Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports reporting December 13, 2018 thru to February 12, 2019
Steve McDaniel ~ Director The design team members for the next phases of Riverfront Development were in town in January for a public engagement meeting at the Grand Wayne. We had great attendance for this event by the public. The consultant for the Franke Park Master Plan had two concepts that they showed at a public meeting on February 7th. That gave the public an opportunity to see the plans and make comments before the final draft plan will be put together. NIPSCO demobilized their work at the Old Fort and in the river. They will be restoring the site in the spring. We have been approached by the landowners of a parcel adjacent and north of Kreager Park. We received two appraisals which the average came in at a little over $2,400. We are putting together a purchase agreement contingent on Board and City Council approval. We received the second disbursement from Regional Cities for RDA funds for Promenade Park in the beginning of January. We are working with a vendor on lease documents, buildout plans, and costs for the restauranteur for Promenade Park. Legal will be reviewing the lease as we look at the construction plans for the buildout of the space. We received qualifications from several companies as we look at a different ticketing system for the Foellinger Theater. We have started the internal review process to determine which system would be best for our use and the customer. We are starting the process to update our Community Needs Assessment. Staff members are looking at the questions we had from 2011 and are making recommendations for updates. We are reaching out to a couple of vendors who might be able to do the statistical information gathering that is required. The annual IPRA conference is February 19th-21st. We have received an award for one of our programs and will be in attendance to accept the award. We have contracted with a local engineering firm to evaluate the possibility of building a marina. With us having a few boats and others in the future, we thought it would be best if we could keep them in the water on a daily basis. Their first concepts look promising and we will continue to explore what it might look like and potential costs. City Utilities will begin working on the retrieval shaft in Foster Park as early as March. They have said that they will be working at the park on a regular basis moving forward. We continue to work with the Law Department and the City and Arts United with regards to Freimann Square and their plans on renovations and expansion. The Mayor held his State of the City address on February 13th at the Grand Wayne Center. The Department was mentioned with several of our projects. I will be the guest on Councilman Didier’s call in show in March. We will be discussing all that Parks & Recreation has to offering this spring.
Marketing Marketing Team is continuing to work on various Riverfront Marketing tasks including attending various meeting and preparing documents. A total of 6,692 hits to riverfrontfw.org web site in January. These statistics are included in the total web statistics for the month. Completed Web Quarterly Report. Marketing Team assisted with Winterval coverage and promotion. Web Statistics: Users: 25,452 Hits: 74,502 Completed Spring Fun Times (to be released on February 6) and Post Card mailer. Prepared 6 Botanical Conservatory Promotional pieces. Prepared 4 Promenade Marketing pieces. Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports reporting December 13, 2018 thru to February 12, 2019
SUBMITTED: 2 LARE grants with the DNR: 1 for an engineering study for riverbank stabilization on the St. Marys at Foster Park and another LARE application for construction of a drainage project at Franke Park to improve the Shoaff Lake. RECEIVED: ME Raker Foundation: $1000 to support police mentor program for youth centers. This is a first time request to Raker for this program. RECEIVED: $5000 from 3 Rivers Credit Union for the police mentor program. Prepared information for Mayor’s State of the City presentation. Started to work on the Annual Report. Goal: to be completed in February. Creating an Employee Slide Show for the Annual Meeting. Social Media Totals to date: o FB Followers 42,324 o FB Likes (January) 40,794 o FB Reach (January) 144,807 o Twitter Followers 8,213 o Instagram Followers 6,915
Chuck Reddinger ~ Deputy Director, Recreation Services, Headwaters, Riverfront Travel Services The January 19th trip to the Detroit to the Auto Show at the Cobo Center was canceled due to poor weather. The bus company felt like they could get us to Detroit, but could not guarantee we would get back.
Riverfront December Birdwatching cancelled due to weather. January Birdwatching and Young Naturalist Series were cancelled due to weather Assisted with Riverfront Input Meeting in January, as well as had a vendor booth for Promenade Park. There were several hundred people in attendance at the Grand Wayne Convention Center On January 26th we had the third annual Winter Cozy event. We made large strides in improving guest experience with better décor, better lighting, improved signage, additional hot chocolate bar offerings, and an extended food service from Shigs in Pit and a bar with eight beers from eight different local breweries, local wines, and spirits from Three Rivers Distillery. However, due to the severe weather (about 15 degrees and several inches of snow that fell that evening) our attendance was down to 46. We look forward to moving the event to Promenade Park next year where we will have far better event offerings and the opportunity for reduced event production costs. Community presentations: Purdue Fort Wayne Chapman Scholars – 15 full-scholarship students
Community Center Free Tax Assistance from AARP began Jan 28th on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Patti Davis, Community Center Manager was sworn in on January 15th for as the IPRA Northern District Chair. She is replacing Kathy Pargmann, Lead Marketing Manager.
Outdoor Recreation The Prohibition Kitchen: Holiday Drinks class on December 10th 7-9pm had 17 people enrolled. Participants learned to navigate the necessary tools and technique for creating craft cocktails while learning about the history and traditions associated with them. Christmas on the Farm was held on December 1st. It was a very cold, rainy, windy and wet event. In spite of the weather there were 108 cars and 322 people in attendance. Most vendors were happy with sales despite the weather 15 cooking classes were offered in the new teaching kitchen in December and January. Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports reporting December 13, 2018 thru to February 12, 2019
The Winter Walk at the Farm on January 20th had 20 total participants for the morning and afternoon hike.
Golf Interviews have completed for the Manager of Golf Operations and an offer will be going out the week of February 11. Seven candidates were interviewed and narrowed down to two final candidates. Completed the purchase of equipment from the previous Manager of Golf Operations, Rick Hemsoth. An internal team has been formed to help in the new operational model transition and assist the new Manager of Golf Operations after they start.
Athletics and Aquatics Continue to assist with the golf manager hiring and transition process. Seven interviews and two on-site visits are complete. Working on a landscaping plan for the three swimming pools. Started Recreational Basketball Winter Session. We have 14 signed up for Monday night and 12 for Wednesday night. We are starting to see a trend in that not as many are signing up for the full session, but choosing drop-in. We are actually generating more revenue this way. Started Recreational Volleyball. We have 18 signed up, which is capacity. This continues to be very popular.
Mitch Sheppard ~Deputy Director, Community Outreach/Youth Centers,
Playgrounds, Food Service / Foellinger Theatre Community Outreach/Youth Centers, Playgrounds, Food Service: Metrics – December 2018 Days of Service = 19 Sign In -- Total of 3,002 o Daily Average Overall 157 o Per Center . Weisser 74 . Cooper 19 . Jennings 21 . McMillen 43 Home Work – 650 o Daily Average Overall 34 o Per Center . Weisser 14 . Cooper 10 . Jennings 7 . McMillen 3 Snack – Total 1,508 o Daily Average Overall 79 o Per Center . Weisser 34 . Cooper 14 . Jennings 14 . McMillen 17 Kids Cafe – Total 1,669 o Daily Average Overall 88 o Per Center . Weisser 27 . Cooper 13 . Jennings 15 . McMillen 33 Adult Programs: Open Gym-1,550 . Cardio Fit-110 . Pickleball- 703 . Zumba-39 . Pro AM Basketball Leagued – (80-Registered Players) Metrics – January 2019, Days of Service = 20 . Sign In -- Total of 2,854 o Daily Average Overall 43 Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports reporting December 13, 2018 thru to February 12, 2019
o Per Center . Cooper- 22 . Weisser- 54 . Jennings- 21 . McMillen 46 Home Work – Total 683 o Daily Average Overall 34 o Per Center . Cooper 4 . Weisser 17 . Jennings 8 . McMillen 5 Snack – Total 1,667 o Daily Average Overall 84 o Per Center . Cooper 14 . Weisser 36 . Jennings 16 . McMillen 18 Kids Cafe – Total 2,084 o Daily Average Overall 104 o Per Center . Cooper 17 . Weisser 34 . Jennings 17 . McMillen 36 Adult Programs: Open Gym-2,175 . Pro AM Basketball Leagued – (80-Registered Players) . Cardio Fit-148 . Zumba-39 . Pickleball- 703 Highlights – December: Dec. 2nd- Annual Wassail program at Jennings Recreation Center- The program was spectacular! There were over 100 in attendance.
