This post is part of a series highlighting the Your Story. Made Here. videos recently produced by the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership. These videos share the stories of Northeast Indiana, and our many strengths. Click here to view the rest of the series.

The crack of a bat, the cheering crowd, the taste of a ballpark hotdog and an ice-cold beer, it’s all waiting for you!

Locals love Parkview Field because it’s about so much more than baseball. The addition of Parkview Field to the downtown landscape generated a sense of community. Cheering on the TinCaps to their numerous victories has brought a sense of pride and togetherness to the community. The success of the community collaboration that brought Parkview Field to downtown Fort Wayne has continued through such events as Taste of the Arts and Buskerfest.

Opportunities to meet up with friends, network, or simply relax on the lawn are endless.  Whether you’re a young fan or a seasoned armchair pitcher there’s plenty to enjoy at Parkview Field. Young professionals are drawn to Thirsty Thursdays to network with peers, meet up with friends, and enjoy dollar beer night. Fireworks nights are great for a casual yet romantic date night or for families who enjoy looking up at the stars. Suites are available for those looking to entertain large groups or host business colleagues. The Homerun Porch and the Picnic Pavilion make great places to bring your employees for a fun activity away from the office.

3 Rivers Federal Credit Union Employees enjoying a night off with Johnny TinCap at Parkview Field

Be on the lookout for “theme nights” at the ballpark as well. Love getting dressed up for Halloween? Why not celebrate on May 10 with “Halfway to Halloween” night at Parkview Field. Several “Decade Celebrations” are planned for the 2013 season with nights honoring every decade from the 50’s-90’s. There’s even “Star Wars Night” for you to sport your Darth Vader costume and a “Social Media Night” to give you an excuse to be on your smart phone throughout the game.

Great minor league sports aren’t limited to downtown Fort Wayne. Experience the Mad Ants Basketball, Komets Hockey, and the Derby Girls at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.  There’s something for every sports fan throughout the year.

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This post is part of a series highlighting the Your Story. Made Here. videos recently produced by the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership. These videos share the stories of Northeast Indiana, and our many strengths. Click here to view the rest of the series.

My mom loves giraffes. You can entertain my mom by taking her to any zoo around the country, and she’s been to several. She’s a little bit of a zoo expert, so when she comes to visit we always take a trip to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. What does she love about our zoo and why is it a must see when she visits?  “I have to go feed my giraffes,” was her answer. Feeding the giraffes is a fan favorite at our zoo. You can literally feed them right from your hand. It’s an experience she’s not had at any other zoos. She also loves the variety, the walkability of the zoo, the cleanliness, and how well maintained the zoo is.

Susie Wayne stops by the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo to feed the giraffes every time she visits Fort Wayne.

When the zoo opened in 1965 it was one of the few self-supporting zoos, earning all of its revenue from admissions, rides, and concessions. In 1966, the Fort Wayne Zoological Society was established as a nonprofit organization to assist in the development and growth of the zoo. The zoo credits strong community support for being an integral to their success and ability to grow into the world-class zoological facility they are today.

The Children’s Zoo is credited for bringing a large amount of national attention to Fort Wayne. It’s 2009 grand opening of the African Journey exhibit prompted Parents magazine to name it “One of the Top 10 Zoos for Kids.” The zoo has also been recognized in the national media thanks to The New York Times, Child Magazine, and ABC’s Good Morning America.

The zoo is really for kids of all ages. Whether you’re 6 or 60, you’ll enjoy the zoo. As you heard in the video, the zoo is for more than just families with small children. People of all ages go to the zoo to enjoy the outdoors, get up close with the animals, and learn a little something along the way.  Singles, couples, and families alike enjoy this treasure. In fact, my parents met my then boyfriend (now husband) for the first time during one of our family zoo outings.  A fun outing at the zoo seemed like the perfect way to keep conversation going and keep him from feeling like he was being interrogated by my parents. It worked and we had a great day! While he didn’t propose at the zoo, like so many have, it holds a special place in our hearts.

