating in working out with weights, running/jogging, and cardio fitness. Similarly, people 45 and older expressed more interest in working out with weights, cardio fitness, and hiking. This information is critical in understanding the desires of Fort Wayne’s residents and in best serving the outdoor and recreation needs of all generations in the city. These activities do not require intense skills and only call for a limited amount of equipment. They can also be done alone or in social settings.

The report also shows how inactivity is reversely proportional to income. Individuals earning under $25,000 show an inactivity rate as high as 41.5%. As respondents’ income increases, their inactivity decreases; participation rates among individuals making $100,000 and above are as low as 13%. Fishing and hiking are the two activities people of lower income expressed the most interest in, compared to hiking and working out with weights on the other side of the income spectrum. This should influence decisions that Fort Wayne makes towards providing recreational opportunities to lower-income communities. There are clearly differing interests, financial abilities and physical needs across each income group and age group. This should be a significant consideration in allocating recreation assets and creating recreation programs.

Parks and recreation agencies play key roles in advancing both physical and mental health services. According to the 2021 Advancing Community Health and Well Being by the NRPA, 84% of park and recreation agencies offer in-person fitness and exercise programs, while 75% of agencies offer virtual fitness and exercise programs. These percentages are expected to increase by roughly 10% in the future. Further, recreational agencies also offer community gardening (49 percent), nutrition education programs (47%), and disaster and emergency relief in times of need (40%). In terms of mental wellbeing, more than 82% of agencies offer mindfulness programs such as meditation, yoga, and nature. Additional mental health offerings include continued learning for older adults (54%), intergenerational programs (53%), social-emotional learning programs (39%), and wellness checks (37%). It is typical for local Parks and Recreation Departments to provide these programs but rely largely on partnerships Partners vary across communities, but can include libraries, public health departments, social workers, faith-based groups, and universities. Such organizations are crucial in supporting these community offerings as it is nearly impossible for departments and groups to provide the needs and desires of a

community entirely on their own. Developing partnerships that enable organizations to leverage resources and assets is key in working towards overlapping goals.

NATIONAL PARKS AND RECREATION POLICIY AND INTIATIVE TRENDS

The National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) looks at pressing topics and trends that parks and recreation departments may see become a focus in their localities in the coming year, citing those elements in the annual Top Trends in Parks and Recreation Report. The 2023 list includes some interesting topics that may apply to Fort Wayne:

The Electrification of Parks and Recreation

Alongside a majority of the world, parks and recreation are slowly progressing towards a more fuelefficient world through the transition from fossil fuels to electric power. Not only can electric power be used for buildings, vehicle fleets, power equipment, mowers or landscape equipment, but its impacts will also be felt in the form of efficiency, cost, climate and health.

Park and recreation agencies have already begun strategically planning for this change. For instance, Boulder, Colorado has created a Vehicle-to-Building (V2B) charging station at the North Boulder Community Recreation Center. Due to a bi-directional charger, an agency administrative vehicle can plug into the charging station to charge, while also sending power from the charged battery back to the building to use during peak demand hours (the hottest and coldest days of the year). According to a policy advisor on energy utilities for the city, this results in savings of about $250 per month from the electric company.

Parks and Recreation as Anchor Institutions

Anchor institutions are those that create strong social, economic and healthy bonds within communities. While these institutions are typically universities and hospitals, the case for park and recreation systems as critical community support organizations is strengthening. According to NRPA, “Positioning parks and recreation in this way will help shape a wholly new narrative of the value of parks and recreation to communities. Parks and recreation can prove they are vital because they enable the members of communities to connect to each other on a daily basis in a way that transcends the ways that eds and meds (universities and hospitals) do.” Allison Coleman, NRPA’s director of health states that “We are moving away from terminology, such as ‘amenities.’ These spaces are not just nice to have in communities. They are essential, vital spaces and programs that are social drivers of health, resilience and equity.”

Mindfulness, Nutrition, and Stress Reduction in Parks

This trend aligns with the one discussed above which views parks and recreation departments as those that offer more than just parks and outdoor spaces. These departments are beginning to have a greater focus on individual and community health through programs that support mental, emotional and social health. According to NRPA, programs including yoga, tai chi, guided meditation, and nature therapy are all growing in popularity.

Participants are increasing for such programs both in-person and virtually. Katrina Williams, health and wellness officer for Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission reported that “Two virtual health programs — Dine, Learn and Move — and nutrition workshops have soared in the virtual world. Prior to COVID-19, we had an attendance of 20 people or so. Now we have 40 to 50, and we are serving not just our community, but [also] out-of-state participants as well.”

Lack of Childcare Workforce

Similar to most occupations, the childcare workforce is severely lacking. This crisis has impacted park and recreation agencies as many employees fall into the categories of childcare, daycare and lifeguard positions. These trends have been consistent since 2020 as the childcare workforce has fallen by 88,000 workers since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and is one of the only occupations in the job market that has not yet rebounded (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

NATIONAL CHALLENGES TO YOUTH RECREATION

The NRPA’s Youth Sports at Park and Recreation Agencies report highlights challenges for youth sports administrations in providing better recreational opportunities for their communities. While 94% of park and recreation professionals agree that their agency tailors its youth sports programming to different age groups, this report highlights common challenges that providers face. These challenges are as follows:

1. Many park and recreation professionals note that their agencies could make a greater effort to ensure their programming is responsive to the needs of youth. For instance, only 50% of survey respondents engage with youth when designing new sports activities. Survey responses also emphasized a lack of diversity in youth sports offerings.

2. Agencies attempt to close gaps by supplementing their offerings through those offered by other agencies, such as schools. However, a third of respondents indicate that their agencies may not always be successful at locating sports leagues close to where kids live. This creates a barrier to participation for children outside of a specific proximity without a means of accessing the location.

3. More than nine in 10 agencies (91%) rely on registration fees to fund their youth sports offerings. This can create another barrier to participating in youth sports. A fee, on top of the possible costs of sports equipment and transportation, may sway families away from joining youth sports.

4. Insufficient resources were highlighted as a crucial challenge to achieving an agency’s mission of 90% of survey respondents. According to the report, 59% of survey respondents report difficulty in recruiting enough volunteer coaches, 45% lack a sufficient number of sports fields and courts to meet the youth sports needs in their communities, 19% need more administrative staff or resources, while 14% of agencies do not have sufficient funding to ensure fair and just access to high-quality youth sports.

5. Agencies are forced to compete with private-sector sports which have the resources to target participants. Such competitors include private travel leagues, nonprofit community leagues, and school-affiliated leagues.

6. According to survey respondents, the effects of COVID-19 continue to have detrimental impacts on agencies. A wide spectrum of challenges, including budget cuts, restrictions on when, where and how groups of people can congregate, and the need to train staff and volunteers on safedistancing practices can still be felt by agencies today.

STATEWIDE TRENDS

STATEWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION CONTEXT

The mission of Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is to “conserve, manage, and interpret our resources while creating memorable experiences for everyone”. According to Indiana DNR, there are 24 state parks which consist of more than 2,000 buildings, 700 miles of trails, 75 launching ramps, 15 beaches, and 7,701 campsites, attracting outdoor enthusiasts. The year 2021 was a record-setting year with 19 million people visiting the state’s parks. While this is a celebratory statistic, higher visitation rates equate to increased stress on parks and open spaces. Additionally, it also translates to more wearand-tear on park infrastructure and more crowding and competition for access to trails and recreation facilities. It is critical to think ahead and plan now to address these challenges and maintain the highquality parks, open space, and recreation amenities that attract millions of visitors to both Indiana and Fort Wayne.

STATEWIDE ECONOMIC IMPACT

The outdoor recreation industry has a significant role in Indiana’s economy. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, in 2021 outdoor recreation in Indiana generated over $12.9 million, which accounts for 3.1% of the state’s gross domestic product (GDP). Outdoor recreation also provided approximately 107,420 jobs in the state of Indiana, which is about 3.4% of the state’s employment. This amounts to about $6.1 million in wages and salaries. Outdoor recreation within Indiana also accounts for 3.1% of the nationwide outdoor recreation economy value.

Much of this value is through conventional outdoor recreation activities (bicycling, boating, hiking, hunting, etc.) ($8.1 million), RVing ($5.4 million), and supporting outdoor recreation (construction, travel and tourism, local trips, government expenditures, etc.) ($2.7 million).

The breakdown of state spending on recreation can also be viewed in Figure 3, according to ESRI. This table breaks down the spending of $476,759,144. A majority of the spending was on hunting and fishing followed by exercise equipment and game gear/game tables. Figure 3, below, also includes Market Potential Data (MPI) that measures the probable demand for a product or service in a certain geography (in this case for Indiana) or the likelihood that an adult resident in the state will participate in certain activities when compared to the U.S. national average (as displayed in Figures 3, 4, and 5). For the purposes of this metric, the national average is 100 and therefore numbers below 100 represent a predicted lower-than-average participation rate, while numbers above 100 represent a predicted higher-than-average participation rate. MPI data also provides a comparison between the estimated percentage of the U.S. population and local population that participate in each activity. High index numbers (100+) are significant because they demonstrate that there is a greater potential that residents

will participate in programs and have a need for related facilities. The MPI and estimated participant numbers are helpful tools for estimating resident participation in identified activities and projecting the need for facilities in the future. Readers should use caution when reading this data; the number of adults expected to purchase sports/recreation equipment is not precise and excludes the important youth demographic.

Residents’ Expenditure on Sports, Recreation and Exercise Equipment in the last 12 months

Figure 3: Table of Local Participatory Market Potential Spent on Expenditure for Sports/Rec equip in last 12 months Source: ESRI Business Analyst Sports + Leisure Market Potential Report and Recreation Expenditures Report 2021

STATEWIDE PARTICIPATION TRENDS

Figure 4 shows data from ESRI 2021 that breaks down the participation rates of several recorded activities in Indiana. Walking for exercise, swimming, hiking, freshwater fishing, and attending sports events have the highest number of participants. These activities do not have high barriers, such as necessary equipment or skill level. Hunting with both a shotgun and rifle, freshwater fishing and attending sporting events are significantly higher than national trends.

Figure 4: Indiana Sports and Leisure Market Potential

Source: ESRI Business Analyst Sports + Leisure Market Potential Report and Recreation Expenditures Report 2021

STATEWIDE GOALS AND NEEDS

Given how vital outdoor recreation is to Indiana’s continued economic prosperity, the state’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) identifies the state’s top priorities. These include:

1. Develop more trails and bicycle/pedestrian facilities.

2. Encourage and promote outdoor recreation participation.

3. Continue emphasizing Indiana's aquatic resources, both natural and man-made.

4. Protect and enhance Indiana's natural and outdoor recreation resources.

5. Provide funding for outdoor recreation development at the state and local levels.

The SCORP also details the top needs of the state. These include:

1. More varied kinds of trail-related facilities (especially pedestrian) are needed.

2. Natural-resource-based recreation of many kinds is still a major need.

3. Community and individual health and wellness needs are becoming a greater priority.

4. Use of and demand for local parks and recreation appears to be growing.

5. Funding is tight for parks and recreation. Adaptation and innovation are vital.

Taken together, these trends, strategic directions and strategies represent both challenges and opportunities for Indiana’s outdoor recreation providers for the next five years and provide a foundational call to action for Fort Wayne’s system.

LOCAL

FORT WAYNE PARKS AND RECREATION CONTEXT

Indigenous peoples and early settlers referred to Fort Wayne as a crossroads because of its strategic location at the three rivers’ convergence. Before European settlement, the area was known as Kekionga and served as the capital of the Miami nation and related Algonquin tribes. British and French settlers established trading outposts and forts throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, taking advantage of the area’s positioning between Quebec and St. Louis. Control over the territory was contested for years until it was incorporated as the Town of Fort Wayne in 1829.

Starting as a town with a population of 300, Fort Wayne grew exponentially towards the 1900’s due to a large influx of German and Irish immigrants. Similar to most early-industrial cities, Fort Wayne's early20th century development was influenced by the City Beautiful movement. It was focused on a park and boulevard plan created by urban planner Charles Mulford Robinson and landscape architect George Kessler. The plan proposed that the city’s three rivers, Spy Run Creek, neighborhoods, and parks were interconnected by a network of parkways and boulevards. Much of the original plan was implemented by 1955. In 2010, the Fort Wayne Park and Boulevard System was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The City of Fort Wayne, once a booming manufacturing along the Rust Belt, is today a modern city that supports passive and active recreation for its residents and more than seven million annual visitors. The city’s proximity to the St. Mary’s River, St. Joseph River and the Maumee River offers unique recreational activities that focus on the city’s natural assets, as imagined by both Robinson and Kessler These include organized recreation activities such as the Sweet Breeze canal boat, Pedal-Paddle-Play, and World Rivers Day, as well as non-organized activities like kayaking, biking, and walking.

The City’s parks and facilities also offer other activities such as sports, arts, and events spaces. Residents and visitors can enjoy over 2,800 acres of parkland containing 58 playgrounds, 45 basketball courts, 50 tennis courts, 42 pickleball courts, 38 ball diamonds, 20 soccer fields, two futsal courts, eight multipurpose athletic fields, eight boat launch sites, and 48 miles of trails. Along with hundreds of activities and program opportunities in these spaces, the City’s Parks and Recreation Department hosts several events including golf tournaments, races, concerts and races.

Today, Fort Wayne’s passion for parks and open spaces remains strong. The community continuously takes steps towards the Parks and Recreation Department’s mission of “enhancing the quality of life in Fort Wayne by providing positive opportunities for leisure time and by being stewards of our parklands, facilities, public trees and other resources entrusted to our care”. To do this, the city has undertaken multiple master planning efforts that set a vision for the city’s parks and open spaces including, but not limited to: All in Allen, Bike Fort Wayne, Bus Fort Wayne, Neighborhood Park Master Plans, River Front Fort Wayne, and City of Fort Wayne Riparian Master Plan.