Dec. 13th- 2nd Annual Cooper Community Center Tree Lighting The event was GREAT! There were some sprinkles of rain right before but it did not stop the community from showing up! The tree was beautiful and our guest performer- Cameron Brook aka “Cam B” did a super job singing some of the holiday favorites and having the youth involved. Kudos to Director Steve McDaniel for keeping the hot cocoa coming!
Dec. 18th - 3rd Annual Community Youth Centers Etiquette Dinner and Graduation @ the Botanical Conservatory An awesome time was had by over 65 youth in attendance who celebrated their achievement in the etiquette program. This program is not just about using the correct silverware or sitting correctly at the table, but it also taught the etiquette of life skills, being a responsible young person who grows up to be a productive adult in the community.
Dec. 19th- Pizza Party for Cooper and Jennings 2nd grading period (part of the school success/ partner officer program) a total of 43 students turned in report cards and were able to take part in this pizza party. **The School Success Celebration program is still the “cool” program from what the kids say. They are all striving for success and love to share with the group and police mentors. Having their picture taken with the officer is an added bonus.
Dec. 20th Toys for Tots/ Holiday Party Each site held their own event at their building this year (something new). They played games, had prizes and gave each youth a toy/game through the Toys for Tots program.
Dec. 27th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration at Weisser Park Youth Center. This event was spectacular with definitions and explanations of KWANZAA given by the youth. Each year the doors of the center are open to the community so they can enjoy a great event presenting the African Culture including a superb meal. Musical performance was provided by April Cotton and her band aka Majestic. Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports reporting December 13, 2018 thru to February 12, 2019
Highlights – January: January started off with students still on Christmas break so we enjoyed open recreation time, engaging and interacting with them in activities that they wanted to do, along with easing them back into programs such as homework hour with the education computer games from Clever Craze. Staff is continuing to work on/finalizing curriculum for spring session programs. The weather in January caused for many days off for the students and one closed day for the City.
Partner Officer Program- Resumed on Jan. 14th. We have 1 officer in each building 2 days/week and 1 officer that will float from Center to Center, so the youth are seeing an officer in all of our Centers, 2-3 days per week minimum. Oftentimes, FWPD Officers will stop by when they are off-duty. The relationships formulated between FWPD Officers and our Youth, are genuine and engaging.
The Youth and Community at Copper Community Ctr. Jennings Recreation 66th Annual Wassail 2nd Celebration Annual Tree Lighting Event
Cooper Community Center-Toys for Tots/Holiday Party. Each of their youth received a back pack from Clever Craze- an education program the youth participate in after school during homework hour.
Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports reporting December 13, 2018 thru to February 12, 2019
Weisser Partner Officer and student of the week (Sergeant Brooks and Bryant Morris)
CYC field trip on Jan 4th to Pretzel Inc. in Bluffton Ind. Botanical Conservatory - Metrics: Conservatory Attendance: o December 2017: 10,584 visitors o December 2018: 11,885 visitors An increase of 1,301 visitors = an attendance increase of + 12.3 % Attendance Year To Date: o 2017 Attendance: 84,037 o 2018 Attendance: 101,552 An increase of 17,515 visitors = an attendance increase of + 20.8 % Conservatory Membership Revenue: o December 2017: $6,213 revenue o December 2018: $5,576 revenue A decrease of $637 revenue = a decrease of - 11.4 % Membership Revenue Year To Date: o 2017 Membership Revenue: $36,864 o 2018 Membership Revenue: $45,054 An increase of $8,190 revenue = an increase of + 22.2 % Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports reporting December 13, 2018 thru to February 12, 2019
Conservatory Admissions Revenue (General, Group Tours, Schools): o December Admissions 2017: $26,844 o December Admissions 2018: $30,280 An increase of $3,436 revenue = an increase of + 12.8 % Admissions Revenue Year To Date: o 2017 Admissions Revenue: $183,436 o 2018 Admissions Revenue: $228,893 An increase of $45,457 revenue = an increase of + 24.8 % Gift Shop Revenue: o December Gift Shop Revenue 2017: $11,400 o December Gift Shop Revenue 2018: $11,831 An increase of $431 = an increase of 4%
Gift Shop Revenue Year to Date: o January – December 2017: $94,064 o January – December 2018: $107,267 An increase of $13,203 revenue = an increase of 14.0 %
January Conservatory Attendance : o January 2018: 5,076 visitors o January 2019: 4,245 visitors A decrease of 831visitors = an attendance decrease of -19.5 % Conservatory Membership Revenue: o January 2018: $2,675 revenue o January 2019: $4,446 revenue An increase of $1,771 revenue = an increase of + 66.0 % Conservatory Admissions Revenue: o January Admissions 2018: $12,757 o January Admissions 2019: $9,909 A decrease of $2,848 revenue = a decrease of – 28.7 % Gift Shop Gross Revenue: o January 2018: $4,162 o January 2019: $3,789 A decrease of $373 revenue = a decrease of - 9.8 %
Business Development: We received a donation of $4,260.50 from the Marvin and Marva Komisarow Foundation for unrestricted use towards Conservatory educational and horticultural programs. A thank you letter was sent on 12/18/2018. Marva was a former Conservateer; her husband Marvin has passed. We also received a donation of $400 from Conservatory member Brian Reus for use in the upcoming renovation of the Woody/Worm tunnel projects. A thank you letter was sent on 12/18/2018. And we received a memorial of $200 for Conservatory volunteer Tea Malloizel from her West Central neighbors and friends. A thank you letter was sent on 12/18/2018.
Rentals: Nate met his sales goal of exceeding last year’s rental revenue: o New rental revenue December 2018 - $6,275.00 w/ anticipated Catering Fees o New rental revenue since April 2018 (Start Date): $75,918 (+1.2% All of LY) Out of four tours given, three full-facility rentals were booked (75% fulfillment). In addition, one corporate photoshoot was booked for December 21, 2018. Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports reporting December 13, 2018 thru to February 12, 2019
Exhibits: Installed the “Hundred Acre Wood” winter garden, “Winnie the Pooh” themed experience. The resulting show, while very different from last year’s indoor playground, has inspired lots of preschool play and interest in the original Winnie-the-Pooh stories.