While feeding the giraffes is a family favorite of ours there are many other highlights you’ll want to check out while you’re there. The Walkabout Aviary, the California Sea Lions, and the world class African Journey are some local favorites. There are some traditional pics you’ll want to snap while your there too such as sitting on top of the zoo sign at the entrance, as a passenger on the train, drinking from the lion’s mouth water fountain, riding on the sky safari, and sitting with orangutan statue.

The classic Children’s Zoo pic with the orangutan statue

The zoo will open for the season on April 20, 2013 with a $13.50 admission fee for adults, $8.50 for children ages 2-14, and $10.50 for seniors.  You might also want to consider becoming a zoo member.  Your membership will not only be a great value to you as a frequent visitor but will allow you admission to more than 140 zoos throughout North America.

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This post is part of a series highlighting the Your Story. Made Here. videos recently produced by the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership. These videos share the stories of Northeast Indiana, and our many strengths. Click here to view the rest of the series.

I live and work in Downtown Fort Wayne. I made a conscious choice to create my life in the vibrant heart of my community. The way I see it, downtown isn’t just the heart of Fort Wayne but the heart of Northeast Indiana. Having lived in much larger cities, downtown Fort Wayne gave us that big city feel we love.  Here are the reasons I chose to make downtown Fort Wayne home:

Easy access to everything

Whether you’re attending an event downtown, or you’re headed to another area of town, you can get there quickly from downtown. Most of downtown Fort Wayne is accessible by a short walk or bike ride. If you do need your car while your downtown, parking is plentiful and very affordable. You’ll likely find parking within a block or two of your destination.  Downtown is also just a 15-20 minute drive from almost every corner of Fort Wayne.

There’s always something to do

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is one of many events that take place in Headwaters Park each year.

You’ll never be bored in downtown Fort Wayne. Whether you live in the heart of the city or you’re visiting, there will be many things to see and do. Take in a ball game at Parkview Field, check out a festival at Headwaters Park, attend an art exhibit at Lotus Gallery or the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, take a yoga class at Prana Yoga, see a touring Broadway show at the Embassy. Whatever your passion, downtown Fort Wayne probably has it.

There’s always something to eat

You’ll never go hungry in downtown Fort Wayne. Whether you’re craving a slice from Pint & Slice (I recommend the pepperoni), you want wash down fish and chips with a pint from JK O’Donnell’s, or enjoy a perfectly prepared steak and a martini from Club Soda, downtown Fort Wayne will make your taste buds tingle.

There’s always a place to meet and mingle

A group of friends gather at Founders co-working space in downtown Fort Wayne

You’ll never be lonely in downtown Fort Wayne. Whether you’re stopping in to the Downtown Grind for a cup of coffee, attending a meeting at the Chamber of Commerce, or getting a little work done at Founders co-working space, you’re sure to see people you know. Fort Wayne is one of the friendliest cities you’ll ever visit, especially downtown.

There’s always something to shop for

You’ll never miss out on a unique gift opportunity in downtown Fort Wayne. We pride ourselves on providing unique gifts from retailers such as Creative Women of the World that markets original designs created by women who live in the third world or Riegel’s that specializes in cigars and pipe tobacco.

There are great places to live downtown

Downtown Fort Wayne as seen from Three Rivers Luxury Apartments

Over 21,000 people work in downtown Fort Wayne every day. With more and more housing options becoming available, downtown living in the heart of the city is making more sense every day. Whether you’re looking to own a condo like those in the new Anthony Wayne Condominiums, rent an apartment like those at Harrison Square or Three Rivers Luxury Apartments, or buy/rent a house in the West Central neighborhood downtown Fort Wayne has you covered.  Each provides easy access to downtown businesses, giving many the option to walk or bike to work.

