How do we continue to create beautiful and recreational experiences along Fort Wayne / Allen County’s natural assets — our rivers — that inspire, entertain, and bring both residents and visitors back time and time again?
ACTIVE
Goal: Transform Fort Wayne / Allen County’s riverfront into a long-term dynamic and engaging destination that offers a wide range of activities, fosters community connection, and drives economic vitality, while preserving its natural beauty and promoting sustainability.
Points of Progress
December 2025
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreations added a 25ft floating movie screen to programming for World Rivers Day.
July 2025
Fort Wayne Parks continues to lead activations to engage residents and visitors with our riverfront, including purchasing additional dragon boats to expand participation in the Dragon Boat Races, leading World Rivers Day with expanded programming, and starting efforts for a new boat house at Shoaff Park for dragon boats, river camps, and paddle sessions.
Goal: Position Fort Wayne / Allen County’s riverfront as a leading regional destination known for its vibrant attractions, engaging visitor experiences, and seamless integration with the local community.
Points of Progress
December 2025
Preparations and construction continue for Riverfront Development Phase IIB, including the esplanade with its discovery ascent, cascading steps, urban trail, hammock grove and accessible boulder mound, and the north lawn amphitheater with its urban swings and connections to improved streetscapes on Calhoun and Fourth Streets.
2025
Growth along the downtown Fort Wayne riverfront continues with finalizing bids for the Riverfront Phase IIB construction, the announcement of the Treeline District, and finalizing agreements for the Wedge Site development that includes mixed-use residential, ground-floor retail, and public parking
Goal: Establish Fort Wayne / Allen County as a premier destination for inclusive outdoor enthusiasts by providing exceptional hiking, biking, and water trail experiences that promote health, well-being, and environmental stewardship.
Points of Progress
December 2025
We celebrate the completion of the following trail developments -
The Pufferbelly Trail “Golden Spike” section from Ice Way to Washington Center Road
Hanna St Trail - Decatur to Burns
Carroll Rd Trail – Bethel Rd to Millstone
Carroll Rd Trail – SR 3 to w/o Shearwater Run
Lincoln Hwy Trail – Green to Minnich Rd
Anthony Blvd Streetscape/Trail – Pontiac St to Creighton Ave
July 2025
We celebrate the completion of the following trails -
Along Covington Road (Hadley Rd to Getz Rd)
Cedar Creek Parks Trails (Halter Rd from Hursh to Hosler and Hosler Rd from Halter to Main St/SR 1)
2025
Our trails continue to grow with a current total of 140 miles of connected trails, and the announcement of the Pufferbelly Trail Bridge connecting trails over Coliseum Blvd.