Events and Programs: Seven youth field trips took place in December, introducing 180 children to the gardens. Attendance is on par with last year’s 9 groups and 187 students. Our average overall customer satisfaction rating was 10 out of 10, and comments included: “Beautiful, as always!” and “It was just right; thank you!” Our re-introduction of the Holiday Centerpiece Workshop was a success. Both longtime attendees and new students signed up, so that each of the two sessions was three- quarters full with 27 enrolled. The Paint a Poinsettia workshop was slimly attended, with only the minimum registered, but each participant felt well served by the instructor Vicki Hoffman and had high confidence in their outcome, a painted Christmas ornament. Breakfast with Santa in early December was warm and rainy but all 64 pre-registered participants showed up for time with Santa and a tasty meal of scrambled eggs, sausages, pancakes and fresh fruit. As usual, we were sold out of seats a few weeks ahead of the deadline. Visits with Santa and the Reindeer are customarily held on the first three Saturday afternoons in December. Total attendance for all three days (a cumulative 12 hours) was 3,496 visitors. This represented a 9% increase over 2017 (3,201 visitors) and a 25% increase compared to 2016 (2,548 visitors). The December $1 Night concert “Carolers at the Conservatory” was well attended. Almost 150 people turned out to hear the performance of a Victorian-costumed a cappella quartet from the Purdue University Fort Wayne School of Music. The young Suzuki Strings performers played to an appreciative audience –we estimate that 295 people attended, including the 40+ performers. Conservatory staff held a Volunteer Holiday Open House in early December to show appreciation for our many dedicated volunteers. The evening included light refreshments, a Victorian trivia game, relaxed time with staff and fellow volunteers, and a chance to see the gardens lit up for the holidays. Our Member Holiday Night was quite well attended this year, with 327 people taking advantage of the special invitation. This was two-and-a-half times last year’s attendance. Postcards were sent out in good time and, to the usual food, drink, and garden stroll, we added live carolers, a Victorian craft opportunity, and a photo op in the Atrium with pictures posted on our Facebook site. The downtown event Winterval 2019 brought 580 guests (384 adults, 196 children) into the Conservatory on a chilly, cloudy day. A nice turnout, this was 12% over 2018. The ice carving demonstration of a bear with a honey pot, bird feeder craft, and winter plant survival strategies were popular. Visitors also got to enjoy our (warm!) Hundred Acre Wood exhibit. Winter Tai Chi was a go, but we only ran 2 sessions: the morning and the early evening. We invited the continuing students to join the earlier class and all were able to do so. Participants and instructor were so happy to be done by 6pm during these winter months we will continue this scheme again next winter. Our January DNI: Snowman Studies attracted 42 (16 adults & 26 children) to come in from the cold and enjoy a winter craft. Just under 50 people attended our winter Plant & Go, learning about the English Oak (Quercus robur) and receiving an acorn from our property to plant at home. Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports reporting December 13, 2018 thru to February 12, 2019
Horticulture: Horticultural volunteers Mark Critchfield and Bob Yager have picked back up their mapping project in the Desert. Evan Firestone will be double-checking their map of the Tropical Garden, noting any need for plant labels, and moving us toward updating plant accessions and signage. The horticulture Staff is studying for the Pesticide Applicator Core Training/Exam held at Purdue next month.
Maintenance and Safety: Freezing and below-freezing temperatures have been a challenge to our heating and ventilation systems. We experienced too-cold temperatures in the Desert Garden for a day or two and in the Administrative Office/meeting room complex for over a week before source problems were identified and remedied. Central Indiana Hardware returned in early December to make corrections and finalize installation of the new ADA door openers in the hallway restrooms. A main branch broke off of Woody the Talking Tree in our Discovery Corner. The branch will have to be repaired and replaced when the exhibit is rebuilt.
Staffing: The Supervisor V – Public Programs and Volunteer Development was posted and applications are arriving from HR. In addition to the City website, the posting was sent to IPRA, Purdue, and NAI. We hope to hold interviews of qualified candidates in February. Eight applications have been received for the Host/Hostess position that was posted on the City’s website in early January. Several qualified applicants will be scheduled for interviews in early February. Tom has changed his seasonal maintenance helper from 40 to 20 hours per week in order to stretch his support through the winter. Tony Hickey has proven to be a good worker both at the Conservatory and at the Youth Centers, where he spends about 7 hours of his work week. Nate has accepted the post of Chairperson for the Parks Alcohol Commission. He is working with Kellie Adkins and Mitch Sheppard on the project. Liz was asked to represent us on the Employee Task Force and is pleased with the opportunity to be involved with others in the Department. They are working on a TRF Parade float, revising Employee of the Year criteria, and making plans for their part of the upcoming All-Staff Parks Annual Meeting.
Foellinger Theatre: Analyzed ticketing system submittals from our RFP issued last month. Currently Ticketmaster appears to be the favored service. Continued to research national and tribute acts for in-house promotion as directed by the Theatre advisory committee. Turned the basement of the theatre into a temporary low budget scene shop. Built the bulk of the Hundred Acre Wood exhibit for the Botanical Conservatory at the Theatre, and one very large piece at the McMillen Community Center. The set team moved most set pieces for Hundred Acre Wood to Momper Insulation for blowing on of the final surface prior to painting. Continued to support the Terrace and Exploration Garden synchronized outdoor lighting exhibits through the month of December. Finished, painted, carpeted and prepared for shipment all pieces going to the Botanical Conservatory the week of January 7th. Have negotiated the deals for two additional tribute acts. One new act is ready to sign and one more returning act is on board as well. Work on planning the family event featuring Clan Tynker is largely complete.
Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports reporting December 13, 2018 thru to February 12, 2019
Sandra Odisho, CPA ~ Finance Manager
2018 Financial Records have been closed and all year end accounting procedures have been completed. We received the second reimbursement (of four) of $1,292,620.00 in January 2019 from the Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority (Regional Cities) for Riverfront development expenses. We are in the process of beginning the seasonal hiring. This year we have requested 471 seasonal employees. All jobs that need to be posted are currently posted and applications are being received and sent directly to the hiring managers (in most cases). Some jobs do not need to be posted because employees from years past are returning again this summer. All hiring meetings and training sessions are currently being scheduled and the dates will be finalized by March. We have currently hired 25 seasonal employees so far for this year. Spring 2019 Fun Times was released on February 6th. The Front Office Staff has been busy with the new Fun Times Reservations especially the Franke Park, Conservatory and Salomon Day Camps. Initial Day Camp Sales in 2019 are up 35% from 2018. Employees of the Finance Office are members on the following committees: Promenade Park Operations, Golf Committee Operations, Golf Finances, Foellinger Ticketing, and Munis Project Numbers. We are working on issues regarding fees, reservations, ticketing, financial planning and financial accounting. Wells Fargo Banking was transitioned on November 27, 2018 from the traditional branch deposits by the various park remote locations to the central collection of deposits that are taken by Garda Armored Courier Service from the Parks main office to the Wells Fargo Vault Branch in Downtown Fort Wayne. We currently are still working with the Controller’s office to resolve various issues with this new process. Most of the issues are with the timing of the Garda pickups and with Wells Fargo Cash Vault processing and reporting. We currently have four locations depositing and at peak summer season we will have eleven locations depositing.