FORT WAYNE PARTICIPATION TRENDS

Figure 3, produced from data by ESRI Business Analyst 2020, provides input into the most popular activities in Fort Wayne. The top section of the table marks the 10 most popular activities by the number of adults who have participated in them in the past 12 months. Walking for exercise is the number one most popular activity in Fort Wayne, consistent with statewide preferences. The other activities that many adults participate in are attending sports events, swimming, hiking, and freshwater fishing. Volleyball, hunting, roller skating, and shooting are the most significantly higher than national trends. These broad trends can be used to analyze what is heard from Fort Wayne’s visitor data, program enrollment, and users. A comparison of what is heard versus what is revealed through data trends (Figure 5) may lead to a deeper investigation of differences and potential barriers, such as lacking advertisement or accessibility.

Top 10 Activities by # of Participants in Fort Wayne and 6 Other Activities with High MPI Values

Product/Consumer Behavior

Expected # of Adults Participated in Last 12 months

Figure 5: Fort Wayne Sports and Leisure Market Potential

Source: ESRI Business Analyst Sports + Leisure Market Potential Report and Recreation Expenditures Report 2021

CONCLUSION

• Park and recreation trends suggest users of different generations have varying interests. To create a park system for all users, park and recreation departments need a system in place to be able to recognize changing conditions and needs to support constituents. Right now, Fort Wayne has this type of system in place for tennis courts to be converted into pickleball courts. These efforts should be continued and expanded to ensure that all users feel supported by their parks and recreation system.

• Statewide goals support more connected parks and recreation systems using green and blue ways, and these initiatives should also be a part of the parks and recreation department.

• Statistically Indianians love traditional outdoor activities such as boating, hiking, camping and hunting. Parks and rec should consider an increase in passive outdoor activities and facilities that are suitable for the casual outdoor enjoyer, while also supporting state initiatives to conserve natural resources.

• NRPA trends in recreation should be considered for implementation as internal policies or initiatives as these reflect shifting attitudes and new challenges facing parks and recreation departments nationwide.

• Economic impacts of recreation services are often overlooked. Parks and recreation departments should consider traditional costs, such as the cost of implementing new services and maintenance for the life of the service. They should also consider what goes into funding, such as dollars spent per user, staffing, and additional funding opportunities. Is it possible to generate income from one service that funds another? For instance, charging for a dog park may provide additional maintenance needs, and therefore employees, that pays for itself. These types of questions can expand recreation service possibilities.

SOURCES

Bureau of Economic Analysis. Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account. Retrieved from: https://www.bea.gov/news/2022/outdoor-recreation-satellite-account-us-and-states2021#:~:text=Outdoor%20recreation%20activities%20fall%20into,trips%2C%20and%20government%20expenditur es).

City of Fort Wayne. Tourism Matters in Fort Wayne. Retrieved from: https://www.cityoffortwayne.org/city-blog/5351-tourism-matters-in-fortwayne.html#:~:text=According%20to%20Visit%20Fort%20Wayne,in%20wages%20to%20local%20workers

City of Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation. Annual Report, 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.fortwayneparks.org/images/PDF/Administration/Annual_Report_2022_Final.pdf

Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Mission. Retrieved from: https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/about-us/mission/

Internet Archive. Fort Wayne during the Canal Era. Retrieved from: https://archive.org/details/fortwayneduringc0000poin

National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). Top Trends in Parks and Recreation 2023. Retrieved from: https://www.nrpa.org/parks-recreation-magazine/2023/january/top-trends-in-parks-and-recreation-for2023/

Physical Activity Council. 2021 Physical Activity Council’s Overview Report on US Participation. Retrieved from: https://eb6d91a4-d249-47b8-a5cb-933f7971db54.filesusr.com/ugd/286de6610088e5e73d497185ac181 a240833a9.pdf

Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). 2023 Sports, Fitness, and Leisure Activities Topline Participation Report. Retrieved from: https://sfia.org/resources/sfias-topline-report-shows-physical-activity-rates-increased-for-a-fifthconsecutive-year/

Visit Fort Wayne. Fort Wayne History. Retrieved from: https://www.visitfortwayne.com/about/about-fort-wayne/fort-wayne-history/

Fort Wayne, IN Master Plan

Recreation Facilities Analysis

To support City Services recreation programs, community based general recreation, as well as services offered by other organizations, the city has a significant number of parks and recreation facilities including:

Indoor Spaces

Community Center

Key elements:

• Multipurpose/Banquet Room (dividable)

• Kitchen

• 5 Meeting Rooms

• Ceramics Room

• Billiards Room

• Computer Lab

• Sensory Clubhouse

• Exercise Equipment – Indoor

• Office Space

• Exercise Equipment – Outdoor

• Shuffleboard – Outdoor

• Gardens – Outdoor

Considerations:

Facility is staffed with 4 Full-Time staff, 3 Part-Time staff, various seasonal, 150 volunteers. Volunteers are provided by the non-profit Volunteer Center using the Get connected platform. One of PT is maintenance to assist in setting up rooms and custodial.

Facility is open Mon – Fri 8am-4:30pm, evening classes until 8pm Mon – Thu, Sat morning classes. Long-term rental for a church on Sunday mornings.

$2 per visit, offer punch pass, but not membership.

Improvements over the past couple years include development of Sensory Lab and Computer Lab, new kiln, indoor fitness equipment and outdoor fitness equipment.

Challenges:

• Building is tough to find with only a circle drive in front

• Small parking lot that requires a fee

• Stigma of being a senior center

• Finding instructors

• Shuffleboards are in need of reconstruction

Volunteers

McMillen Park Community Center

Key elements:

• Multipurpose Gym w/ 3 soccer courts and walking track

• Indoor Playground

• 4 Meeting Rooms

• Gymnasium w/ 4 courts

• Office Space

Considerations:

Facility is staffed with 4 Full-Time staff and 6 Part-Time staff.

Facility is open Mon – Fri 9am-2:30pm and Sat 10am-2pm for public. Youth hours Mon – Thu 3pm-7pm and Fri 3pm-6pm.

$1 per visit.

Afterschool program during the school year. Registration is free and includes a daily meal. Transportation is not provided.

Summer program offered daily 9am-5pm.

Challenges:

• Transportation not provided from schools for afterschool program

• Finding staff

• Setting up multipurpose gym to allow for multiple uses at one time. Need divider curtains.

• Setting up gymnasium. Need ceiling supporeted basketball goals and storage rack roller.

McMillen Center Attendance

& Special Event

Cooper Center

Key elements:

• 2 Meeting Rooms

Considerations: Only open for special programs.

Jennings Recreation Center Key elements:

• Meeting Room

• Fitness Studio

• Office Space

Considerations:

Weisser Park Youth Center Key elements:

• Computer Cetner

• Arts & Crafts Room

• Library

• Meeting Room

• Weight Room

• Kitchen

• Multipurpose/performing arts room with Stage

Considerations:

Youth

*December figures from Jennings included with Weiser

Solomon Farm

Key elements:

• Wolf Family Learning Center

• Salomon Homestead

• Equipment Barns

• Old Barn

• Covered Bridge

• Flower Fields

• 30-40 Acres of Working Farm

• Walking Trail

Considerations:

170 acre facility donated in 1996. Volunteer Tractor Club assist in planting farm with beans and corn. Developed programs/events such as Meet & Greet w/ the Highland Cows, Time w/ the Goats, Dinner in the Flower Field. Have Master Plan. Could have a gift shop/market within Wolf Family Learning Center to generate revenue. Staff to coordinate rentals and marketing. Barn wood is rotting and need of replacement.

Challenges:

• Lack of awareness

• Not able to rent building during summer due to summer camp

• Not able to close drive/parking lot

• Photographers checking in and paying fees

• No one to take over the fields once current farmers are no longer able

• Staffing, especially with the location so far north in Fort Wayne

• No maintenance staff on-site

• Lack of equipment and equipment replacement schedule

Headwaters Park

Key elements:

• 2 Pavilions

• Playground

• 4 Restrooms

• Festival Terrace (Ice Skating Rink in winter)

• Walking Trail

Considerations:

Developed as a public-private partnership, Parks and Recreation assumed all responsibility in April 2023. Operation and maintenance endowment began initially, but has not been able to

sustain level of maintenance. Originally, the Terrace did not have ice skating leading to limited operational capabilities and functions separated (skate sharpening vs skate rental).

Promenade Park

Key elements:

Key elements:

• Pavilion

• Playground

• Bandshell

• Wells Street Bridge

• Sweet Breeze Canal Boat

• Concession/Snack Bar

• Restroom

• Walking Trail

Considerations:

Pavilion opened in 2019. Built without tax dollars with the intent of being a catalyst to development in the area. Focus of the area is day use and rentals with limited programming. Fees waived for partnership events. Staff includes Riverfront Manager, rental coordinator, program coordinator, seasonal staff, operation supervisor, 2 gardeners, 2 park, & 1 maintenance, and night utility. Staff splits time with Headwaters Park. 3rd Party operates concession on a 3year contract that generates limited revenue.

Challenges

• No office/maintenance staff space in the pavilion

• Lack of storage for tables/chairs. Staff has to load/unload from a trailer

• Security issues (teens and homeless) have required additional security

• Lack of parking in the immediate area, and available spaces are fee based

Pools

The following pages highlight the outdoor pools that the City of Fort Wayne operates.

It is the opinion of B*K that the City is a primary provider of outdoor aquatic facilities. Providing these types of facilities which include the activity pools and splash pads are a core service.

There are typically four areas of focus for aquatics. Provide:

• recreation opportunities

• swim lessons, water safety, and swimming as a life skill

• health and wellness opportunities

• cooling opportunities during the summer months

It is the opinion of B*K that the primary focus of the outdoor pools should be to address the recreation and cooling opportunities. This can be achieved through offering open swim (via drop-in or pool pass), birthday parties, after-hour rentals, special admission rate days, theme days, etc. Providing swimming lessons, water safety and swimming as a life skill and providing health and wellness opportunities should be a secondary focus at these locations. Further, if programs are offered to address these areas they should be tailored to the needs and wants of the surrounding community, but they should not replace the primary focus.

Through a physical assessment of the pools at Northside and McMillen, it was determined that both pools are at or beyond their useful lifecycle. There are components of each facility that are not at the end of their lifecycle; however, any capital investment in the current facilities by the City would gain a few years of operation at best, with those capital investments being significant especially at McMillen. Memorial Park Pool has not operated for 2 years due to a shortage of lifeguard staff.

The City staff that has maintained the pools have done an admiral job of ensuring that the facilities have been operational.

The City of Fort Wayne produces approximately 1.5+ million pool visits annually. Those visits are distributed across any pool not specific to the City of Fort Wayne pools. Regardless, that number of visits is significant.

Based on the National Recreation & Park Association and their comparable data, a community the size of Fort Wayne would support approximately 1.1 indoor pool and 2.9 outdoor pools.

Swimming Participation by Census Block Group

Pins identify Northside Park Pool, Memorial Park Pool, and McMillen Park Pool with a 2-mile radius as a service area.

Stars are alternate providers for pools, primarily indoor through the YMCA.

Northside Park

Data Analysis:

• Based on NRPA statistics the current and future population in the service area will support the facility and allow for growth.

• The income level is lower than the County with a lower percentage of households making less than $25,000 and a higher percentage of households making more than $50,000.

• The entertainment and recreation index points to an area that is spending 20% less than the county, and 39% less than the national figure.

• The adult swimming index is lower than the county and national figures.

Service Area Overlap:

• Memorial Park Pool

B*K would recommend the City continue to operate Northside Park Pool. In addition, the City needs to continue to invest in the infrastructure including pumps, motors and filters as well as consider adding an attraction or amenity to the facility to maintain market position.

McMillen Park Pool

Data Analysis:

• Based on NRPA statistics the current and future population in the service area will support the facility and allow for growth.

• The income level is lower than the County with a lower percentage of households making less than $25,000 and a higher percentage of households making more than $50,000.

• The entertainment and recreation index points to an area that is spending 25% less than the county, and 54% less than the national figure.

• The adult swimming index is lower than the county and national figures.

Service Area Overlap:

• Memorial Park Pool

B*K would recommend that the City replace McMillen Park Pool. Given the age and financial performance of the facility it is the consulting team’s opinion that the pool be replaced with a more modern, leisure focused facility.

This facility could encompass a single body of water.

Leisure Pool:

• Zero depth entry with spray features

• In-water play structure

• Slide tower with a single slide with the ability to expand to two.

• Integrated current channel

• 3-4 25Y lap lanes

• Maximum depth of 3’

Additional amenities should include:

• Men’s and women’s changing/locker rooms.

• Family changing rooms.

• Ample pool deck with shade.

• Integrated front desk for admission.

• Rentable birthday party areas on deck.

A facility of this type, in this location could increase the number of people participating in swimming. Additionally, it would allow the City to make a slight increase in the admission rates. A new facility, combined with more people participating, and an increase in fees could achieve a cost recovery of 40-50%.

Memorial Park Pool

Data Analysis:

• Based on NRPA statistics the current and future population in the service area will support the facility and allow for growth.

• The income level is lower than the County with a lower percentage of households making less than $25,000 and a higher percentage of households making more than $50,000.

• The entertainment and recreation index points to an area that is spending 20% less than the county, and 39% less than the national figure.

• The adult swimming index is lower than the county and national figures.

The consulting team would recommend that the City close the pool. Based on the facility not operating, other than Learn to Swim, for a few years and the service area overlaps with Northside and McMillen, individuals participating in swimming have other options.