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Growing up in northern Minnesota, it was only natural to skate or play hockey on a pond or an outdoor rink. When I found out ten years ago that Fort Wayne was opening an outdoor rink at Headwaters Park, I couldn’t wait to try it out!

On a Sunday in January I wanted to give my 2 year old nephew Liam his first chance on ice skates. We headed for the park, just north of downtown Fort Wayne. We walked into a nice little warming room greeted by a very cheerful attendant to pay and rent some skates. If you are without skates they have many sizes to rent. While lacing up our skates we decided to use the benches provided in the warming area but there are plenty outside to use. Our shoes were safely put away in the many cubby boxes provided.

With our skates on, and plenty of warm clothes, we headed to the rink with a fresh sheet of ice and a canopy protecting us from the elements. Not to worry if this is your first time skating, you’ll notice you are not the only wobbly one on skates. The boards also offer you great support. My nephew and other young skaters are able to use support frames provided at the rink, that help them keep their balance and cruise around. I was a little bit hesitant that Liam might be scared to try. To my surprise he took to it with a huge smile and loved it even when he wiped out a few times.

After circling the ice for awhile we went into the warming room to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows and some big, soft chocolate chip cookies from Mr. G’s. If you’re not a chocolate lover there is a variety of beverages and treats to enjoy. It can get a little crowded inside so we headed out to one of the many benches and picnic tables near the rink.

While outside, I noticed a group of about twelve 10 year-olds celebrating a birthday, enjoying cake and watching the birthday girl open her presents.  I thought to myself “what a really nice way to celebrate a winter birthday.”  They also picked a good time to enjoy cake, because it was intermission allowing the Zamboni to resurface the ice.

It is suggested to call ahead of time if there is questionable weather at 422-7625 or you could check out their Facebook page. The day we went, the ice was smooth and perfect with no slush. There were just a few little bumpy spots near the end boards.

At the end of the day (with a very happy but tired little two year old) we left with many new memories and perhaps the next Mike Modano. Whether your looking for something to do has a family or celebrating something, I suggest you give the outdoor rink a try. It’s a wonderful way to get fresh air and exercise during the long winter months.  Or make it a date nigh,t and enjoy the view of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Bridge and the downtown skyline all lit up.

Admission:

13 and younger $3.00

14 and over $5.00

Skate rental $2.00

Hours:

Monday thru Thursday 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Friday 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Skate sharpening is also available.

They will be open through March 3, 2013.

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Parkview Field is one of my favorite places to be on a warm summer evening. The view, the community camaraderie, and of course, TinCaps baseball, make for an unmatched family-friendly experience in downtown Fort Wayne.

But perhaps the best part of the experience is the food. Though it’s probably not the first thing people think about when heading out for a night at the baseball diamond, the food selection at Parkview Field is extensive and mouth-watering. Forget the peanuts and crackerjacks, though those are available, here are some of my favorite menu items.

Made-to-order burritos, J. Chapman’s salad, hummus and veggies, Philly cheese steak, BBQ brisket sandwich, and Italian Sausage with pepper and onions top the list. If you are a dessert lover, you have to try the apple dumplings, the apple crisp ala mode, or the hand-dipped ice cream. Kids can find something on the menu too from hot dogs and cotton candy to Dippin’ Dots and elephant ears.

Not interested in dinner? Try the fresh squeezed lemonade, a variety of frozen drinks or a Starbucks mocha latte. For the over 21 crowd, Parkview Field offers a large selection of domestic beers, including selections from Mad Anthony Brewing Company. Not a beer fan? Enjoy wine from Satek Winery, a variety of mixed and frozen cocktails, or Mike’s hard lemonade.

Whatever your tastes buds crave, you can probably find it on the menu at one of the many concession stands at Parkview Field. There are still a few weeks left to enjoy baseball downtown. Check out the full schedule online and make plans to take the family before the seasons change.

And, check out Connor’s take on the food offerings below, in one of our Tour Fort Wayne videos.

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