Steve Schuhmacher ~ Deputy Director of Facilities, Grounds, Projects & Safety Operations Facilities Maintenance We had 134 Pavilion rentals this month. This number is up from 123 from November. Annual cleanings are taking place in the 8 year round rental pavilions. The annual clean at the Community Center downtown was started the week of the 17th. Other center annual cleans have been tentatively scheduled for the 2nd week of January. Wall repair and painting was complete on the 2nd floor of the main office for the new tenants. Painting has been scheduled in several offices at the main office and will begin after the first of the year. The Ice rink at Lakeside has yet to freeze over enough to allow safe use for skaters. Heavy duty mounting brackets were made for the new safes that will be installed at the locations that handle cash. The brackets and safes will be installed once final placement has been determined. Butcher block covers were built for the cooktops at Salomon Farm Learning Center’s kitchen. The ceiling and wall in the foster grandparent’s office at the community center downtown were repaired as a result of a water leak. Repairs were made to holiday light displays at the community center to replace rope light sections that were not lit correctly. Grounds Maintenance: The mowing crews were able to use the warm temperatures to continue to do leaf removal through the first week of December. Crews then spent time removing limbs and other debris from the parks to get them looking good before winter. The sidewalk crews checked and salted the sidewalk routes on several occasions due to slick conditions in the mornings. Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports reporting December 13, 2018 thru to February 12, 2019
The wood splitting crew began their winter work a bit early this winter. This is due to the low wood levels in the storage barn at Johnny Appleseed. This will continue until the barn has an acceptable amount to last through next camping season. Heavy Equipment removed a large amount of logs that had been collected by the riparian division and then deposited at East Central Park. These logs were hauled to the Lake Ave. compost site. They also moved the Johnny Appleseed host shed and added stone to prepare the site for the new, larger shed. Assistance was given to the horticulture division by loading trucks with mulch for a project at Indian Village Blvd. The crew also hauled in enough road salt to refill the salt bin at Franke. The crews spent some time marking out the snow plow routes with stakes. The trash truck is currently running 2 days a week and is no longer needed for weekends now that park use and rentals are reduced for the winter. The River Greenway experienced flooding once this month due to heavy rains. Project Administration Ivan Lebamoff Reservoir Park Letterbed Improvement Project: Project substantially complete. Conklin Pavilion Sidewalk Improvements: Project complete. Promenade Park: Under construction. Conservatory Water Infiltration Improvements: Work in progress. Conservatory Linkway Roof Replacement: Work in progress. Foster Park Golf Cart Path Improvement: Project postponed until spring due to wet conditions. Freimann Square Pool Liner: Completion postponed until spring due to cold and wet weather. Johnny Appleseed Park Restroom: Drawings and specifications complete. Bidding project in January. Conservatory Glass Windows Replacement: 2018 and 2019 projects to be completed simultaneously. Guldlin Park Boat Launch – Project bid, awaiting DNR approval through Landscape Dept. McMillen Park Pool Sand Filter – Drawings and specifications completed. Project bidding in January. McMillen & Memorial Park Shade Structures – Bid package under development, bids in January. Memorial Park Pool Boiler Replacement – Drawings and specifications completed. Project bidding in January. River Greenway – Awaiting bench delivery and installation. Conservatory Connector – Met with DPS to review project. Architect to complete drawings late January for bidding. Conservatory Vine Sculpture – Design/Build planned through artist submittals. PAS to track project and coordinate. Franke Park Master Plan – Tracking progress through Landscape Dept. Community Center Multi-Purpose Room Flooring – Drawings and specifications completed. Bidding in January. Weisser Park Roof Replacement – Project currently out to bid. Bids due January 24th. Memorial Park Playground Surface Replacement – PO issued. Project commences as weather allows. Foellinger Loading Dock Improvements – Awaiting preferred project scope. Johnny Appleseed Campground Office – New office installed. Plans in progress for upgrades. Completion by April 5. Foster Park Golf Course Paths Phase II – Project currently out to bid. Bids due late January. 2019 Various Park Paving Projects – Drawings and specifications production in progress. Salomon Farm Drainage Swale – Drawings and specifications complete. Bidding in January. Memorial Park Olen J. Pond Monument – PAS tracking restoration project. Project run by Landscape Dept. o Other work: Intern – In hiring process for part-time position o Various Parks: accessed potential and necessary future projects o Various Parks: underground utility locates were performed. Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports reporting December 13, 2018 thru to February 12, 2019
o Various Parks: cost estimates for various projects are being prepared upon request. o Various Parks: playground inspections being completed. o Various Parks: completed project photo documentation for marketing. Safety and Operations Support: There were 274 storeroom stock transactions totaling $4705 for the month. Current stock is 2063 lines. The Lawton fuel point tank repair has been completed. The stockroom annual inventory was completed and sent to the Controller’s Office. Status on vehicle and equipment purchases: Ford F450 Chassis (2 each) Delivered Ford F350 Chassis (3 each) 1 Delivered, 2 due in Dump bodies 3 Delivered, 2 due in Ford F550 Chassis To Body Installer Electrician Bucket and Service Body To Body Installer Box Truck Delivered Property Transactions: 18 Ford F450 Dump Truck (2) P240, Grounds 18 Ford F350 Dump Truck P230 Landscape 18 Isuzu Box Van P210, Loaner Vehicle No December safety meeting, because of the holidays. o There were no treatable personal injuries this period, for a total of 26 for the year. o OSHA recordable incidents total 17 for the year. o No additional restricted days this month, and the annual total so far stands at 104. o No lost days for the year! o Worker compensation costs to date are $14,084. o There is an Electrical Safety Class scheduled for January 2.
Alec Johnson ~ Deputy Director, Planning & Development In response to the Memorial Park Task Force Report, new paths were designed throughout the east and south portions of the park. These new paths have been included in the 2019 asphalt paving package; bids will be received in February. Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) grant applications were completed in coordination with Sarah Nichter for two projects- Bank Stabilization and Viewshed Enhancement at Foster Park West, and Drainage Improvements at Franke Park. Conceptual designs were completed and shared with the Riverfront Phase II/III design team for public spaces included in Phase II design. Representatives from Urban Rivers (Chicago) came to Fort Wayne to review potential locations for ‘floating gardens.’ The successes and challenges with their pilot projects in Chicago were discussed, as were opportunities for partnering on additional projects in Fort Wayne. Staff worked with Earth Source, Inc. in completing maintenance specifications for riparian projects. Maintenance of these projects will be key to their short- and long-term success. We received preliminary designs for a marina at East Central Park; following review, we plan to move forward in finalizing design. This marina would serve Parks Dept. boats, with the potential to accommodate additional space. Final permits were received for the new ramp and floating dock at Guldlin Park. An RFQ was sent out at the end of the month, with bids due mid-February. Tree removal and excavation will be completed in-house in February, with construction slated to begin in March. The dock should be installed before May 1. Franke Park Master Plan revisions were received and reviewed internally. Concepts are scheduled to be presented to the public on February 7. A meeting was held between Parks staff, Redevelopment and DID regarding the downtown pots/ floral display program. Items discussed included future funding and growth; the group plans to meet quarterly. Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports reporting December 13, 2018 thru to February 12, 2019
Conceptual plans were completed for the McMillen Pool landscape and then reviewed with recreation staff. PAS will move these plans from concept to construction drawings, with construction anticipated as the budget will allow. Horticulture and Landscape Report- January 2019 Gardeners from both Lakeside and Foster Park have begun reporting to Lawton each morning. Gardeners continued pruning ornamental trees in select parks such as Foster, Lakeside, Shoaff, and Reservoir. Gardeners began pruning Lilacs along the Greenway in Foster Park that had begun hanging over Old Mill Rd., as well as the trail. This will be an ongoing project throughout February. Gardeners continued to pick up limbs throughout the parks that have come down from ice and wind. Freimann Square, the Community Center and Lawton Park were cleaned up in advance of Winterval. Lakeside Gardeners helped set up the ice rink, as well as help maintain it as needed under the direction of the Maintenance Technicians. The winter showcase was installed following the removal of the Holiday show. The ‘Hundred Acre Wood’ exhibit was installed smoothly, and has been a popular show with the kids. Small engine repair has begun. One gardener is being rotated over to the small engine garage each week to help and is under the supervision of the small engines mechanic. Gardeners are working on their own equipment, which helps them learn more about it enabling them to better diagnose or fix small problems that come up during the season. This also takes some of the pressure off the small engines garage by alleviating some equipment that they would normally be tasked with working on this time of year and allows them to focus on higher priority tasks. We have begun rotating 1 gardener over to the forestry crew to help with their staffing needs throughout the winter. Tri-scape has been retained for the 2019 Downtown Planter