Parks w/ athletic fields

Bob Arnold Northside Park

Key elements:

• 3 Diamonds (2 youth, 1 teen/adult)

• 1 Rectangle athletic field

• 2 Basketball courts

• 9-Hole Disc Golf course

• Pavilion

• Playground

• Restroom

• Swimming Pool

• 6 Tennis courts

• Walking Trail

Considerations:

2 of the diamonds are game quality, one with skinned infield and the other with grass infield. Both have outfield fences, bleachers and covered bleachers with no lights. 1 field for practice. Skinned infield is scheduled and used by Northside High School and Wildcat, which has made improvements including dugouts, press box/concession/restroom, and batting cages. Rectangle field is not game quality and has goal posts that double as soccer goals, with no lights. No barrier between the field and the adjacent roadway. Unsanctioned game play and practices occur on the field. Diamonds have limited access to off-street parking. Parking for the rectangle is limited and near the tennis courts.

Foster Park

Key elements:

• 4 Diamonds (youth)

• 18-Hole Golf course

• 3 Pavilions

• Playground

• 2 Restrooms

• 2 Tennis courts

• 6 Pickleball courts

• 3 Hardcourt Volleyball courts

• Walking Trail

Considerations:

3 diamonds are game quality, two with skinned infield and the other with grass infield. All have outfield fences, bleachers and covered dugouts with no lights. Restroom/concession building located between 2 fields, 1 small, skinned infield has been constructed field for practice. There are 2 locations for batting cages with a total of 3 lanes. Additional backstop is between fields. Fields are scheduled and used by Foster Park Little League. Limited off-street parking. Field orientation is non-traditional due to limited space.

Foster Park West

Key elements:

• 1 Diamond (youth)

• 3 Rectangle athletic field

• Restroom

Considerations:

Diamonds is game quality with skinned infield and outfield fence. Field has bleachers, covered dugouts with no lights. Parking is adjacent to the field. Restroom is located at the rectangles. Rectangles are game quality (reservable) typically used for soccer and able to be divided into multiple configurations. Two fields are next to a roadway with 1 field having a fence as a barrier, neither with lights. One of the fields has 2 sets of bleachers.

Hamilton Park

Key elements:

• 3 Diamonds (youth)

• Pavilion

• Playground

• 2 Restrooms

• 1 Tennis court

• 6 Pickleball courts

• Walking Trail

Considerations:

2 of the diamonds are game quality, one with skinned infield and the other with grass infield. Both have outfield fences, bleachers and covered dugouts with no lights. 1 field for practice. Concession/restroom located near the skinned infield backstop. Batting cages are next to the skinned infield. Fields are scheduled and used by Hamilton Park Little League. Off-street parking is not located close to the fields.

Kreager Park

Key elements:

• 4 Diamonds (adult)

• 9 Rectangle athletic field

• 4 Pavilions

• 3 Playgrounds

• 4 Restrooms

• Splashpad

• 8 Tennis courts

• Walking Trail

Considerations:

4 diamonds are game quality in a traditional wagon-wheel configuration, all with skinned infields. All have lights, outfield fences, bleachers and uncovered dugouts. There are no batting cages. A restroom/concession facility is not located near the diamonds, but adjacent to the parking lot and rectangle fields. 8 of the rectangles are game quality used for soccer w/ goals and able to be divided into multiple configurations with no lights. The other is game quality for lacrosse and potential for soccer. Ample off-street parking is available. All fields are scheduled by staff and permit required.

Lawton Park

Key elements:

• 3 Diamonds (teen/adult)

• Pavilion

• Playground

• 2 Restrooms

• Walking Trail

Considerations:

3 diamonds are practice quality with skinned infields. All have lights, bleachers and dugouts. There are no outfield fences, batting cages or restrooms. A rectangle field is set up between two of the outfields of the diamonds, used unsanctioned game play and practices, and reservable through staff. Limited off-street parking. Field orientation is non-traditional due to limited space.

Lions Park

Key elements:

• 1 Diamonds (teen/adult)

• 1 Basketball court

• Pavilion

• Playground

• 2 Restrooms

• 1 Tennis court

• 5 Pickleball courts

Considerations:

Diamond is practice quality with skinned infield, bleachers and dugouts. There are no lights, outfield fences or batting cages. Field is by first-come first served basis. Parking is adjacent to the field. Restroom is located near parking lot.

Mason Park

Key elements:

• 3 Diamonds (youth)

• Restroom

Considerations:

3 diamonds are game quality, two with grass infield and the other with skinned infield. All have lights, outfield fences, bleachers and covered dugouts. There are batting cages. Fields are scheduled and used by Elmhurst Little League. Off-street gravel surface parking available. Restroom is near backstop of the fields.

McMillen Park

Key elements:

• 3 Diamonds (teen/adult)

• 2 Rectangle athletic fields

• 4 Basketball courts

• 18-hole Golf course

• 9-hole Par 3 Golf course

• Pavilions

• Playgrounds

• 4 Restrooms

• Swimming Pool

• 4 Tennis courts

• Walking Trail

Considerations:

3 diamonds are not in use only having backstops, dugouts and baseline fences. None have lights or bleachers and no batting cages. The two rectangle fields with goal posts are primarily for rugby, unsanctioned game play and practices. One is oriented the traditional north-south configuration with the other east-west. Ample off-street parking. Restrooms are located in McMillen Community Center and on the eastern side of the athletic fields near the basketball and tennis courts.

Memorial Park

Key elements:

• Diamond (teen/adult)

• 4 Basketball courts

• Pavilion

• 2 Playgrounds

• Swimming Pool (non-functioning)

• Splashpad

• Walking Trail

• War memorials/monuments

Considerations:

Diamond is game quality with skinned infield. Field lights, covered dugouts and reservable through staff. There are no batting cages, bleachers or outfield fence. Parking is adjacent to the field. Restroom is located at the pavilion.

Rea Park

Key elements:

• 2 Rectangle athletic fields

• Walking Trail

Considerations:

Rectangle field is not game quality and has soccer goals, with no lights. No barrier between the field and the trail around the field or roadway. Unsanctioned game play and practices occur on the field. Off-street parking is not available. There are no restrooms available, however McCormick Park is across the roadway.

Rockhill Park

Key elements:

• 1 Diamond (youth)

• 1 Basketball court

• Pavilion

• Playground

• 2 Restrooms

• Walking Trail

Considerations:

Diamond is practice quality with skinned infield and dugouts. There are no lights, bleachers, outfield fences or batting cages, reservable through staff. Parking and a restroom is within the park, but not close to the field. Adjacent to World Baseball Academy facility.

Shoaff Park

Key elements:

• 1 Diamond (teen/adult)

• 1 Basketball courts

• 18-Hole Disc Golf course

• 18-Hole Golf course

• 2 Rectangle athletic fields

• 2 Pavilions

• Playground

• 4 Restrooms

• 4 Tennis courts

• Walking Trail

Considerations:

Diamond is practice quality with grass infield, bleachers and covered dugouts. There are lights, outfield fences or batting cages. Parking and a restroom is adjacent to the field. Rectangle fields are not game quality and have soccer goals, with no lights and not reservable. No barrier between the field and the trail around the field or roadway. Unsanctioned game play and

practices occur on the field. Off-street parking is available. There are no restrooms available near the fields

Swinney Park

Key elements:

• 1 Diamond (teen/adult)

• 1 Basketball court

• 18-Hole Disc Golf course

• Pavilion

• Playground

• Restroom

• 8 Tennis courts

• Walking Trail

Considerations:

Diamond is game quality with skinned infield. Field lights, bleachers and uncovered dugouts. There are no batting cages or outfield fence. Parking is adjacent to the field. Restroom is near the playground.

Tillman Park

Key elements:

• 3 Diamonds(teen/adult)

• 1 Rectangle athletic field

• 18-Hole Disc Golf course

• Playground

• 4 Restrooms

• 8 Tennis courts

• Walking Trail

Considerations:

3 diamonds are game quality, with skinned infields. All have lights, outfield fences, bleachers and covered dugouts. There are no batting cages. Ample off-street parking is available. Restroom is located in the middle of the field complex. Rectangle fields are not game quality and have soccer goals, with no lights. Unsanctioned game play and practices occur on the field.

Weisser Park

Key elements:

• 1 Diamond (youth)

• 1 Rectangle

• 2 Basketball courts

• 1 Pavilion

• 2 Playgrounds

• 2 Restrooms

• 2 Tennis courts

• Walking Trail

Considerations:

Diamond is practice quality with skinned infield, bleachers and covered dugouts. There are lights, outfield fences or batting cages. Parking and a restroom is adjacent to the field.

Concession stand/ press box is located behind backstop. Rectangle field is not game quality and does not have soccer goals or lights. No barrier between the field and roadway. Unsanctioned practices occur on the field. Off-street parking is available. Restrooms are available near the fields, but across the entry drive.

Lakeside Park

6 pickleball court

1 tennis court

1 basketball court (portable ice rink in winter)

1 rectangle field

Considerations:

Kettler Park

4 pickleball court

1 tennis court

Considerations:

Other Facilities

Hurshtown Reservoir

Key elements:

• 260-acre lake

• Office building

• Boat ramp

• 3 Boat docks

• Walking Trail

Considerations:

There are no restroom facilities. Trolling motors are allowed, but not other motorized boats. Staff rents row boats and kayaks.

Lindenwood Nature Preserve

Key elements:

• Office building

• Walking Trails

Considerations:

There are no restroom facilities. Outdoor education activities are scheduled and programmed.

Recreation Programming Analysis

The following summarizes the programs and services that are offered by Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation.

Recreation Programs

The following section provides an assessment of Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department’s current recreation services. Information documented in this section was gathered through a series of staff interviews, facility and park tours, and a review of information and documents supplied by the Department.

The assessment is also based on NRPA performance metrics, CAPRA accreditation requirements and industry best practices.

The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department’s currently has a focused offering of recreation programs and services for its citizens.

Important findings with programming include:

• Like many cities in the United States, Fort Wayne faces challenges in the delivery of recreation services in a cost effective and efficient manner.

• The department focuses much of its programming efforts on youth and seniors.

• Much of the programming is offered by contract instructors or other organizations.

• There is not a formal program plan in place that identifies future areas of need or focus and a game plan for accomplishing this.

• Recreation programs and services are generally planned and delivered on a community center level to be responsive to varying needs and expectations.

• The department has basic performance measures and record keeping regarding recreation programs.

• The department utilizes RecTrac as their recreation software program.

• Programs and services are generally the more traditional recreation offerings.

Recreation Program Participation

The chart below summarizes participation in recreation activities over the course of 1 year.

This chart indicates recreation program that had a wait list.

Programming Assessment by Classifications: The categories below represent the major areas of focus for current Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department’s recreation programs and services by categories commonly found in parks and recreation agencies nationally. The program delivery column identifies how programs and services are currently being provided to the community. This assessment is based on programming offered from 2021 into 2023. It is recognized that COVID had a huge impact on programming in 2020 and 2021.

Area

Sports

Program Delivery

This is not an area of focus, other than golf, with most all youth sports being provided by other organizations. These other organizations utilize city fields. The department offers some tennis, adult volleyball, basketball and pickleball.

Fitness There are limited opportunities for adult fitness classes. The ones held are at the community center and offered by contract providers.

Cultural Arts Cultural arts are a significant program area that includes ceramics, painting and other visual arts activities. There are also performing arts activities including dance and theater.

Aquatics Swim lessons are offered by city staff as well as summer camps.

Youth The department has a major focus on youth programs including toddler activities, parent tot programs, arts and crafts, summer camps, after school, and preschool program. The City offers a mix of programs provided by contract instructors and city staff.

Education Many education-based programs are integrated into youth after school, camps, and other programs.

General Interest There are programs in this area including adult computer classes, musical instruments, and mindfulness classes.

Special Needs This is not an established program area for the department. Services in this area are offered by other providers in Fort Wayne

Special Events There are an extensive offering of special events including concerts, festivals, Dragon Boat Races, Senior Games, and more.

Outdoor Recreation

Lindenwood Nature Preserve and Salomon Farm Park are the primary aspect of this program area. The City also has multiple reservable outdoor park pavilions for self-directed activities.

Older Adults A base level of programming is offered. This includes arts, social, fitness, dances, cards, bingo and travel programs.

Teens There are very few teen focused programs, with a teen art and theater program being offered. Some youth and adult programs are also open to this age group.

Self-Directed There are a variety of drop-in recreation opportunities including gym-based activities (basketball, volleyball, etc.) field-based sports (baseball/softball, soccer, football, etc.), swimming, racquet sports and other activities. Rentals of both indoor spaces and athletic fields are also an important self-directed opportunity as well.

National Program Area Definitions:

Sports – Team and individual sports including camps, clinics and tournaments. Also includes adventure/non-traditional sports.

Fitness – Group fitness classes, personal training, wellness education and nutrition.

Cultural Arts – Performing arts classes, visual arts classes, music/video production and arts events.

Aquatics – Learn to swim classes, aqua exercise classes, competitive swimming/diving, SCUBA, and other programs (artistic swimming, water polo, etc.).

Youth – Before and after school programs, summer/school break camps, childcare, and preschool.

Education – Language programs, tutoring, science (STEAM) classes, computer and financial planning.

General Interest – Personal development classes.

Special Needs – Programs for the physically and mentally impaired. Also, inclusion programs.

Special Events – City wide or community center based special events that are conducted throughout the year.

Outdoor Recreation – Environmental education, hiking, camping, kayaking, fishing, and other activities.

Older Adults – Programs and services that are dedicated to serving the needs of older adults. This can include all of the activity areas noted above plus social service functions.

Teens - Programs and services that are focused on serving the needs of teens. This can include all of the activity areas noted above (except seniors).

Self-Directed – This includes the opportunities for individuals to recreate on their own. This can include activities such as open-gym, use of weight/cardio space and lap/recreational swimming. Although not an organized program, time and space must be allocated for this purpose.

City Recreation Program Determinants: Based on the programs listed above, the following are general classifications of programs by degree of emphasis.

