Right in Our Region ..............................Cover

Outdoor Pass Makes Exploring Easier

By Peggy Werner

Visitors and residents of Allen County are encouraged to explore rivers, trails, parks and more by using the brand-new Fort Wayne Outdoor Pass.

The Pass was introduced in May and offers 20 self-guided smartphone tours for hiking, biking and paddling at every skill level and in every corner of the county, says Kristen Guthrie, vice president of marketing for Visit Fort Wayne.

“People’s use of the outdoors increased dramatically during the pandemic because they needed safe and fun options to be together,” she says. “Although the interest has continued, we want to do all we can to help people keep exploring the outdoors. It’s just the right time.”

So far, 1,000 people have signed up and the pass will be updated seasonally, she says.

The county is home to 120 miles of trails, more than 90 parks, three rivers, wetlands, prairies and other properties protected through the Allen County nature and forest preserves.

The pass works in conjunction with the 2020 opening of Promenade Park, the first phase of the city’s transformational Riverfront Fort Wayne project, which joins the county’s three rivers to downtown and destinations for recreation, arts and culture. The rivers are St. Mary’s, St. Joseph and the Maumee.

Access your digital pass at visitfortwayne.com/outdoorpass. It will instantly be delivered to your phone by text or email. There’s no app to download and it can be saved to your phone’s home screen for easy one-tap access. When you want to check in, you must have your location services turned on and be within one mile of the location. Check in at each route’s designated location to redeem prizes.

The tours were chosen to offer people a variety of experiences, says Guthrie.

One example of the walking tour is the popular Trail of Reflection Loop at Lindenwood Nature Preserve, an easy hike to a reflection pond surrounded by tall trees and lush foliage. The path from the trailhead to the pond is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. The preserve has four hiking trails of varying lengths, the Nuthatch Nook bird observation area, and an open-air pavilion. Free guided hikes are offered at 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month.

The Downtown Walking Tour is about 90 minutes long and takes you to the most popular sites of downtown Fort Wayne, both new and historic. Visit museums, shops, restaurants and parks along the way and end the tour with a bird’s eye view of the city from Conner’s Rooftop and Bar on top of the Hampton Inn next to Parkview Field. Parking is available in the Allen County Library parking lot off South Harrison St.

On a bike, ride the nearly 2-mile loop around the perimeter of Shoaff Park and then cool off at the splash pad on the northwest side of the park. Enjoy other things the park has to offer, such as golf, frisbee/disc golf, a pavilion, playground, basketball and tennis courts and boating access, as well as open areas for football, soccer or kite flying.

Extend the route by turning onto the St. Joseph Pathway to ride 3 miles down to Johnny Appleseed Park. The trail follows an old feeder canal that was once a water roadway. On the way, after crossing the bridge to Purdue University, check out the Native Tree Walk, sensory garden and public art on campus.

Go kayaking on the Johnny’s Rope Swing Adventure to see both urban and wooded areas. Start the trip at Guldin Park public access ramp at Van Buren Street and Michaels Avenue, just upstream from Promenade Park. Kayaks can be rented at Fort Wayne Outfitters & Bike Depot, 1004 Cass St.

Paddle downstream on the St. Mary’s River to the confluence where three rivers meet, then upstream on the St. Joe, past Stevie’s Island, a favorite hangout for paddlers, ending the trip at the park’s boat ramp before the dam. The total trip is about 3.7 miles one way and takes three to four hours to travel round trip.

Along the way, you’ll pass by the Deck at the Gashouse, a local eatery with a pier; the Historic Old Fort, which is a replica of the original Fort Wayne built under the command of Major John Whistler in 1816; Headwaters Park; and the Dr. Martin Luther King Bridge.

Allen County is home to 120 miles of trails, more than 90 parks, three rivers, wetlands, prairies and other properties protected through the Allen County Learn more about tours and how to get a Pass at visitfortnature and forest preserves. wayne.com/outdoorpass. ❚

There are plenty of routes for paddlers in the Fort Wayne area and the new outdoor pass makes them easier to navigate.

Why a Good Lighting Plan Matters

By Janine Pumilia

Agood lighting plan can make all the difference in how your home looks and functions. It’s something too often overlooked by homeowners, says Kevin Walsh, owner of Trinity Kitchen, Bath & Lighting in New Haven, Ind.

“Whether we’re talking about new construction or a home remodel, there needs to be a lighting plan for things to look their best and function optimally,” he says. “It really doesn’t make a lot of sense to install expensive surfaces that are the jewels of our homes – fine cabinetry, stone counters – and then fail to properly light them.”

A good lighting plan makes life easier, safer and more enjoyable, indoors and out.

“There are three basic types of indoor lighting – ambient, task and accent,” Walsh explains.

Good ambient lighting provides even, overall brightness in a

A good lighting plan requires both high functionality and aesthetic beauty. room, often achieved with ceiling-mounted fixtures. Task lighting puts extra light where you need it for a specific function like using sharp knives in a kitchen, applying makeup in a bathroom or reading in a living room. “Accent lighting is used to highlight something special in a room, like a painting above a fireplace,” says Walsh. When choosing light fixtures, “It’s really important to see them up close, touch them, observe how they work,” says Walsh. “We have people come into the store and tell us they ordered fixtures online but had to return all of them because they looked different in person than they do on a website.” It’s also important to understand the proportions of light fixtures you’re considering, says Walsh. “It’s easy to look at a 24-inch orb with dangly jewels and fall in love. But does it make sense in the context of your home, hanging from your 8-foot ceiling? This is where working with someone who’s educated about lighting options can really help.” Trinity can help you think through outdoor lights and landscape lighting, too. “We match any price you find elsewhere on lighting, so you won’t pay more with us, but you will get more expertise and better service.” Trinity Kitchen, Bath & Lighting has been locally owned since it opened in 1958. Walsh purchased it from the original owners 18 years ago. Light fixtures should be viewed in person before you buy them. It’s important to evaluate whether they’ll fit into the context and scale of your home. Learn more by calling (260) 493-2574 or stop in at the showroom, 11034 Lincoln Highway East. ❚