services. A Service Agreement has been requested in order to move forward with a PO. An additional 32 planters are coming online this year to raise the total to 203 across downtown. Specifications for the Park Maintenance contract are being prepared to go out for bid in February. Drawings and specifications are being developed to bid out a new irrigation system going into Lakeside Park. Greenhouse staff and volunteers sowed 16,820 seeds for the Mother’s Day Plant Sale, Parks, SCFVA and Conservatory Butterfly Showcase. Two SCFVA Chairperson Meetings were held at the Botanical Conservatory to kick off the 2019 program. Approximately 50 people attended those meetings. Riparian Management Report- January 2019 Presentations: booth presence and materials at Riverfront Phase II and II public input session Riverfront Programming: continued work on the purchase of 3 floating dock sections; participation in planning second Conservation Conversations with PFW/ERC/DNR etc.; prep for Riverfront Education series Volunteer Work Sessions: coordinating meetings with Brookview residents to remove invasive from Spy Run Creek; marketing campaign materials developed and printed; first work day early January Riparian work: site visit with Chicago team regarding floating islands; cleared/washed two times Guldlin boat ramp; continued discussion/information with ERI regarding marina at East Central Play Lot; continued discussion with dam operator at St. Joe dam and Maumee Dam to coordination of raising and lowering of tainted gates; materials prep and meeting to discuss 2018 and 2019 year’s activities; marked deadmen locations at Headwaters Park west; completed bridge signs printing; completed testing for Aquatic 5 license; worked on access routes and parking for Headwaters and Guldlin docks for summer 2019; finalized RFQ for Guldlin dock; attended St. Mary’s River presentation; completed stone placement at Guldlin boat ramp to protect end of ramp washout; gathering supplies for 2019 river work including Dam Warning Buoys and signs installations. Work Barge and Service Boat work: tour by kayak to access beaver herbivory activity on banks of downtown rivers Forestry Report- January 2019 Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports reporting December 13, 2018 thru to February 12, 2019
Three ISA Certified staff members attended the Indiana Arborist Association (IAA) 71st Annual Conference in Indianapolis. This conference provided us with the opportunity to learn from and network with some of our industry leaders. The IAA Conference is instrumental in providing our Certified Arborist with the Continuing Education Units required for maintaining this certification. Two employees attended a day of training at Vermeer of Indiana. This training offered safety practices as well as equipment demonstrations for climbing arborist as well as arborist working from aerial platforms. Pruned 983 street trees this month, bringing our 2019 total to 983. 7200 trees pruned annually represents a 7 year pruning cycle. This year we have set a goal to complete our annual tree pruning by August 1st. Removed 14 trees from the right-of-way. All trees identified for removal in 2018 have been removed. Contracted tree removals have begun at Shoaff Park Golf Course. Completed 25 property damage appraisals resulting from trees struck by vehicles for risk management. Damages for the month totaled $7,620.15 Resolved 12 special request down/hanging limbs. Responded to 2 after hour’s calls regarding trees blocking driveways and roadways. Responded to 1 Tort claim. Responded to and closed 17, 311 call center tickets this month.
Dawn Ritchie ~ Greenway Manager I met with Kellie Adkins on 1/2/19 to investigate a future trail along the west side of Lindenwood Avenue and how it might impact the nature preserve. There is plenty of room between the edge of roadway and the nature preserve fence for the trail, but we are concerned that part of the trail will be on nature preserve property. Kellie and I had a conference call with the DNR. They are supportive of the trail on nature preserve property adjacent to the road right of way.
We had the pre-construction meeting with E&B Paving for the Ardmore Avenue Improvements: Airport Expressway to the Airport. This project includes a trail on the east side of Ardmore. The trail extends the Ardmore Avenue Trail, which currently exists from Lower Huntington Rd to Airport Expressway. This segment to the airport will be completed in July of 2019. Eventually, we’ll have a trail along Ardmore from the Airport to West Jefferson.
The County paved the Bass Rd Trail from Clifty Parkway to Hadley in 2018, making a connection with Buckner Park. The trail will be completed from Clifty Parkway to Hillegas in 2021 and from Hadley to Scott Rd in 2023. Then, the City will extend the trail down Bass/Spring to the University of Saint Francis and also along Lindenwood Avenue to the Nature Preserve and to the Yarnelle Trail, connecting the Bass Rd Trail with the Towpath Trail and the Rivergreenway.
The survey work is complete and the trail alignment is set for the Beckett’s Run Trail: Martin Luther Drive to Clinton Street along the west bank of the St Joe River and along Beckett’s Run Stream. The design will continue, including connections to several neighborhoods. The trail will be bid later this year with construction in 2019/20. This trail will connect numerous neighborhoods with Shoaff Park and the Rivergreenway. Once the other phases of Beckett’s Run are completed, the trail will connect the Rivergreenway with the Pufferbelly Trail, giving us a 17-mile loop in north central Fort Wayne.
We will be pursuing a Next Level Trails Connections grant with the State for $2 million to extend the existing Ardmore Avenue Trail along West Jefferson and Illinois Road to Jefferson Pointe and Reckeweg Road. The grant is due February 15th. If we are awarded the funding, construction could begin later this year on this important connection to shopping, restaurants and commercial areas.
The Washington Center Road intersection project was bid by INDOT in early January. This project will improve the intersection with Clinton Street. It will also include sidewalks along Washington Center Rd to the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports reporting December 13, 2018 thru to February 12, 2019
river, connecting several neighborhoods and a retirement facility with the Rivergreenway and Shoaff Park. The City also plans sidewalk construction along Clinton in 2019, connecting other neighborhoods with the Rivergreenway and Shoaff via this new sidewalk on Washington Center.
The State Boulevard Project, Phase 2 from Cass to Clinton will be bid on February 6th. This project includes a connection to the Rivergreenway and it includes several segments of the Pufferbelly Trail, as well as a pedestrian bridge over State.
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Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Announces House Catering Open Bid Fort Wayne, Ind. –The Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department has begun the open bidding process for the provision of catering services at three major private rental facilities: Salomon Farm Park, the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, and Promenade Park, which opens this summer and is the first phase of the Riverfront Fort Wayne development project.
This bidding opportunity allows for interested parties to bid for service contracts to be a designated “House Caterer” for all rental events taking place within one, two, or all three locations. All renters of the respective facilities must commission the service of a “House Caterer,” giving the selected business the opportunity to reach hundreds of rental clients each year. This is a lucrative opportunity for businesses within our community to expand their service ability.
All interested parties are invited to attend the Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting scheduled for February 21 at 11 a.m. at the Botanical Conservatory’s Saguaro Room. Bid packets will then be due on February 28 at 11 a.m. Late bids will not be accepted.
The RFP can be found online at bit.ly/RFP-FW. For more information, contact Nate Cardelli at 260-427-6444.
JG, Feb. 12, Parkview Field given go ahead for upgrades http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/20190212/parkview-field-given-go-ahead-for-upgrades JG, Feb. 12, Mixed-use development sees no opposition http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/20190212/mixed-use-development-sees-no-opposition JG, Feb. 12, Employers get opioid info http://www.journalgazette.net/business/20190212/employers-get-opioid-info JG, Feb. 12, Vincent Village open house http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/20190212/briefs JG, Feb. 12, AARP offers free tax help at Community Center http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20190212/ARTICLE/302129958 JG, Feb. 12, Federal funds to aid road project http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/20190212/federal-funds-to-aid-road-project JG, Feb. 12, Straw plant running; 50 jobs open http://www.journalgazette.net/business/20190212/straw-plant-running-50-jobs-open
WPTA, Feb. 11, Fort Wayne Democrats look to snatch council at-large seats currently held by GOP https://wpta21.com/news/top-stories/2019/02/11/fort-wayne-democrats-look-to-snatch-council-at-large-seats-currently-held-by-gop/ NS, Feb. 11, Will second time be the charm for effort to create ‘Anthony Wayne Day’ http://www.news-sentinel.com/news/local-news/2019/02/11/will-second-time-be-the-charm-for-effort-to-create-anthony-wayne-day/
What’s Happening at the Conservatory February 2019 Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events are happening at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory in February:
“Hundred Acre Wood” Winter Exhibit Through April 21 This winter, come in from the cold to discover the enchanting world of Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends. You’ll find Eeyore, Rabbit, Piglet and Pooh Bear have made their homes quite comfortably in the Botanical Conservatory’s Showcase Garden. You can relive or be introduced to the imaginative stories of A.A. Milne from his books Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner as you play in our version of Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports reporting December 13, 2018 thru to February 12, 2019 the Hundred Acre Wood. But watch out for Heffalumps! Hands-on learning stations in the Discovery Gallery help you explore how this literature connects to everyday life. Sponsored by Fun 101.7 and Majic 95.1 FM.