High Program Area Medium Program Area Limited Program Area

Youth Programs Aquatics Teens

Cultural Arts General Interest Special Needs

Self-Directed Outdoor Recreation Education

Special Events Sports Fitness

Older Adults

Other Recreation Service Providers

Beyond the city and school district there are a significant number of other community organizations that provide recreation opportunities in the community. These include:

Recreation Service Providers

Ft Wayne Sports Club

The Plex North & South

Wildcat Baseball

Wallen Baseball Complex

Diamondbacks

World Baseball Academy

Georgetown Little League

Police Athletic League

Charger Youth Football

Metro Football

Fieldhouse

Spiece

Wildwood Racquet Club

Blackhawk Swim Club

Emler Swim School

YMCA

Central Branch

Renaissance Pointe

Jackson R Lehman Family

Parkview

Jorgensen Branch

Boys & Girls Club

Euell A Wilson Center

Facilities

Soccer Fields

Indoor & Outdoor Soccer Fields

Baseball/Softball Fields

Baseball/Softball Fields

Baseball/Softball Fields

Indoor Pickleball

Indoor Tennis

Recreation Center

Recreation Center

Recreation Center

Recreation Center

Recreation Center

Recreation Center @ Fairfield Club

Community Center

Summit Academy of Gymnastics Gym

More Than Gymnastics

Fort Wayne Dance Collective

Fre Astaire Dance Studios

K Monique’s Studio of Dance

Pulse Dance and Performance Center

Tiffany & Co Studio of Dance

Pure Dance Works

Gym

Studio

Studio

Studio

Studio

Studio

Studio

Arlington Park Golf Club Golf Course

Brookwood Golf Club Golf Course

Canterbury Golf Club Golf Course

Cherry Hill Golf Club Golf Course

Coyote Creek Golf Club Golf Course

Donald Ross Golf Club Golf Course

Fort Wayne Country Club Golf Course

Orchard Ridge Country Club Golf Course

Pine Valley Country Club Golf Course

Riverbend Golf Course Golf Course

Sycamore Hills Golf Club Golf Course

Arlington Park Golf Club Golf Course

Most of these organizations have their own facilities, and not dependent on city and school facilities for their programs.

Recreation Service Providers Outside of Fort Wayne

While there are a significant number of recreation service providers in Fort Wayne, communities in the surrounding area also offer recreation services and facilities. These include:

Other

Recreation Service Providers

New Haven

Programs

Arts & Crafts

Senior Activities

Enrichment

Special Events

Trips

Recreation Facilities

Jury Pool

Fitness Center

Community Center

Nature Center

Leo Cedarville

Recreation Facilities

Cedarville Boat Launch

Allen County

Programs

Outdoor Education

Recreation Facilities

Memorial Coliseum

Deer Run Wilderness Area

Fox Island County Park Nature Center

Metea County Park Nature Center

Organized recreation programs are limited in other communities and are primarily outdoor recreation related.

Program Providers: When the recreation services that City staff, contract or other organizations are providing are analyzed, there is only one general program area that is not well covered.

Program Areas City Emphasis

Sports Fitness/Wellness

Cultural Arts

Aquatics

Youth Education

General Interest

Special Needs

Special Events

Outdoor Recreation

Older Adults

Teens

Self-Directed

Recreation Programming Summary

Contract or Other Providers

• The city provides a relatively high number of recreation programs, and these are primarily sports (golf & tennis), cultural arts (arts & dance), youth (camps), general interest (music & culinary), outdoor recreation and older adults.

• Contract organizations provide a programs in sports, aquatics and special needs.

• When all the recreation programs, including those offered by the city and contract providers, are considered there is only one program area that does not have organized programming and that is teens.

• Parks and Recreation, while it provides a wide range of recreation activities in a wellorganized manner, would benefit from having a formalized program plan in place to guide the delivery of services by the city and other organizations to ensure that the needs of the community are being met in all program areas.

• Further developing and standardizing existing program metrics within Parks and Recreation will provide additional analysis tools for analyzing recreation programs and services.

Recommendations for Recreation Programs

The City of Fort Wayne’s Parks and Recreation Department will need to determine the areas of focus for future recreation programming efforts based on community input/needs, the level of financial and resource commitment that it wants to make to certain recreation program areas, as well as the availability of parks and facilities to support certain program offerings.

There are guiding principles and general program goals in place but updating and formalizing the existing programming philosophy and subsequent program plan is important.

Formalize the Programming Philosophy

Parks and Recreation should update and formalize the overall basic programming philosophy with the following objectives:

• The city will continue to be the primary provider of recreation programs and services in key areas but will also rely on contract sources and other providers for other programs.

• Continue to develop and enhance partnerships with other providers to bring a full spectrum of recreation programs and services to the community.

• Ensure that recreation program and service opportunities are available to all ages, incomes, abilities, gender, and ethnic groups in an equitable and inclusive manner.

• Ensure that recreation programs and service opportunities are available in areas of interest that are identified as a need in the community.

• City based recreation and program service offerings will respond to identified community needs in a cost effective and efficient manner.

• City based recreation and program services will be affected by the availability of facilities to support activities.

Develop an Updated Program Plan

Based on the updated programming philosophy, develop a revised program plan that establishes the general direction of recreation programming for the next 5 plus years. This should include the following areas:

• Establish the basics of the plan:

o Determine which programs will be primarily offered by city staff. This currently includes:

Self-Directed

• Respond to priorities for general programming expansion based on community input derived through the master plan process including:

o Special Events

o Adult Sports

o Nature Based Programs

o Youth

o Adaptive/Special Needs

The role of the city in providing new programs in these areas will need to be determined.

• Maintain and enhance programming contracts with existing organizations for the following:

o Youth Sports

o Adult Sports

o Cultural Arts

o Aquatics

o Adaptive/Special Needs

• Based on the limited availability of facilities, adopt the following future program responsibility directives:

o Youth Sports – Parks and Recreation will provide recreationally focused individual sports. Competitive youth sports leagues and programs will continue to be the responsibility of community-based youth sports organizations in the area.

o Cultural Arts – This will continue to be a program focus for Parks and Recreation and contract providers. The community desires additional programs in this area and as a result new programs will be offered by Parks and Recreation as well as contract providers.

o Aquatics – With two aquatic facilities, Parks and Recreation will continue to be a secondary provider of aquatic activities. However, with limited program capacity and aging facilities, other aquatic providers in the community (YMCA) will also need to continue to fill an important role.

o Youth – Parks & Recreation will continue to be a primary provider of enrichment and break/summer camp programs, but other contract providers should be utilized to expand programming opportunities in this area as well.

o Education – Parks and Recreation does not currently have education programming for youth or adults (other than what is integrated into youth programs), so most future programming needs should continue to be provided by contract providers including local schools, specialized non-profits, the library, or private providers. Parks and Recreation may also augment these program

offerings or have information regarding these types of programs or services for referral.

o Adaptive/Special Needs – With limited programs currently being provided in this area by either Parks and Recreation or other contract providers, there will need to be more of a focus in the future. It is expected that Parks and Recreation could have a major role in this program area moving forward.

o Special Events – It is expected that this will continue to be a primary program focus for Parks and Recreation in the future.

o Outdoor Recreation – This is one of the top recreation program areas when reviewing classes that are full and have a waitlist This will need to be a focus for future recreation programing by both the city and by contract providers.

o Seniors – It is expected that Parks and Recreation will continue to be the primary provider of programs and services that focus on seniors, but additional programs will be needed.

o Teens – In the future providing services and programs specifically designed for teens will likely need to be the responsibility of both Parks and Recreation as well as contract and other providers.

o Self-Directed – With the city’s recreation facilities, self-directed activities will remain a significant program area.

Support the Program Plan

• Need to continue to have contracts with other providers that clearly outline specific roles and expectations as well as limits to facility scheduling, fees, and operations.

• For those program areas where there are no contracts, continue to utilize other providers on a referral and clearinghouse basis. This could involve promotion of their activities, coordinating of some programs, and permitting of facilities. However, this process needs to be closely managed to be successful.

• Continue to ensure that recreation programs are available for a wide range of demographic groups including:

o Preschool – Programs and activities that assist with the development of young children both as individuals and with parents or caregivers.

o Youth – Programs that serve a variety of interest areas beyond just sports including after-school and summer camps.

o Teens – Activities designed specifically for teens that are both organized and drop-in in nature.

o Seniors – Programs and services that serve a wide range of the senior age category, including an appeal to the younger more active based senior.

o Intergenerational/Multigenerational – Offering programs and services that have an appeal to multiple generations or across generations. This should include family focused activities.

o Ethnic/Culturally Based – There should be an effort to offer programs and services that are appropriate for the cultural orientation of the community.

• Provide recreation programs in each area of the city.

o North

o Central

o South

• Adapt the demand for future programming to the facilities that are available within the city to support the desired activities. With limited facilities and capacities in some areas, this could impact program growth. This is particularly true for indoor recreation and aquatic facilities.

• Gather input from the community at least every two years on recreation programming needs and expectations. This could be accomplished by surveys, focus groups, community forums and other methods of public input.

• Continue to establish basic performance measures to track the effectiveness of recreation programming. This includes the following for both city programs as well as those that are contracted:

o Rates of fill for programs and activities (capacity vs. actual numbers).

o Waiting list numbers by program.

o Participation numbers and comparisons to past years/seasons.

o Rate of program cancellations (should be between 15% and 20%)

o Financial performance including cost per participant.

o Evaluations from participants.

• Implementation of the program recommendations as outlined above will require emphasis on staff retention and recruitment.

Organizational Structure and Operations Analysis

The organizational structure of the City of Fort Wayne’s Parks and Recreation Department has been assessed along with the current staffing model. Various aspects of the Department’s operations including maintenance practices, budgets, policies and procedures, and marketing have also been reviewed. This will be followed up with specific recommendations in each of these areas.

Organizational Structure and Staffing

The City and the Parks and Recreation Department have an on-going commitment to parks and recreation operations and maintenance. This is reflected in a number of areas.

Staffing within the Parks and Recreation Department is divided into 7 primary divisions (142 FTE based on 2023):

• Finance and Support Services – 12 FTE

• Recreation Services – 35 FTE

• Parks Maintenance – 58 FTE

• Community Outreach – 4 FTE

• Parks Planning and Development – 21 FTE

• Marketing – 4 FTE

• Children’s Zoo – 22 FTE

This is a robust Department with a wide range of positions and subsequent skill sets. The Department has experienced a similar impact as the rest of the country regarding recruiting, hiring, and maintaining sufficient staffing numbers. This challenge is something that the Department is actively working to resolve.

Level of Services

The Level of Service (LOS) Analysis determines how far residents must travel to reach parks and recreation resources, and how much space is in the system per capita. The LOS standards provide a metric that allows for city staff to monitor how the residents utilize the parks and trails daily. The City of Fort Wayne wants to create an environment in which all future needs of the residents are within a 10-minute walk of a park. This enables staff to plan for the improvements of existing facilities and the creation of new facilities that will improve the quality of life for all residents. These improvements will help create and foster a city the residents are proud to live in. The needs assessment will be evaluated and updated as needed with a minimum of every five years.

The current LOS standard for the City of Fort Wayne is 9.52 acres of park per 1,000 residents. This standard is below the NRPA Metric (All Cities) of having 9.9 acres of park per 1,000 residents.

Cost of Services

The following provides a cost of service analysis:

• 267,670 = Population of the City of Fort Wayne

• 110.8 = Number of square miles of the City of Fort Wayne

• 2,415.8 = Number of people per square mile in the City of Fort Wayne

• 2,548 = Total Acreage of the park system

o Nearly all acreage of the park system is actively managed and maintained

• $X,XXX,XXX = Annual funding allocated for park maintenance

o $X,XXX cost per acre (actively managed and maintained acres)

• Maintenance Standard = $7,500 per acre

Maintenance Standards

Facility and Trades: Through the review of policies and procedures and visiting with staff, it has been determined that the Facility and Trades Division has best practice maintenance standards with task, frequency and season of year in which work is performed in parks.

Grounds Maintenance: Through the review of policies and procedures and visiting with staff, it has been determined that the Grounds Maintenance Division has best practice maintenance standards with task, frequency and season of year in which work is performed in parks.

The Landscape and Horticulture Division has formal maintenance standards in place for Fort Wayne’s landscaping areas through the Park and Boulevard Tree and Shrub Maintenance Program.

Urban Forestry and Arboriculture: The Urban Forestry and Arboriculture Division has a formalized Urban Forest Maintenance Management Plan in place that utilizes best practice maintenance standards to maintain Fort Wayne’s Urban Forest.

Staffing Level Standards

• Premier Parks – Low (1 per/8 acres), High (1 per/6 acres)

• Pocket, Neighborhood, Community Parks, Regional and Unclassified– Low (1 per/12 acres), High (1 per/8 acres)

• Open Space and Special Use Parks – Low (1 per/18 acres), High (1 per/12 acres)

• The Facility and Trades Division is comprised of 21 full-time employees that directly provide trash and janitorial/custodial services and maintenance and repairs in the city’s parks.

• The Grounds Maintenance Division has 17 full-time employees for mowing and athletic field maintenance. In addition, this division has an employee dedicated to Kreager Park and heavy equipment operators.

• The other 2 divisions are Safety and Operations Support and Project Administration.

• The divisions do not have a full-time dedicated crew to manage the 38.4 miles of hike and bike trails in the City.

• The divisions do not have dedicated resources for riparian and open space/natural area management.

Planning and Development

• The Landscape and Horticulture Division has 14 full-time employees dedicated to managing the landscapes, greenhouse and Riverfront. The division relies on 19 seasonal employees to maintain various gardens.

• The Urban Forestry and Arboriculture Division has 7 full-time employees to city’s tree inventory and city-wide tree contracts.

