Riverfront Development Ideas We believe that the riverfront development should be a new attraction for our city, and include amenities for visitors as well as add to the quality of life of residents. Here are a few ideas for a “tourism-oriented” development:
Outdoor Adventure Course Most of Fort Wayne’s existing attractions are passive, not immersive. An outdoor adventure park, featuring activities including zip lines, rock climbing walls, kayaking, camping and extreme sports would create excitement for participating and viewing. These features would blend nicely with the natural features to connect people to the riverfront’s existing features like the Rivergreenway, skateboard park, Wells Street Bridge and The Old Fort.
Canal Water Feature A man-made canal that shoots off from the river between the new developments on the north side could provide more water-based attractions. This canal water would be clean, with special lights for night, and water-based entertainment like small boats for rent and model-sized radio-controlled sailboats.
Dining & Entertainment Not only is the riverfront a chance for local restaurants to shine, but a chance to bring brand name investments– the ones that so many of us want: Dave and Busters, Cheesecake Factory, PF Changs, Smitten Ice Cream (liquid nitrogen ice cream) and more!
Railroad Park A proposal for a space to house the restored 765 Steam engine also known as “Headwaters Junction” envisions the frequent use and housing the engine, with train rides and the visual attraction of the engine itself. The historic ties to Fort Wayne’s train industry and the unique underappreciated asset to the community makes this an idea to consider for a portion of the Omni Source site. http://headwatersjunction.com/