Pooh Day Saturday, February 9, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Go on an “exposition” in the enchanted land of the Hundred Acre Wood at the Botanical Conservatory during our winter “Pooh Day” event! Visitors can take part in activities, win at games, and make crafts, all inspired by A. A. Milne’s residents of the Hundred Acre Wood. Kids can take a Tigger, Winnie-the-Pooh, or Eeyore to take home! Find the Heffalump, jump like Kanga and Roo in the obstacle course, or test their knowledge of the Wood’s inhabitants in our scavenger hunt! Even take home a character balloon crafted by a local balloon artist. Regular Conservatory admission applies. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Sweetheart Orchid Display February 5-24 Public hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5-pm, Sun 12-4, Thurs ‘til 8 pm Make a date for the Botanical Conservatory and bring a sweetie down in February to enjoy our Hundred Acre Wood exhibit, lovely indoor gardens, and a special display of orchids. Take a moment with camera or cell phone to capture a photo under the orchid arbor planted with a cascade of striking Cattleyas, fragrant Dendrobiums, dainty Oncidiums, and mothlike Phalaenopsis against a backdrop of a lush Tropical Garden. Then, browse the Conservatory gift shop for an orchid or other sweet gift.
New Volunteer Orientation Wednesday, February 20, 4:00-6:00 p.m. The Botanical Conservatory is inviting new volunteers to join the support team. We look for help at the Front Desk, in the Gift Shop, with special events and to assist with our upcoming live butterfly exhibit. Meet new people, build communication skills, and support a community treasure. This orientation to the Conservatory and its volunteer program will help participants discover how they can fit in and contribute. Volunteer benefits include free garden admission, discounts on classes and purchases, and annual recognition. For more information, contact Liz at (260) 427-6446 or [email protected].
The Great Train Connection Saturday, February 23, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Sunday, February 24, 12:00-4:00 p.m. At the turn of the 20th century, Fort Wayne was a major railroad town, connected to every major city by rail. Climb aboard this weekend to get a good look at local railroad history and enjoy the thrill of model trains. Throughout this two-day event, model railroad clubs will run their G-scale, HO gauge, and N gauge trains in tabletop displays, while history buffs share their stories and explain the artifacts they have carefully accumulated and preserved. Visitors can also hear about the historical reclamation of one of the last surviving steam engines in the world, the 765. Get connected to Fort Wayne through its history! Regular garden admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. Ages 2 and under are free. For more information, call (260) 427-6440 or visit www.botanicalconservatory.org.
Garden Close-Up: Tiny Pines! Saturday, February 23, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Tired of the “winter blahs”? Then come explore the Hundred Acre Wood at the Botanical Conservatory! During the Great Train Connection on February 23, consider Pooh Bear’s Six Pine Trees, where he and Piglet chased a Woozle. Visitors can test their knowledge of pines, spruces, and firs and learn to make a model “pine” tree. On the fourth Saturday of the month, visitors always get a closer look at our gardens with an exploratory walk, hands-on activity or demonstration. We highlight a different garden each month offering new discoveries through fun, educational activities, all included in regular Conservatory admission, so drop in! For full details on all events and programs happening at the Botanical Conservatory, go to www.botanicalconservatory.org
JG, Feb. 7, Sears building to be demolished – Strip of mini-anchor stores, eatery planned http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/20190207/sears-building-to-be-demolished JG, Feb. 7, Spherion joins Electric Works http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/20190207/spherion-joins-electric-works JG, Feb. 7, Apartments might come to Apollo site http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/20190207/apartments-might-come-to-apollo-site Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports reporting December 13, 2018 thru to February 12, 2019
WPTA, Feb. 6, Developer plans to tear down Sears to build new retail building and restaurant https://wpta21.com/news/top-stories/2019/02/06/developer-plans-to-tear-down-sears-to-build-new-retail-building-portillos-restaurant/ NS, Feb. 6, Glenbrook Sears store to be torn down, redeveloped; new apartments and Shigs In Pit also planned http://www.news-sentinel.com/news/local-news/2019/02/06/glenbrook-sears-store-to-be-torn-down-redeveloped-new-apartments-and-shigs-in-pit-also- planned/ NS, Feb. 6, Late-night basketball league through Fort Wayne UNITED resumes Feb. 16 http://www.news-sentinel.com/news/local-news/2019/02/06/late-night-basketball-league-resumes-feb-16/ WANE, Feb. 6, Cameras and gunshot detectors: Fort Wayne looking at new technology https://www.wane.com/news/local-news/cameras-and-gunshot-detectors-fort-wayne-looking-at-new-technology-for-law-enforcement/1760429716 Input Fort Wayne, Feb. 6, Imperial Business Management in southeast Fort Wayne is helping small businesses grow http://www.inputfortwayne.com/news/Imperial-Business-Managament.aspx WFFT, Feb. 6, Sister Cities prepares for gala https://www.wfft.com/content/news/Fort-Wayne-Sister-Cities-International-prepares-for-gala-505479711.html
What’s Happening on the Riverfront: February 2019
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Here is a list of events and activities happening on the Riverfront: Birdwatching on Our Urban Rivers February 10, 2 p.m. Lawton Park Trailhead, Clinton & 4th Streets Winter is a great time of year for beginning birders to start in this fascinating and rewarding hobby! Our urban rivers feature a huge variety of bird species (even bald eagles!) and provide fantastic vantage points! This program continues a partnership with Cornell University Ornithology Lab, tracking and collecting data on urban birds, and sharing new found knowledge with them. This guided urban hike is open to all ages and experience levels. Experts will share birding tricks and trips as participants enjoy the diverse bird life along our rivers- and maybe spot some winter migrators! Birdwatchers will spend the first few minutes of each program learning some basics about birdwatching and how to use binoculars (a few pairs of binoculars and bird guides will be available to share during the session, but participants are urged to bring their own). This program is free and no pre-registration is necessary. In the event of inclement weather, please check the Riverfront Fort Wayne Facebook page for cancellations.
Young Naturalist Series – Animal Tracks and Facts Saturday, February 16, 10-11 a.m. Psi Ote Lower Pavilion, Bob Arnold Northside Park Parnell Ave. at E. State Blvd. Little detectives will discover which animals are still active during winter and what they are doing, as well as how to identify the tracks they make. We’ll have fun making our own animal tracks, creating a fun woodland animal craft, and enjoy a great animal track themed treat before the hour is over! Young naturalists (ages 5-10) are invited to an hour of learning, crafts and fun themed snacks. The program is FREE and limited to 20 children plus their grown-ups. Please contact Kim Weldon at 260-427-5166 or [email protected] to sign up and reserve a seat. Registration deadlines are one week prior to each program. In the event of inclement weather, please check Riverfront Fort Wayne Facebook page for cancellations.
Riverfront Educational Series February 11, 6:30 p.m. Hop River Brewing Company 1515 N. Harrison St. Fort Wayne is again offering the public three opportunities to meet the team involved with Riverfront development and learn more about plans for the future, including the exciting news we will have to share about Promenade Park, water quality updates, and brand new opportunities to enjoy our beautiful three rivers. The February 11 topic is "Our Muddy Rivers: Water Quality, Cleanups, and More." Beer, cider, wine, and non- alcoholic drinks, as well as light snacks will be available for purchase. Hop River will offer free tours of the brewery before and after the event. More information, including parking information, is available at RiverfrontFW.org or by calling Megan Butler at 260-427-6248. Sponsored by WANE 15 and Hop River Brewing Company.