Maintenance Needs

The City of Fort Wayne has consistently and successfully focused on maintaining the existing park system at a very high level. The high standards of maintenance are not only appreciated by the residents, but they are also expected. The City is committed to providing the highest of standards for the residents and it shows because of the large support and use of the park system by local residents and Allen County.

It is imperative the City continue to maintain the parks at a high level as the park system continues to grow and as older parks evolve. The level of maintenance is not only important for the safety of visitors and vitality of the parks, but for the aesthetically pleasing atmosphere the existing park system offers.

Maintenance Recommendations

• There is not a method to account for the costs of maintaining individual parks. This is now considered as a best practice for parks and recreation agencies.

• Measure the staff hours for servicing each park.

• Develop an asset management system

• Develop a formal maintenance plan

• Playground inspections & replacement

Cost Avoidance

Maintenance operations dollars are typically spent in divisions that do not have direct revenue sources that can offset expenditures. There are opportunities, however, to reduce expenditures

The City of Fort Wayne currently provides for the following program:

Adopt-a-Playground:

Primarily utilized as a clean-up effort, organizations commit to a 3-year period to assist with maintaining a playground. The organization must clean the playground three times per year, and a sign will be placed commemorating the assistance. Tasks include litter pickup, weeding and painting.

Additional opportunities exist through the following strategies.

Adopt-a-Trail Programs: These are typically small-grant programs that fund new construction, repair or renovation, maps, trail brochures, and facilities (bike racks, picnic areas, birding equipment, etc.), as well as providing maintenance support. These programs are similar to the popular “adopt-a-mile” highway programs most states utilize. Adopt-a-trail programs can also take the form of cash contributions in the range of $12,000 to $16,000 per mile to cover operational costs.

Adopt-a-Park Programs: These are small-grant programs that fund new construction and provide maintenance support. Adopt-A-Park programs can also take the form of cash contributions in the range of $1,000 to $5,000 per acre to cover operational costs.

Operational Partnerships: Partnerships are operational funding sources formed from two separate agencies, such as two government entities, a non-profit and a public agency, or a private business and a public agency. Two partners jointly share risk, operational costs, responsibilities, and asset management based on the strengths of each partner.

Marketing

The City of Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department has a Marketing Team that leads the effort to market programs, activities, events, services and facilities to the community. The results of having dedicated marketing within the department are their accessibility and awareness of what is occurring. This also allows for timely and targeted marketing and promotion, as well as dedicated funding for the Department, even if limited.

The staff of 4 full-time individuals. Responsibilities are divided into the following areas:

• Management – team supervision, market research and website

• Development – fundraising and sponsorship

• Communications – social media and media relations

• Publications – promotional materials and program guide

Staff efforts are supplemented by a firm that provides additional exposure for the Riverfront and Conservatory.

The Marketing Team identifies priorities annually along with an action plan. The priorities lead the Marketing Team to meet with various staff throughout the department. Monthly or quarterly meetings are held with programming staff to identify, plan and coordinate the marketing efforts. This leads to objectives, strategies and action plans. The one item missing is measuring the success of these efforts.

A challenge for the Marketing Team is the ability to promote general awareness of parks and regular recreation programming. Primary method is through the Fun Times program guide and the website. Marketing Team needs to understand the reason for promoting a program, event, activity, i.e. increase participation, new demographic, increase revenue.

Industry Marketing Tactics

Marketing is the process of identifying customer needs and determining how best to meet those needs. In contrast, advertising is the exercise of promoting a company and its products or services through paid channels. In other words, advertising is a component of marketing. Public parks and recreation agencies across the country utilize a variety of tactics and strategies to market, promote and communicate with constituents, residents, participants and visitors. Industry best practices encompass a variety of marketing and communication channels, with agencies tailoring communication channels to best meet local needs and cultural practices. Not all channels will be effective or desired at specific locations and are selected and utilized to best meet the needs of local cities and target audiences. Examples of marketing channels and tactics include, but are not limited to:

• Website

• Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, You Tube, etc.)

• Online Digital Advertising (i.e., Google ads, Groupon, Travel Zoo, etc.)

• Blogs and Podcast

• Analytics & Reporting

• Traditional Advertising (print, newspaper, radio, television, specialty, etc.)

• E-blast/E-Mail Communications

• Print Collateral (flyers, trifolds, brochures, posters, etc.)

• Digital Signage (i.e., television screens within facilities, scoreboards, etc.)

• Events and Activation

Fort Wayne Marketing Tactics

The marketing tactics utilized by Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department are extensive and exceed the norm of most communities.

• Website – the department maintains 6 websites. The primary website provides links to on-line services (program registration, facility reservation, golf tee times, event tickets and membership), social media outlets and general information on facilities, programs, trees and trails.

o fortwayneparks.org

o botanicalconservatory.org

o fostergolfcourse.com

o shoaffgolfcourse.com

o mcmillengolfcourse.com

o foellingertheatre.org

• Social Media – use Hootsuite to manage social media outlets.

o Facebook – the department maintains 13 business pages

Handle Followers

Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation 20k 4.4/ 61 Reviews

Fort Wayne Parks Golf 729 No Reviews

Foellinger-Freimann

Botanical Conservatory 12k No Reviews

Salomon Farm Park 13k 4.4/236 Reviews

Lindenwood Nature

Preserve

3.6k followers 4.9/68 Reviews

Foellinger Theatre 12k followers; 11k likes 4.5/637 Reviews

McMillen Park Community Center 3.2k followers 3.8/231 Reviews

Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Community Center 3.4k followers 4.2/51 reviews

Winterval No Page Found No Reviews

Senior Games

318 followers No Reviews

Riverfront Fort Wayne 13k followers No Reviews

School Children’s Flower & Vegetable Association

Cooper, Jennings, Weisser

382 followers No Reviews

Community Youth Centers No Page Found

o Instagram – the department maintains 6 accounts

Center No Page Found

Theatre No Page Found

o You Tube – the department maintains 1 account with 132 Followers

o Twitter – the department maintains 3 accounts

o LinkedIn

• Online Digital Advertising

o Peachjar – Fort Wayne Community Schools utilizes this web-based site for distribution of flyers and brochures.

• Blogs and Podcast

o The Parks and Recreation Department has produced blogs in the past. While blogs can be useful in some circumstances, the city’s resources are better represented by website(s), social media and other online avenues. The addition of a blog is not recommended at this time as resources are dedicated to other content area.

o The Parks and Recreation Department has produced conversations with individuals to provide a behind the scenes look at programs and facilities. To be successful, the podcasts should be consistent, regular and timely, promoted through social media, and uploaded to multiple streaming platforms.

• Analytics and Reporting

• Traditional Advertising

o The Parks and Recreation Department utilizes a robust variety of traditional advertising, including multiple newspapers and print publications, radio and TV. The efforts are focused on Foellinger Theatre and Botanical Conservatory.

o Brochures and Flyers (Collateral is also digitized to allow for distribution on-line)

 Program flyers are developed in coordination with recreation staff and distributed in multiple ways.

 Day Camp and PODS are developed in coordination with recreation staff and distributed through local schools.

 Park brochures promote select facilities and are available Parks and Recreation Department indoor facilities, Visitor’s Center, libraries and other select locations.

o Direct Mail

 Fun Times - the department distributes quarterly through bulk mail to households that have had activity in the past 3 years (approximately 30,000 homes).

 Postcards – mailed quarterly along with the Fun Times to specific demographics.

 In addition, program reminders/flyers may be sent to past program participants.

o Display Cases/Bulletin Boards – Located at pavilions and indoor facilities.

• Email Marketing

o Utilizes e-blasts to communicate with target audiences through a software database hosted by Constant Contact. There are four E-News distributed

 General (monthly)

 Riverfront (monthly)

 Conservatory (quarterly)

 Golf (as needed)

• Digital Signage – The Parks and Recreation Department has two electronic message signs on the outside of facilities. These signs communicate and promote department events only.

o Botanical Conservancy

o Foellinger Theatre

Marketing & Communications Policies & Procedures

Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department has numerous effective and comprehensive policies and procedures in place to support communications and marketing efforts. The policies from the Park Policy Book are:

• Naming Parks and Facilities (B-13). Outlines request for naming for a donor or other individual/organization without a gift.

• Non-Departmental Advertising in Public Parks (B-15). Permanent advertising is not allowed in parks with a few exceptions.

o Names/logos which have been donated

o Tee marker signs at golf courses

o Scoreboards at athletic facilites

• Media Interviews (C-2). Other than basic program/facility information, all requests are directed to the Marketing Team.

• Public Service Announcements (C-3). All releases for broadcast shall be coordinated through the Marketing Team other than Children’s Zoon and Botanical Conservancy.

• Corporate Sponsorship (C-6). Provides procedures for program and event sponsorship.

• Department Advertising and Promotions(C-8). All marketing, promotion and advertising conducted by the Department shall receive approval from the Marketing Team.

• Quarterly Catalog Production (C-15). Outlines procedures for the Fun Times publication.

• Golf Passes for Media (C-17). Outlines distribution of golf passes to media members for sponsorship and advertising.

• Applying for Grants (C-18). All requests for grant funding to support Department must be submitted to Director through Marketing Team.

Marketing Resource Allocation

Budget

There are limited dedicated financial resources allocated for marketing. Current dedicated funds include:

• Personnel - $414,015

• Supplies - $9,575

• Other - $90,485

Beyond the staffing costs, the bulk of the expenditures are for the postage ($40,650) and printing ($42,000).

Marketing costs for events are borne within the event budget and are limited in nature.

Marketing Recommendations

1. Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Policy Manual

a. Update Naming Parks and Facilities. Current policy does not have an ending date/term. There is no mechanism for renaming. Provide recourse if values of the name no longer reflect the values of the City and/or Parks and Recreation Department.

2. Marketing Manual – Update the manual with policies and procedures.

a. Define the difference in advertising and sponsorship. For events that have sponsors identify how partners will be tagged.

3. Consideration and analysis should be conducted regarding communication resources. Whether social media, newspaper ads, or an e-blast, identifying the target market that is desired to reach and the tactics best suited to that market segment is important. As an example, seniors may prefer a written newsletter over social media. Consider conducting a survey with existing participants and customers to determine information preferences.

a. Evaluate low audience pages to determine if necessary or incorporate into main pages.

b. Develop more engagement with contests, quizzes, polls, questions, free giveaways, etc.

c. McMillan Community Center page could use some dedicated care. There is a high frequency of posts regarding closures that could be offset with more positive posts and photos of people utilizing the facility.

4. Develop a toolkit for fundraising.

5. Develop a toolkit for recreation staff to include where the program is in its lifecycle, impact on the community, revenue generation for the department and materials needed.

6. Invest in a Donor Management Software program.

Fee Analysis

Funding the development and maintenance of parks and recreation facilities and services remains a challenge for many cities across the country. In the last 10 years there has been less reliance on the general fund of most cities as the primary funding source.

Current Funding

Fort Wayne relies on the following sources to fund current parks and recreation services and capital projects.

• General Fund

• User Fees

• Non-Reverting Fund

• Trust Fund

• Grants

• Foundation

Audited Financials

• Approximately 27% of the budget operations and maintenance budget is covered by Charges for Services generated through programs and services.

• There is a strong reliance on the city’s general fund taxes for overall funding with 69% of the total coming from this source.

• Capital expenses are funded in part through state bonds, city bonds and grants and donations.

• Citywide funds are a major funder of capital, but the city is also making use of state funding and grants and donations.

National Funding Trends

The following are some basic national funding trends.

• There is a concerted effort to lower reliance on city general funds for operations and maintenance. The current level of funding nationally according to the 2023 NRPA Agency Performance Review study, is 61% of operating expenditures being derived from the general fund.

• There has been an increased reliance on earned income to offset the cost of operation of parks and recreation. According to NRPA, in 2023, an average of 22% of operational costs were off set through fees and charges.

• Rather than relying on allocations from a city’s general fund, agencies have increasingly been turning to establishing dedicated tax funding sources for not only on-going parks and recreation operations but also for capital projects.

• Capital funding has also become more diversified with an effort to not only utilize local tax dollars but also broader funding through the state and federal government as well as fundraising and grant funding for larger projects.

Funding Sources

The City of Fort Wayne has a variety of different funding opportunities available that can assist with the funding of the department and proposed projects. Funding sources typically fall within threee different categories: Local Sources, State and National Sources, and Non-Tax Sources.

Local Sources

Beyond the allocation of funds from the city’s general fund for ongoing programs, maintenance or the passage of bond issues for capital projects, there are other taxing sources available.

Capital Improvement Fund – Establishing a dedicated funding source for capital projects from either a percentage of existing tax revenues or through a tax increase established for that specific purpose.

Certificates of Participation (COP) – A form of lease-purchase, COPs are issued for debt periods similar to normal bonds but the amenity itself serves as the collateral. This funding mechanism does not usually require voter approval.

Dedicated Tax – This has become much more prominent in last 15-20 years. Voters approve a dedicated parks and recreation property tax millage to fund on-going operations and maintenance as well as capital improvements. This can be supported by property or sales tax.

Special Purpose Levy – A property or sales tax levy that is for a specific purpose (community center, large park, event center, etc.). These levies are often for a limited time period.

Park Dedication Fee – For new housing, developers must either pay a per unit fee and/or dedicate so much property for future park development. Most larger communities now have this as part of their development fee.

Real Estate Transfer Fees – This is funding through the sale and transfer of real estate, where a small percentage goes to a tax that can support parks and recreation.

Transient Lodging Tax – This is a tax on hotel and motel rooms where a percentage tax is collected on each room night sold. This often funds parks and recreation amenities that attract visitors (sports complexes, ice rinks, etc.).

Tax Increment Financing – TIF funding is utilized for redevelopment of areas by dedicating future tax dollars to improvement projects. This funding has been utilized for some larger capital projects such as a recreation center or events center.