Riverfront Clean Ups February 2 and 16, 8:30 am - 12 pm Guldlin Park (Van Buren Street and Michaels Avenue) Volunteers will clip honeysuckle limbs from bushes, cut down the remaining trunks with handsaws and carry the brush to an area in the park. All tools and work gloves will be provided. The honeysuckle stems are not prickly and the brush isn’t heavy. This is a family-friendly activity, so children are welcome, too. Please dress for the weather! Close-toed shoes, like tennis shoes, are recommended. Groups of 4-40 volunteers are encouraged to sign up for one of the Riverfront cleanups listed above by calling 260-427-6026.
JG, Jan. 2, 2019 vision – Everyone in community has role to play in lessening violence http://www.journalgazette.net/opinion/editorials/20190102/2019-vision JG, Jan. 2, Seller’s market for housing in ’19 – Affordability, availability seen as challenges Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports reporting December 13, 2018 thru to February 12, 2019
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/20190102/sellers-market-for-housing-in-19 JG Jan. 2, 120 people to lose jobs with Vibra closure http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/indiana/20190102/120-people-to-lose-jobs-with-vibra-closure JG, Jan. 2, MLK Club to split off two events http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/20190102/mlk-club-to-split-off-2-events NS, Jan. 2, New year brings changes at Animal Care & Control http://www.news-sentinel.com/news/local-news/2019/01/02/new-year-brings-changes-at-fort-wayne-animal-care-control/
WANE, Jan. 1, Mayor Henry reviews 2018 and looks ahead to 2019 https://www.wane.com/news/local-news/mayor-henry-reviews-2018-looks-ahead-to-new-year/1682742722 NS, Jan. 1, If Mayor Henry deserves a B+, will economy provide challengers room for improvement http://www.news-sentinel.com/news/local-news/2019/01/01/kevin-leininger-if-mayor-tom-henry-deserves-a-b-plus-will-economy-provide-challengers- room-for-improvement/ JG, Jan. 1, Headlines we’d like to see in 2019 http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20190101/WEB/181239990 JG, Jan. 1. Changes at Animal Care & Control http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/20190101/briefs JG, Jan. 1, Retirees celebrated at county inauguration http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/20190101/retirees-celebrated-at-county-inauguration
WANE, Dec. 31, Top stories of 2018 https://www.wane.com/news/local-news/top-10-stories-of-2018-on-wanecom/1670753670 WANE, Dec. 31, Animal Care & Control announces changes for 2019 https://www.wane.com/news/local-news/fort-wayne-animal-care-control-announces-changes-for-2019/1680974933 WANE, Dec. 31, St. Joe Township Fire Dept. delivers final out of service call https://www.wane.com/news/local-news/st-joseph-township-fire-dept-delivers-final-out-of-service-call/1681028972 WFFT, Dec. 31, Top stories of 2018 https://www.wfft.com/content/news/FOX-55s-top-stories-of-2018-503744551.html
JG, Dec. 30, Police ‘can’t do it by ourselves’ http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/police-fire/20181230/police-cant-do-it-by-ourselves JG, Dec. 30, Gang killings number belies reality in city http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/police-fire/20181230/gang-killings-number-belies-reality-in-city JG, Dec. 30, Budget, hate, bets top list of priorities for session http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/indiana/20181230/budget-hate-bets-top-list-of-priorities-for-session JG, Dec. 30, the founders of AVOW – Citizens of the Year http://www.journalgazette.net/opinion/sunday-centerpiece/20181230/the-founders-of-avow WPTA, Dec. 30, Fort Wayne year in review https://wpta21.com/news/2018/12/30/fort-wayne-year-in-review-2018/
JG, Dec. 29, Year in review http://www.journalgazette.net/opinion/editorials/20181229/year-in-review JG, Dec. 29, State tourism brings in record $127 billion http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/20181229/state-tourism-brings-in-record-127-billion
WBOI, Dec. 28, What’s coloring Fort Wayne’s vibrant skyline https://www.wboi.org/post/whats-coloring-fort-waynes-vibrant-skyline
JG, Dec. 27, The people’s voice http://www.journalgazette.net/opinion/editorials/20181227/the-peoples-voice
WOWO, Dec. 26, Year in review with Mayor Henry https://www.wowo.com/2018-year-in-review-with-mayor-tom-henry/ WPTA, Dec. 26, Mayor reflects on 2018 https://wpta21.com/news/2018/12/26/mayor-tom-henry-reflects-on-2018/ WBCL, Dec. 26, Public riverfront meeting Jan. 10 https://www.wbcl.org/news/public-riverfront-meeting-january-10th
NS, Dec. 24, Public meeting will explore next phases of riverfront development http://www.news-sentinel.com/news/local-news/2018/12/24/jan-10-public-meeting-will-explore-next-phases-of-riverfront-development/
NS, Dec. 22, For Mayor Henry, new year will determine extent of his legacy, which includes a detour for ‘North River’ property http://www.news-sentinel.com/news/local-news/2018/12/22/kevin-leininger-for-mayor-tom-henry-new-year-will-determine-extent-of-his-legacy-which- includes-a-detour-for-north-river-property/
WBOI, Dec. 21, Riverfront Fort Wayne’s grand opening date revealed for summer 2019 https://www.wboi.org/post/riverfront-fort-waynes-grand-opening-date-revealed-summer-2019 City TV, Dec. 2018, News Around Town program with features on 2018 successes at the Parks Department and the recent Pufferbelly Trail ribbon cutting ceremony https://acpl.viebit.com/player.php?hash=5P7491Iu2YvZ Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports reporting December 13, 2018 thru to February 12, 2019
JG, Dec. 19, City lists parks plans, costs http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/20181219/city-lists-parks-plans-costs JG, Dec. 19, Letter to the editor – Red River draws customer’s kudos http://www.journalgazette.net/opinion/letters/20181219/letters JG, Dec. 19, 11 neighborhood grants awarded http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/20181219/11-neighborhood-grants-awarded JG, Dec. 19, Conservatory photo http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20181219/ARTICLE/312199952
WOWO, Dec. 18, Mayor details park improvement plans https://www.wowo.com/henry-details-park-improvement-plans/ NS, Dec. 18, $3 million spent on Parks improvements this year; about the same planned for 2019 http://www.news-sentinel.com/news/local-news/2018/12/18/3m-spent-on-parks-improvements-this-year-about-the-same-planned-for-2019/ NS, Dec. 18, City awards grants for neighborhood improvement http://www.news-sentinel.com/news/local-news/2018/12/18/city-awards-grants-for-neighborhood-improvement/ NS, Dec. 18, Special City Council meeting will look at crime, more surveillance cameras – but do they work? http://www.news-sentinel.com/news/local-news/2018/12/18/kevin-leininger-special-city-council-meeting-will-look-at-crime-more-surveillance-cameras- but-do-they-work/ JG, Dec. 18, Panel oks Centlivre historic designation http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/20181218/panel-oks-centlivre-historic-designation JG, Dec. 18, Fun and games at Community Center http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20181218/ARTICLE/312189945