Business Improvement District – A BID is a defined area in a city that collects a fee from businesses for improvements. These are usually in larger downtown areas.

User Fees – Increasingly cities are asking users to pay a higher percentage of maintenance and programs through the fees that are charged for these services. This requires a strong fee for service philosophy and solid fee policies. This can also include sponsorships, permit fees for vendors, cell tower leases, concessions agreements, and other fees.

Amenity Development – Some cities target recreation amenity development that is usually done through a partnership with a private or non-profit agency to build and operate amenities such as a wedding/event center. These are amenities that have the ability to generate a strong positive cash flow and are used to help fund other aspects of operation.

State and National Sources

Many states have tax funding that is available through grant programs and other sources for certain programs and facilities.

Some of the state funding sources include:

Outdoor Recreation Grant Program – Utilized to increase and enhance outdoor recreation facilities in local and community parks throughout the state

Parks & Trails Legacy Grant Program – Funds parks and trails of regional significance.

Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board – Can fund projects that support arts, culture, history, tourism, and recreational activities, enhance the quality of life in the region and attract visitors.

Some of the national funding mechanisms include.

Land Water Conservation Fund – The LWCF funds a variety of outdoor parks and amenities through their grant process.

Recreational Trails Grant – These grants are intended for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail projects; including new trail construction, existing trail improvements, acquisition of trail corridors, trailheads and/or amenities. This grant is federally funded by the Federal Highway Administration.

Next Level Trails – (NLT) is designed to incentivize collaborative efforts to accelerate trail connections. The DNR Division of Outdoor Recreation will administer the program in conjunction with the Indiana Department of Transportation.

Community Development Block Grant – CDBG funds can also be utilized to develop and maintain parks and recreation amenities and provide services in lower income areas of a community.

Community and Urban Forestry Assistance (CUF-A) Grant – The objective of this funding opportunity is to inventory, plan, evaluate, educate, and plant trees. The only allowable costs for this grant program include the cost of (1) tree inventories, (2) management plans and ordinance updates, (3) purchase of trees, (4) planting trees, and (5) urban forestry educational programing, publications, signage, etc. to encourage comprehensive urban forest management and better public understanding of urban forestry topics.

Historic Preservation Fund – DHPA receives funding under the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) Program, which is administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. The HPF Program helps to promote historic preservation and archaeology in Indiana.

Safe Routes to Schools – (SRTS) Administered by state departments of transportation, this is a federal grant; there is no local matching needed for these funds. The purpose of the SRTS program is to encourage safe bicycling and walking among schoolchildren. These proposals can be located anywhere in the state, regardless of population size. The SRTS projects must be planned to be within public right of way within 2 miles of a public, charter, or private school serving K-8th grade students. The types of projects typically funded include bicycle infrastructure improvements, shared use paths, sidewalk improvements and infrastructure related projects to improve safety for non-motorized transportation.

There are other federal sources including the National Recreational Trails Program and Design Arts Program to name a few.

Non-Tax Sources

Many communities now try to expand capital and operations funding with other non-tax sources. A few are noted below.

Parks Foundation – Many cities have established a parks and recreation foundation, 501(C)3, to provide a way for individuals and corporations to provide donations to fund parks and recreation facilities and programs. This also increases eligibility for certain grants. Often the city council will serve as the actual board, or they appoint others to the board.

Grants – There are a wide variety of grants from foundations and corporations that can fund certain aspects of a facility’s development or specialized programs. These often require the services of a contract grant writer.

Fundraising – A possible source of capital funding can come from a comprehensive fundraising campaign. Contributions from local businesses, private individuals and social service organizations can be targeted. To maximize this form of funding a private fundraising consultant may be necessary.

Naming Rights and Sponsorships – Although not nearly as lucrative as for large stadiums and other similar facilities, the sale of naming rights and long-term sponsorships could be a source of some capital funding as well. It is often necessary to hire a specialist in selling naming rights

and sponsorships if this revenue source is to be maximized to its fullest potential. No lifetime naming rights should be sold, only 20-year maximum rights should be possible. Determining the level of financial contribution necessary to gain a naming right is crucial. In addition to a portion of the cost to develop, including an endowment or mechanism for operations and maintenance is critical.

Endowment Fund – This form of operational funding is relatively rare as it requires a large fund balance to establish an annual operational endowment level of any magnitude.

Partnerships – This funding source can be leveraged by partnering with a variety of organizations to manage facilities and provide programs and other services. This requires a strong partnership agreement to be in place.

Ground Lease of Property – In communities where it has been difficult to fund new parks and recreation facilities, cities have issued low fee ground leases to private and non-profit organizations to build and operate facilities that will benefit the recreation needs of residents. This has included a number of specialty facilities.

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125 South Clark Street Suite 660 Chicago, Illinois 60603 312.360.1736

designworkshop.com

Past Plans Summary

To: City of Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department

From: Design Workshop

Date: March 13, 2023

Project Name: Parks System Comprehensive Plan

Subject: Related Plan Summary

Below is a study of plans that have been completed in and around the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana that were identified as relevant by City staff. This is intended to be an internal document to assist Design Workshop in understanding past planning efforts and how they interact with the Parks System Comprehensive Plan. Comments are confined to a brief summary of the plans and recommendations from the plans that directly and indirectly impact the current planning process.

The following plans have been reviewed:

1. Riverfront Fort Wayne Conceptual Plan

2. City of Fort Wayne Riparian Master Plan

3. Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2018-2022

4. Bike Fort Wayne: A Plan to Enhance Transportation Options

5. Bus Fort Wayne: A Plan to Enhance Public Transit

6. Neighborhood Park Master Plans: Brewer Park and Packard Park

7. Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan

8. Buckner Park Master Plan

9. Franke Park Master Plan

10. Cultural Landscape Reports: Foster Park, Lakeside Park

11. Downtown Fort Wayne Public Realm Action Plan

12. All in Allen Comprehensive Plan

13. Fort Wayne IDNR 5-year Master Plan DRAFT

Plan / Document Name: Riverfront Fort Wayne

Publication Year: 2015

Summary (50 – 100 words):

Recommendations that directly impact this plan:

The Riverfront Fort Wayne Conceptual Plan envisions the future of Fort Wayne’s downtown riverfront and provides a roadmap for how the riverfront will be reimagined to balance recreation, nature and development. Fort Wayne is built on the convergence of three rivers which is culturally and environmentally relevant. The plan stresses the importance of connectivity between Fort Wayne’s riverfront, the downtown and the neighborhoods. There is an existing trail system, the Rivergreenway, which offers 25 miles of trails.

1. Land Use

a. Open spaces should balance nature, recreation and economic development.

2. Urban Design

a. Design should draw inspiration from Fort Wayne’s historic architecture, including the use of brick and stone exterior materials.

b. Public spaces should be activated through diverse amenities, including spaces for outdoor dining, cultural programming, natural areas with native habitat, sitting and picnic areas and multimodal streetscape enhancements.

c. Building façade materials should consist of low-reflectivity glass, brick, limestone, wood, metal, terra cotta, sandstone, concrete and marble. Building materials should be durable.

d. Awnings and canopies should be included in public amenities to provide shade.

e. Streetscaping should incorporate green infrastructure and strategies for stormwater retention.

f. Pedestrian-level lighting should be used to encourage walkability.

g. Street trees should be planted along pedestrian corridors.

3. Connectivity

a. Development should create a dense, walkable urban environment.

b. The street network should offer connectivity between the riverfront, the downtown, and the Rivergreenway.

c. Sidewalks should be widened to accommodate pedestrians and outdoor amenities.

d. The Rivergreenway should dedicate “bike-only” and “pedestrianonly” trails.

e. Pedestrian bridges should be built where access across the water is limited. Existing vehicular bridges should be modified to allow pedestrian access.

4. Improvement Areas

a. Riverfront Promenade/Headwaters Junction (Phase 1)

• The north side of the river in this section will offer a soft native landscape with trails complemented by rest areas under shade structures.

• The south side promenade will connect Guldlin Park to the west and Headwaters Park to the east. It will reach Lawton Park using a pedestrian bridge over the river.

b. Bloomingdale/Guldin Nature Parks and Downtown Environmental Center

• Floodplain forests that connect Bloomingdale and Guldlin Parks will be reimagined to create an ecological park including a series of wetlands and aquatic habitats.

• The proposed downtown environmental center will be connected to the riverfront by trails and boardwalks. The nearby Hugh McCulloch House could also be incorporated into the park and enhanced by an urban garden zone that connects with the surrounding trails

• Because of Bloomingdale Park’s higher elevation, a network of observation decks and towers will be included, connected by trails and paths.

• Bloomingdale Park should be connected to the river by relocating the existing levees.

c. Superior Street Corridor

Recommendations that indirectly impact this plan:

• Improvements to the Superior Street Corridor should incorporate a riparian planting scheme that collects stormwater and provides biodiversity to the area.

d. Lawton Adventure Park

• Lawton Park should be reprogrammed to offer visitors a wide variety of activities throughout the year.

• The segment of Fourth Street that runs through the park should be removed and replaced by extending Tennessee Avenue. The new roadway should include bike lanes and street trees and should maximize stormwater retention.

• The park should include a public beach area and splash park.

e. Sphere of Confluence and the Old Fort

• Existing planters along the banks of the river should be replanted with appropriate native species.

• Access to the Old Fort should be improved including a new ADA accessible pedestrian bridge that connects with Headwaters Park.

1. Design Guidelines

a. Mixed-use developments should include large ground-floor windows in commercial spaces.

b. The upper level of buildings should include balconies.

2. Mobility

a. The transit experience should be improved by providing enhanced transit stops, walking distance signs and other wayfinding features.

b. A riverfront/downtown circulator should be considered to link primary downtown destinations with the riverfront.

3. Riverfront Promenade/Headwaters Junction Improvement Area (Phase 1)

a. The promenade that connects Guldlin, Headwaters and Lawton Parks will include spaces for shopping, dining and entertainment.

4. Bloomingdale/Guldin Nature Parks and Downtown Environmental Center

a. The river should be widened in this area to provide enhanced recreation and biodiversity.

5. Superior Street Corridor

a. The roadway width should be narrowed to make the area more walkable.

6. Lawton Adventure Park

a. The river should be widened in this area to accommodate lakefront activities and views of downtown.

Key takeaways: The Riverfront Fort Wayne Conceptual Plan stresses connectivity between the downtown and the riverfront, including several of the city’s parks that fall along the river. The three rivers in Fort Wayne are significant cultural and environmental assets. In addition to connectivity, the Parks System Comprehensive Plan must consider the city’s hydrology and techniques for stormwater retention and flood mitigation.

Questions:

1. Have any items been implemented from the plan?

2. How will the Parks System Comprehensive Plan be integrated with the Riverfront Plan?

3. How do you imagine the city’s park network will be linked to the riverfront?

4. What river-related challenges impact the parks system? (e.g., flooding, erosion)

Plan / Document Name: City of Fort Wayne Riparian Management Plan

Publication Year: 2015

Summary (50 – 100 words):

Recommendations that directly impact this plan:

The City of Fort Wayne Riparian Management Plan assesses riparian conditions and develops related management strategies and recommendations. The Riparian Management Plan is a complement to the 2015 Riverfront Conceptual Plan. The document describes key components of riparian management and offers specific feedback on the Riverfront Conceptual Plan and general recommendations for future development.

1. Vegetation

a. Refer to Riparian Management Plan for specific recommendations depending on the type of riparian buffer.

2. Stream Restoration

a. Use “softer” measures when possible that allow for natural alluvial adjustment and aesthetics.

b. Repurpose on-site materials for stabilization.

c. Use bioengineering techniques for stabilization.

3. Invasive Species and Wildlife

a. Inventory invasive species and develop a plan for management and/or removal.

b. Inventory problematic wildlife and develop a plan for management and/or removal.

c. Develop a management approach for woody debris.

4. Bloomingdale Park

a. Address the eroded section of the streambank.

b. Maintain the existing viewshed.

c. Treat invasive species and follow up with native species restoration.

d. Use bioengineering techniques to restore floodplain areas.

5. Guldlin Park

a. Restore the floodplain area, particularly the turf.

b. Treat invasive species and vines.

6. The Promenade

a. Address eroded areas.

b. Treat invasive species and vines.

c. Add interpretive signage.

7. Wells Corridor

a. Treat buffer using boulder toe with live branch layering approach.

b. Treat invasive species and vines.

c. Move trail further from the streambank so the riparian buffer can expand.

d. Plant the turf area between the streambank and trail with native trees and shrubs.

Recommendations that indirectly impact this plan:

e. Consider an upland restoration project in the large turf area between the trail and the levee.

8. Headwaters Park

a. Stabilize bank with coir logs.

b. Plant dwarf variety of red osier dogwood along the water’s edge to help stabilize the banks.

c. Prioritize restoration of the downstream segment.

d. Treat invasives and vines.

e. Enhance buffer with dense shrubbery.

f. Preserve and enhance viewsheds.

9. Lawton Park

a. Add live stakes along the water’s edge.

b. Convert the turf delta to a wet meadow.

c. Treat invasives and vines.

d. Address woody debris jams.

e. Remove goose nests.

10. Old Fort

a. Develop planting plan and schedule.

b. Stabilize banks using boulder toe protection.

1. Regulation

a. Establish a buffer protection overlay district with associated guidelines that specifies widths and allowable uses.

2. Monitoring

a. Monitor and re-evaluate baseline conditions of riparian vegetation and streambank erosion.

b. Ensure that develop adheres to the City’s Overall Operation, Maintenance, Repair, Replacement and Rehabilitation Manual (October 2002).

3. Bloomingdale Park

a. Remove the debris jam at the Ewing Street bridge.

b. Monitor uprooted cottonwoods.

c. Remove goose nests.

4. Guldlin Park

a. Reduce mowing to allow a “goose buffer” parallel to the river.

5. Headwaters Park

a. Secure Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNL) – Lake and River Enhancement Program (LARE) stream restoration grant.

6. Old Fort

a. Secure IDNL – LARE stream restoration grant.

7. Environmental Stewardship Center

a. The Center should become the buffer and stream outreach driver for the City and surrounding areas.

Key takeaways: The City of Fort Wayne should consider short- and long-term coordination strategies between the Riverfront Conceptual Plan and riparian buffer management. The primary focus should be on removing invasive species, restoring appropriate native vegetation and stabilizing failing streambanks. This should be done in coordination with the Conceptual Plan to the extent possible.

Questions:

1. Who is responsible for monitoring and evaluation?

2. Is there an updated report on riparian conditions?

3. Will the FWPCP be reviewed by a riparian management consultant?

Plan / Document Name: Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Master Plan

Publication Year: 2018

Summary (50 – 100 words):

Recommendations that directly impact this plan:

The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Master Plan describes the five-year goals for parks in the Fort Wayne Metro Area. The planning area includes 2,805 acres of parks and open space across 86 parks. Allen County was identified as a “critical county” in the 2016-2020 Indiana Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) because it did not meet the recommendation of 55 acres of open space per 1,000 residents. The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department pointed out that the gap was smaller when you include access to adjacent counties, and felt it was unrealistic that they would meet the SCORP recommendation due to lack of available land.

1. Water

a. 924 acres (38%) of the park system is in a floodplain.

b. Allen County has approximately 12,262 acres of wetlands.

c. Expanded usage and development of the three rivers should be explored before constructing ponds or other water features within the parks.

2. Mowed Acreage

a. 1,525 acres (62%) of the park system is mowed. Trading low use turf space for native prairie could provide Fort Wayne with cost savings and opportunities for native habitat preservation.

3. Topography

a. The topography varies from level to rolling or strongly sloping.

4. Forest Resources

a. Fort Wayne should plant trees on some of its 21,414 acres of pervious land including parks, open areas, agricultural areas, bare soils and golf courses. If only half of these areas were planted with trees, Fort Wayne’s urban tree canopy would exceed the recommended average of 40%.

5. Demographics

a. The city’s growth puts pressure on existing recreation amenities and services.

b. Increasing unemployment suggests the need for free and/or lowcost recreation opportunities.

c. The projected increase in the senior (65+) population represents a specific increased recreation need.

6. Accessibility

a. Self-evaluation identified accessibility barriers at existing park facilities that should be corrected.

7. Public Input

a. 25% of participants (36 out of 142) wanted larger pickleball facilities. 5% wanted the pickleball courts to be lighted.

b. 11% of participants (16 out of 142) wanted a new park on the Northeast Side.

c. 6% of participants (9 out of 142) wanted year-round toilet facilities.

d. Physical improvements that received less than 5% of participant votes included: improved paths at Reservoir Park, asphalt paths at Buckner Park and improved pond at Franke Park.

e. Selected strengths:

Recommendations that indirectly impact this plan:

• Lots of parks and trails

• Great trails

• Locations all over town

f. Selected weaknesses:

• Not enough pickleball courts

• Upkeep in flood-prone areas

• Lacks equestrian sports access

g. Participants suggested improving tennis courts and changing some into pickleball courts

h. Participants suggested the following sites for new projects or parks:

• Central Fort Wayne

• Downtown

• South of downtown

• Northeast Fort Wayne

1. Maintenance

a. The Park Board will monitor and maintain existing facilities.

b. Many of the existing park facilities require serious maintenance.

2. Programming

a. The Park Board will provide well-balanced and accessible recreational services.

b. A seasonal promotional magazine called Fun Times is circulated four times a year to promote park services and programming.

3. Stakeholders

a. In addition to the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department, stakeholders include Fort Wayne Trails which manages the Rivergreenway and 100 total miles of trails, the Aboite Township Park District, the YMCA, private health clubs, Boys and Girls Clubs, Weisser Center and Jennings Center.

4. State Identified Priorities

a. Identify and preserve significant natural areas

b. Use sustainable designs, materials and energy sources

c. Consider the 2016 top five favorite outdoor activities: walking/hiking/jogging/running, camping, fishing, swimming and canoeing/kayaking/paddle sports.

d. Develop more trails and bicycle/pedestrian facilities.

e. Preserve and protect wetlands and riparian corridors.

f. Provide or enhance access to manmade aquatic resources.

Key takeaways: The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department’s 2018 goals were: continued park stewardship, equitable distribution of parks and services, connectivity through greenways and trails, defining essential services, enhancing parks, using the park system for economic development and securing the necessary funding to maintain and enhance the parks system.

Questions:

1. What are the equity concerns with the current park system? Are certain areas or demographics excluded?

2. How well-connected is the current park system?

3. How does the park system interact with the riverfront?

4. How would you assess the Parks and Recreation Department’s progress since 2018 with regards to its stated goals?

5. Have efforts been put forth to expand the urban tree canopy above the recommended average of 40%?

Plan / Document Name: Bike Fort Wayne: A Plan to Enhance Transportation Options

Publication Year: 2010

Summary (50 – 100 words):

Recommendations that directly impact this plan:

Bike Fort Wayne is a community-led plan that outlines how the transportation system could be augmented with bike-friendly facilities. The plan calls for investment in education and policy change along with physical improvements. Bike Fort Wayne distinguishes between bicycling for recreation and bicycling for transportation and emphasizes the importance of the latter.

1. Bikeway Network

a. On-street and near-street facilities including bike lanes, paved shoulders and shared-use paths should be developed to complement the Fort Wayne Trails network.

b. A core grid of major bicycle-friendly roadways should provide connectivity through the city’s four quadrants.

c. The bikeway network should be used to expand connectivity between multiuse trails, residential neighborhoods and other key destinations. Street routes should be linked with popular destinations and the Rivergreenway.

d. Bikeway facilities should respond to cyclist and motorist needs for safety, efficiency and comfort.

e. Bike lanes should be designed using current best practices to avoid common cyclist and motorist errors.

Recommendations that indirectly impact this plan:

1. Education and Outreach

a. Education programs should be expanded throughout the community to publicize the accessibility, feasibility and benefits of cycling.

b. Education and outreach programs should change behavior among motorists and cyclists to improve their ability to share the road.

2. Legislation

a. State and local policy change is needed to support bicycles as a form of transportation in cooperation with vehicular infrastructure.

b. A Complete Streets policy should be developed and adopted in coordination with the City of Fort Wayne’s Comprehensive Sidewalk Connectivity Plan.

Key takeaways:

Questions:

Bike Fort Wayne outlines the multilevel change necessary to encourage bicycling for transportation. The plan suggests physical improvements to existing infrastructure that, in tandem with public education and policy change, might shift people’s behavior and make bicycling safer and more appealing.

1. What is the status of the bikeway network?

2. What is the status of the Complete Streets policy?

3. How could the bikeway network be integrated with the parks system?

4. What are the key developments in the bike system since this plan was published in 2010?

Plan / Document Name: Bus Fort Wayne: A Plan to Enhance Public Transit

Publication Year: 2013

Summary (50 – 100 words):

Bus Fort Wayne presents goals and policy objectives to guide decision-making for public transit. As part of the Fort Wayne Active Transportation Initiative, it is

Recommendations that directly impact this plan:

Recommendations that indirectly impact this plan:

intended to establish public transit as a preferred transportation choice for the Fort Wayne and Allen County community, especially riders who make a conscious choice to use public transportation instead of their car.

1. Connectivity

a. Provide safe pedestrian access to all fixed route bus stops.

b. Provide safe transit infrastructure including ADA ramps, bus stop waiting pads, connecting sidewalks, appropriate lighting, signage and shelters.

2. Legislation

a. Adopt a Complete Streets ordinance along with design standards that comply with Federal ADA standards.

1. Service Density

a. Establish and maintain 30-minute service frequency as the minimum baseline for all fixed bus routes.

b. Establish the provision of 15-minute service frequency for fixed bus routes in high density/primary rider destination areas.

2. Marketing

a. Areas along transit routes can promote transit use and educate people about how to easily use Fort Wayne and Allen County’s public transit system.

3. Legislation

a. Promote infill development and new development that takes into consideration location at higher densities to support public transit.

Key takeaways: The bus system should contribute to mobility across Fort Wayne and Allen County by connecting bus stop locations with desired destinations and routes for walking or bicycling.

Questions:

1. What is the status of the Complete Streets ordinance?

2. What are the connections between the bus and park systems?

3. Which bus routes service recreational amenities (e.g., the riverfront)?

4. How does bus ridership compare on weekends vs. weekdays?

5. What percentage of riders use the bus system to access recreational amenities?

6. What are the key developments in the bus system since this plan was published in 2013?

7. Are there any specific locations that the bus route does not serve where you believe that it is needed?

Plan / Document Name: Neighborhood Park Master Plans: Brewer Park and Packard Park

Publication Year: 2020

Summary (50 – 100 words):

Recommendations that directly impact this plan:

The Neighborhood Park Master Plans present guiding principles for the redevelopment of two neighborhood parks: Brewer Parks and Packard Park. The Brewer Park redesign includes a multi-sport field, a pavilion with restrooms, a water feature, art gardens and a walking trail. The Packard Park redesign includes a walking path, groundcover art, a monument sign, a music-themed sculpture and an event plaza.

1. History and Culture

a. Brewer Park will celebrate the people, culture and history of the neighborhood.

2. Connectivity

Recommendations that indirectly impact this plan:

Key takeaways:

Questions:

a. Packard Park will provide appropriate connections into the park from the neighborhood.

b. Packard Park will provide a circulation system within the park.

3. Flexible Uses

a. Packard Park will include a neighborhood event space that accommodates diverse community activities.

4. Sense of Place

a. Packard Park will be designed with attention to beauty and history.

b. Packard Park will incorporate public art.

1. Programming

a. Brewer Park will welcome a variety of activities and programs for residents of all ages and abilities.

2. Safety

a. Brewer Park will be a safe space where youth and families can gather.

The Neighborhood Park Master Plans cite aesthetics, attention to history, connectivity, circulation and diverse programming as priorities in both Brewer and Packard Parks.

1. What site-specific factors contributed to different principles for Brewer and Packard Parks?

2. What is the status of the redesigns?

3. Was this plan developed as a result of the need for park updates? Are there others in the works, and if so, is there a threshold for those that get a master plan versus others that do not?

4. What, if any, was the reaction by the immediate community to this plan?

Plan / Document Name: Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan

Publication Year: 2004

Summary (50 – 100 words):

Recommendations that directly impact this plan:

The Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan is grounded in a citywide citizen survey to identify public perceptions of Fort Wayne’s park system. 91% of respondents indicated that their top priority for the Department was to maintain clean and functional parks, demonstrating a preference for maintenance over expansion. There was also a strong emphasis on connectivity and expanding the existing trail system for improved mobility. The Plan’s key themes were stewardship, equity, connectivity, essential services, social connectivity, economic development and financing.

1. Stewardship

a. Conserve older parks, buildings and facilities.

b. Develop design standards to guide the design of new parks and facilities to achieve quality similar to the best of the existing parks and facilities.

c. Draw on historical and cultural elements to establish park and greenway development and design themes.

2. Equity

a. Adopt design principles that support a balance of active and passive parks and reflect community needs.

b. Provide an equitable distribution of parks by classification type throughout the community.

Recommendations that indirectly impact this plan:

c. Use environmentally sound practices in the development and management of parks.

d. Connect parks and recreation facilities through an expanded greenway system.

3. Connectivity

a. Develop a comprehensive greenway system to connect major destinations throughout the city.

b. Support the expansion of the sidewalk and bikeway system to supplement greenway connections.

c. Develop themed trails utilizing parks, community heritage features and greenways.

d. Develop water trails for canoeing and kayaking that link waterfront parks and greenway connections.

4. Essential Services

a. Identify high-priority neighborhoods that require essential park services.

b. Develop programs, facilities and parks in underserved areas.

5. Social Connectivity

a. Customize existing parks to better serve the needs of the community.

6. Economic Development

a. Develop sports complexes for youth activities to accommodate tournaments and promote sports tourism.

1. Stewardship

a. Develop maintenance standards.

2. Equity

a. Adopt standards for different types of parks based on acres per 1,000 population.

3. Essential Services

a. Partner with other agencies and groups to help support and fund essential services.

b. Use demographic information and analysis to plan, develop and deliver programs and services without duplication.

c. Design and implement an ongoing community assessment process that identifies citizen and community priorities for recreation services.

4. Economic Development

a. Track the property values of land adjacent to parks and greenways compared to property further from park land.

b. Develop events and admission packages between different attractions.

c. Host prominent events in sports, arts and cultural activities to increase tourism.

5. Financing

a. Establish new funding sources and an appropriate balance of revenue strategies to help cover the operational and capital costs of the Department.

Key takeaways: The key priorities from the 2004 Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan are improved connectivity through expansion of the trail and greenway system and attention to history and culture. Any proposed improvements to the

Questions:

Plan / Document Name:

parks system must consider maintenance: how the new development will divert resources from existing parks and how the new development will be maintained in the future.

1. What notable changes have occurred since the plan was published in 2004 with respect to the planning themes?

2. What is the status of the Parks and Recreation Department’s park maintenance issues?

3. What techniques have worked to alleviate maintenance issues (Design techniques, materials, etc.)?

4. Is there a preference to revising and updating the older parks to better serve the community versus creating new ones in underserved areas?

Bucker Park Master Plan Report

Publication Year: 2006

Summary (50 – 100 words):

Recommendations that directly impact this plan:

The Buckner Park Master Plan Report is intended to guide future development of Buckner Park. It provides a specific explanation of desired park elements and a desired site plan. More broadly, it describes the principles that should justify future development decisions like sensitivity to environment and minimal disturbance to site integrity.