The Mayor Tom Henry Podcast, Dec. 17, Guest is Tim Bawmann from the Fort Wayne Mad Ants https://soundcloud.com/user-202170298/episode-17 WOWO, Dec. 17, Mayor Henry announces community improvement grants https://www.wowo.com/henry-announces-community-improvement-grants/ WOWO, Dec. 17, Public meeting set for Riverfront Fort Wayne next month https://www.wowo.com/public-meeting-set-for-riverfront-fort-wayne-next-month/ WFFT, Dec. 17, Neighborhoods receive federal grants from community improvements https://www.wfft.com/content/news/Neighborhoods-receive-federal-grants-for-community-improvements-502985531.html WANE, Dec. 17, Fort Wayne neighborhood grant recipients announced https://www.wane.com/news/local-news/fort-wayne-neighborhood-grant-recipients-announced/1663117555 WPTA, Dec. 17, 2018 homicides surpass 2017 numbers https://wpta21.com/news/top-stories/2018/12/17/2018-homicides-surpass-2017-numbers/ WPTA, Dec. 17, 11 organizations receive community improvement grants https://wpta21.com/news/top-stories/2018/12/17/11-organizations-receive-community-improvement-grants/ WBOI, Dec, 17, Progress continues on tunnel project despite groundwater issues https://www.wboi.org/post/progress-continues-tunnel-project-despite-groundwater-issues WANE, Dec. 17, King’s Community Outreach Baskets is Positively Fort Wayne https://www.wane.com/news/local-news/king-s-community-outreach-baskets-are-positively-fort-wayne/1660877918
JG, Dec. 16, Alliance proves value of rural investment http://www.journalgazette.net/opinion/editorials/20181216/alliance-proves-value-of-ruralinvestment JG, Dec. 16, Donors sought for parks' future http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/20181216/donors-sought-for-parks-future
WPTA, Dec. 15, Local activist group sparking change in hopes to lower crime https://wpta21.com/news/2018/12/15/local-activist-group-sparking-change-in-hopes-to-lower-crime-in-the-fort/ JG, Dec. 15, A positive letter to the editor about Fort Wayne from a visitor http://www.journalgazette.net/opinion/letters/20181215/letters JG, Dec. 15, Fewer seeking to serve and protect http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/police-fire/20181215/fewer-seeking-to-protect-and-serve JG, Dec. 15, Allen County deemed Storm Ready http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/20181215/allen-county-deemed-stormready JG, Dec. 15, Historic label sought for home http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/20181215/historic-label-sought-for-home
WPTA, Dec. 14, Preparing baskets for those in need https://wpta21.com/news/top-stories/2018/12/14/hoosiers-prepare-330-christmas-baskets-to-give-to-families-in-need/ City TV, Dec. 2018, “City View” program produced by the City’s Community Development Division https://acpl.viebit.com/player.php?hash=1NfSRpwExwHy JG, Dec. 14, Tin Caps get award at winter meetings http://www.journalgazette.net/sports/20181214/tincaps-get-award-at-winter-meetings
JG, Dec. 13, City touts fixes made to streets, alleyways http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/20181213/city-touts-fixes-made-to-streets-alleyways JG, Dec. 13, Police bring smiles to local kids http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20181213/ARTICLE/312139919 JG, Dec. 13, Water work http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20181213/ARTICLE/312139959 JG, Dec. 13, A little wintertime repair Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department Staff Reports reporting December 13, 2018 thru to February 12, 2019
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20181213/ARTICLE/312139968 WPTA, Dec. 13, Public input sought on arts master plan https://wpta21.com/news/top-stories/2018/12/13/public-input-sought-on-arts-master-plan/ NS, Dec. 13, Area’s population is a long way from one million, but migration trend finally is heading in right direction http://www.news-sentinel.com/news/local-news/2018/12/13/kevin-leininger-areas-population-is-a-long-way-from-1-million-but-migration-trend-finally-is- heading-in-right-direction/
WANE, Dec. 12, Fort Wayne celebrates record year for neighborhood projects https://www.wane.com/news/local-news/fort-wayne-celebrates-record-year-for-neighborhood-projects/1656023681 WPTA, Dec. 12, Some business owners aren’t on board with planned Goshen Ave. road project https://wpta21.com/news/top-stories/2018/12/12/some-business-owners-arent-on-board-with-planned-goshen-ave-road-project/ WFFT, Dec. 12, City leaders give neighborhood infrastructure update https://www.wfft.com/content/news/City-leaders-give-neighborhood-infrastructure-update-502616541.html Fort Wayne’s NBC, Dec. 12, Mayor celebrates record infrastructure investment this year https://fortwaynesnbc.com/news/focused-on-the-fort/2018/12/12/mayor-celebrates-record-infrastructure-investment-this-year/ Fort Wayne’s NBC, Dec. 12, FWFD adding tanker to fleet https://fortwaynesnbc.com/news/top-stories/2018/12/12/fort-wayne-fire-department-adding-tanker-to-fleet/ NS, Dec. 12, Mayor Henry: Neighborhoods received record improvements this year; more to come in 2019 http://www.news-sentinel.com/news/local-news/2018/12/12/mayor-tom-henry-neighborhoods-received-record-improvements-this-year-more-to-come-in- 2019/ NS, Dec. 12, Navy Secretary: Proposed USS Fort Wayne will receive every consideration http://www.news-sentinel.com/news/local-news/2018/12/12/navy-secretary-proposed-uss-fort-wayne-will-receive-every-consideration/ JG, Dec. 12, Verbatim: Unwrapping neighborhood investment http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20181212/WEB/181219968 JG, Dec. 12, Riverfront permits add costs, delay, council told http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/20181212/riverfront-permits-add-costs-delay-council-told JG, Dec. 12, Mayor to fill seat on police merit panel http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/police-fire/20181212/mayor-to-fill-seat-on-police-merit-panel JG, Dec. 12, New Allen Alliance named Stellar – Projects garner $5.8M, state recognition http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/indiana/20181212/newallen-alliance-named-stellar JG, Dec. 12, Scratching the surface at Lakeside Park http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20181212/ARTICLE/312129965 JG, Dec. 12, Cool tricks – Lawton Park photo http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20181212/ARTICLE/312129923 WPTA, Dec. 12, Road improvement projects to be unveiled this morning https://wpta21.com/news/top-stories/2018/12/12/road-improvement-projects-to-be-unveiled-wednesday-morning/ WBOI, Dec. 12, Permitting snags add cost, time to riverfront development https://www.wboi.org/post/permitting-snags-add-cost-time-riverfront-development Input Fort Wayne, Dec. 12, What is the future of public transit in Fort Wayne http://www.inputfortwayne.com/features/QA-Megan-Butler.aspx Input Fort Wayne, Dec. 12, Why did you move back to Fort Wayne – Part 2 http://www.inputfortwayne.com/features/boomerang-study-two.aspx Input Fort Wayne, Dec. 12, Two entrepreneurs launch community-centric businesses in Fort Wayne’s up and coming ‘05 http://www.inputfortwayne.com/features/neighborhood-entrepreneurs.aspx
Fort Wayne’s NBC, Dec. 11, Sizing up how far to spend down money in city’s Legacy fund https://fortwaynesnbc.com/news/top-stories/2018/12/11/sizing-up-how-far-to-spend-down-money-in-citys-legacy-fund/ WPTA, Dec. 11, Management of Legacy fund sparking debate among community leaders https://wpta21.com/news/top-stories/2018/12/11/management-of-legacy-fund-sparking-debate-among-community-leaders/ NS, Dec. 11, Park Foundation seeks public’s support for riverfront endowment http://www.news-sentinel.com/news/local-news/2018/12/11/park-foundation-seeks-publics-support-for-riverfront-endowment/ WANE, Dec. 11, Free cab rides offered for holiday season https://www.wane.com/news/local-news/free-cab-rides-offered-for-holiday-season/1652719978 WFFT, Dec. 11, Holiday Cab program returns https://www.wfft.com/content/news/Holiday-Cab-program-returns-502568602.html WFFT, Dec. 11, FW Park Foundation creating legacy endowment for Promenade Park https://www.wfft.com/content/news/Fort-Wayne-Parks-Foundation--502568432.html