1. Accessibility

a. If property has been acquired immediately adjacent to the west property line, the park entrance should be shifted further west for traffic calming and entrance identification.

b. The primary loop trail should connect to other park features and to adjacent residential developments.

2. Landscape Design

a. Deciduous trees and wood mulch should be separated from water features to avoid maintenance issues.

b. The lowest portions of the park should be utilized for stormwater runoff.

c. The park should be reforested.

d. A pond should be constructed to take advantage of Buckner Park’s natural topography, which forms a 12’-16’ deep ravine, and its soil types that support pond development.

e. A sledding hill should be constructed using soil from the pond excavation and the Nature Center construction.

Recommendations that indirectly impact this plan:

1. Nature Center

a. A vehicular and pedestrian bridge should be constructed to provide access to the Nature Center across the Linnemeir Lunz Drain.

b. The Nature Center should include a grey water reclamation system.

Key takeaways: Buckner Park should be landscaped to minimize maintenance. It should integrate native planting and limit mown lawn areas. Development should preserve existing woods and reforest where more trees are needed. Drainage management, stormwater retention and floodplain mitigation are key concerns.

Questions:

1. What demographic context is relevant to Buckner Park? Who does the park serve?

2. What improvements have occurred in Buckner Park since the plan was published in 2006?

3. What is the status of the Nature Center?

4. Has the City acquired any adjacent property to Buckner Park since 2006?

5. What private development has occurred around Buckner Park since 2006?

Plan / Document Name: Franke Park Master Plan Report

Publication Year: 2019

Summary (50 – 100 words):

Recommendations that directly impact this plan:

The Franke Plan Master Plan Report outlines recommendations for the future development of Franke Park, one of Fort Wayne’s most significant cultural and ecological assets. Franke Park includes the Children’s Zoo, which is the most visited cultural resource in the City of Fort Wayne and the largest hiking and mountain bike trail system in the region which draws cyclists from hours away.

1. Land Use

a. Balance ecology, recreation and the built environment.

b. Preserve and maintain existing natural areas.

c. Locate new developments outside the existing floodplain.

2. Cultural and Historic Preservation

a. Create and preserve a cohesive park identity.

b. Develop and adhere to cohesive design guidelines for characterdefining built elements and wayfinding.

3. Stormwater Management

a. Implement best practices for flood mitigation and stormwater management, including the use of bioswales and constructed wetlands.

b. Preserve and offer better access to natural water amenities.

4. Connectivity

a. Increase connections between the park, the greenway, the zoo, downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

5. Landscape

a. Suggested landscape elements include forest, meadow, park savannah, functional lawn, designed landscape, bioswale or wetland and aquatic shelf.

6. Accessibility

a. Design playgrounds that are special needs-friendly and sensoryfriendly, that go beyond ADA accessibility requirements to address other issues such as autism, sensory disorders and vision impairments. Components may include things like musical instruments, sand/water tables and “talk tubes.”

b. Include bucket swings and rubberized surfacing in play areas for those using mobility devices.

c. New buildings will incorporate Universal Design principles.

d. Implement a signage and wayfinding system.

Recommendations that indirectly impact this plan:

1. Cycling

a. Enhance multi-use trails for mountain biking.

b. Add amenities to cycling facilities.

c. Attract and retain visitors from outside Fort Wayne who visit via the bike trails.

d. Minimize conflicts between pedestrian routes and the multi-use trail system.

2. Programming

a. Promote and support a variety of diverse uses.

b. Most participants would like to see additional classes and programming.

3. Circulation

a. Add new entries into the park.

b. Enhance pick up and drop off configurations for the Day Camp. Key takeaways: The Franke Park Master Plan provides several alternatives. Shared features include a continuous internal parkway, enhancements to Shoaff Lake, paved pedestrian paths, new entrances, cycling amenities, replacing aging and outdated buildings, adding new playground and picnic areas and changing parking configurations.

Questions:

1. The plan mentions a unified signage and wayfinding system. Has this been considered and/or implemented across all parks?

2. Does the multi-use trail system connect to other parks or destinations in Fort Wayne?

3. Universal Design elements were incorporated as a goal here, but not in the more recent Brewer Park and Packard Park Neighborhood Plan (2020). Is there a reasoning for this? Did the immediate demographics call for it?

Plan / Document Name: Cultural Landscape Reports: Foster Park, Lakeside Park

Publication Year: Foster Park (2007), Lakeside Park (2002)

Summary (50 – 100 words):

Recommendations that directly impact this plan:

The cultural landscape reports are intended to enhance use and stewardship of historically important parks in Fort Wayne. They document the history and current conditions, analyze landscape change and continuity, and provide recommendations for future preservation and rehabilitation.

1. Linkages and City Integration

a. Improve connectivity within and across parks.

b. Improve parking and vehicular circulation.

2. Social Resilience

a. Draw visitors to Foster Park from surrounding neighborhoods and the greater Fort Wayne metro area.

b. Enhance access to and interpretation of Foster Park’s unique features.

3. Programming

a. Offer opportunities for passive, active, social, and educational pursuits.

b. Encourage memorable user experiences.

4. Cultural Preservation

a. Honor the unique character of each park and respect the need for historic preservation.

b. Achieve a visually cohesive character in each park.

c. Recapture and augment each park’s historic character.

d. Identify the value and significance of each park’s natural resources in a way that is publicly understandable and accessible.

5. Conservation

a. Regenerate and manage wooded areas.

b. Increase and enhance wildlife areas.

c. Recapture historic planting patterns.

d. Improve pond ecology and fishing access.

Recommendations that indirectly impact this plan:

6. Landscape

a. Transform mown turf into native landscapes.

b. Address stormwater management.

1. Private-Public Partnerships

a. Establish formal partnerships to enhance parks.

2. Education

a. Develop and promote educational programs related to the natural systems and stewardship of the park.

3. Implementation

a. Promote volunteer initiatives for park rehabilitation.

b. Lead staff initiatives with Parks and Recreation and other city departments.

Key takeaways: There are several historically significant parks in Fort Wayne. The community values these parks and would like to honor and emphasize their historical significance into the future.

Questions:

1. Have efforts been made to “Honor the unique character of each park and respect the need for historic preservation”? What do you think are the most appropriate tactics to address this (Ex: signage, art, memorials, etc)

Plan / Document Name: Downtown Fort Wayne Public Realm Action Plan

Publication Year: 2019

Summary (50 – 100 words):

Recommendations that directly impact this plan:

The Downtown Fort Wayne Public Realm Action Plan explores how public spaces support public life in Downtown Fort Wayne so the City can identify challenges and opportunities as the population grows. It highlights alleyways and plazas in downtown Fort Wayne that support public realm activities and can be leveraged as part of the city’s overall open space network.

1. Open Space Network

a. Fort Wayne’s open space network includes more than its formal parks and plazas. Open space planning should intentionally consider alleyways, public building, seating and ledges, underpasses, parking lots, and more to understand the complexity of the city’s public realm. These spaces can be used to increase green spaces for human and ecological purposes.

2. Public Space Preferences

a. Residents shared nine key qualities that they value about the public realm: special atmosphere, local food and retail, creative play and discovery, access to nature, dynamic and hands-on, warm and cozy, relaxing respite, family friendly, and night life.

Recommendations that indirectly impact this plan:

Key takeaways:

1. Streetscape

a. Streets are the city’s largest public space and should be used to bolster its public realm and advance goals related to green and open spaces.

2. Cycling

a. While overall numbers of cyclists downtown per street is relatively low, there is a latent demand for cycling that is hindered by lack of safe infrastructure.

Downtown Fort Wayne has many assets, including walkability, a range of activities, and open spaces. Underutilized public spaces like oversized plazas, alleyways, and parking lots are opportunities to further activate the downtown. These assets should be woven together into a cohesive open space network that

Questions:

works in tandem with the park system to offer access to diverse outdoor activities.

1. What relationship does the park department see between non-park public open spaces and the current park system? Could connectivity between these systems be improved?

2. How might we integrate underutilized urban spaces, like parking lots and alleyways? What are the main goals we might seek to advance through these spaces?

Plan / Document Name: All in Allen Comprehensive Plan

Publication Year: 2023

Summary (50 – 100 words):

Recommendations that directly impact this plan:

All in Allen is a joint effort between Allen County, the City of Fort Wayne, and several surrounding municipalities. Among other planning themes, it addresses parks, open spaces, and natural resources. The plan relies on community input collected through facilitated interviews and focus groups and virtual and inperson workshops, among other methods.

1. Bike and Pedestrian Connectivity

a. Residents indicated that the typical emphasis on the bike and pedestrian trails as a recreational asset should be expanded to consider the network’s potential as a transportation asset.

b. Improving the bike and pedestrian trails as a transportation network will address the Plan’s Sustainability planning theme and the subgoal “Promote active modes of transportation that reduce vehicle miles traveled”.

c. Improve trail and trailhead safety and amenities.

2. Outdoor Recreation

a. Improve walkable access to outdoor recreation opportunities for residents of all ages.

b. Fort Wayne’s parks can be enhanced as key community, sports, and tourism assets.

c. Identify resources needed for expanded parkland and the maintenance and improvement of existing parks.

d. Prioritize the maintenance and improvement of existing parks, including strategic activation of existing outdoor assets.

Recommendations that indirectly impact this plan:

1. Community Identity

a. As a key feature of what makes Fort Wayne unique, its historic parks and boulevards should be preserved and highlighted.

2. Southeast Fort Wayne

a. Outreach participants expressed concern for the lack of development in Southeast Fort Wayne. Historic disinvestment in this area will be considered in the Park System Comprehensive Plan’s equity strategy.

3. The Three Rivers

a. The ecological and cultural significance of the rivers, as well as their potential for recreation, will be considered in the Park System Comprehensive Plan.

4. Burmese Population

a. Fort Wayne is home to approximately 6,000 Burmese immigrants. Engaging this population is crucial for an equitable community outreach effort.

5. Future Land Use

a. Population growth will be met by new housing development and expanded utility infrastructure. Park system planning should consider future growth patterns, in terms of both population and infrastructure

b. The “Open Space” category in the plan’s future land use section outlines development options for Allen County’s parks and recreational assets.

c. Fort Wayne’s outward growth should consider the surrounding agricultural assets and growth management strategies should be adopted to promote conservation.

d. The plan should consider strategies to mitigate future development’s impact on existing natural and open spaces.

6. Conservation

a. Park development should adhere to best practices in stormwater management and wetland, natural area, riparian, and watershed preservation.

b. Park development should incorporate green infrastructure and lowimpact design.

c. Parks can offer opportunities for community stewardship of natural resources.

d. Park development should prioritize an expanded, healthy tree canopy.

7. Implementation

a. The Comprehensive Plan includes funding sources for trails, parks, and open spaces.

Key takeaways: Fort Wayne’s outdoor assets are regionally significant as recreational, environmental, and mobility-related amenities. The Fort Wayne Park System Comprehensive Plan should consider strategies to improve the existing bike and pedestrian trails’ functionality as a transportation network, equitable park development that considers future growth, and opportunities for natural resource conservation.

Questions: 1. What was the park department’s involvement in the All in Allen process?

2. What non-park related items (e.g., social or economic context) do you consider most relevant to the Park System Comprehensive Plan?

Plan / Document Name: Fort Wayne IDNR 5-year Master Plan DRAFT

Publication Year: 2022

Summary (50 – 100 words):

Recommendations that directly impact this plan:

The 5-year Master Plan was published in partnership with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to establish short-term goals related to park maintenance, improvement, and development.

1. Park Maintenance

a. Each park is scored on a scale of 1 to 5 according to how well they currently meet maintenance standards. Park improvements are prioritized according to this score.

b. The parks department should prioritize current park improvements and maintenance and should complete ongoing project initiatives.

c. The plan includes Level of Service (LOS) assessments based on the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) metrics, including

Recommendations that indirectly impact this plan:

an assessment of how park resources are distributed across Fort Wayne and staffing and budget metrics.

2. Gap Analysis

a. The parks department should identify gaps in access to parks and open space, recreational amenities, programs, and services and work to address these gaps.

Key takeaways:

Questions:

3.

Multi-use Assets

a. The Fort Wayne parks system can be utilized to attract new residents and tourists by adding arts and culture facilities.

b. Park development can improve Fort Wayne’s sustainability and resilience by prioritizing tree canopy and riparian and watershed management.

c. Development projects should be aligned with the City’s economic development goals, particularly strategies around the downtown and the riverfront.

1. Natural Resources

a. The plan includes relevant information about Fort Wayne’s natural and landscape features, including its forest, topography, watersheds, geology, soils, and climate.

b. There is a need to consider and prepare for extreme weather events, especially following a derecho with 98 mph winds in June 2022.

2. Projected Growth

a. As Fort Wayne grows, the parks and recreation system will be a key feature affecting residents’ quality of life, a selling point to retain existing residents and a force to attract new residents.

3. Preferred Outdoor Activities

a. The plan includes data about Fort Wayne residents’ preferences for outdoor activities.

The Fort Wayne Parks Department has a commitment to park maintenance and improvement and they have recently undertaken a thorough assessment of their park system’s condition and users. This work can inform our analysis of existing conditions and form a basis for further community engagement.

1. What were the Parks Department’s key takeaways from this process? Were there major surprises?

2. Based on the outcome of the IDNR plan, what are the department’s priorities for the Comprehensive Plan?

3. What does the Parks Department see as the relationship between the IDNR plan and the Comprehensive Plan?

MEMORANDUM

To: City of Fort Wayne Staff

From: Design Workshop: Brian Corrie, Alexandra Pollock, Ashley McKnight

Date: March 31, 2023

Project Name: Fort Wayne Park System

Project #:

Subject: 7037 Fort Wayne Park Conditions Assessment

CITY PARK CONDITIONS ASSESSMENT