Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department ANNUAL REPORT 2020 Table of Contents President’s Message...... 4 Director’s Report...... 5 Highlights...... 6 Financial Report...... 7 Recreation...... 8-11 Marketing & Development...... 12-15 Grounds & Improvements...... 16-19 Park Planning...... 20-24 Community Outreach, Conservatory/Theatre Operations...... 25-27 Zoo...... 28-31

2 Annual Report 2020

Our Mission

The Parks and Recreation Department maintains over 2,800 acres of park land in 87 individual parks and currently manages 22 pavilions, 20 shelters, 5 recreation centers, 4 day camp facilities, 3 aquatic centers, 10 splash pads, 3 golf courses, 2 driving ranges, 3 disc golf courses, 2 dog parks, a botanical conservatory, an outdoor theater, a zoo and a greenhouse. Additional recreational sites in- clude 58 playgrounds, 45 basketball courts, 60 tennis courts, 15 pickleball courts, 38 ball diamonds, 20 soccer fields, 2 futsal courts, 8 multipurpose athletic fields, 8 boat launch sites, 48 miles of trails which include Rivergreenway, park paths and mountain bike trails, 14 ponds and lakes, a campground, a nature preserve, a BMX track, historic facilities and monuments and a 1930s era working farm. Along with hundreds of activities and program opportunities, the Parks and Recreation Department provides free or low cost special events for citizens of our community.

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in Fort Wayne by providing positive opportunities for leisure time and by being stewards of our parklands, facilities, public trees and other resources entrusted to our care.

Board of Park Commissioners Richard Samek, President Pamela Kelly, M.D., Vice-President William Zielke, Commissioner Justin P. Shurley, Commissioner

Administrative Staff Steve McDaniel, Director Jim Anderson, Director of Children’s Zoo (retired 9/2020) RickSchuitemann, Director of Children’s Zoo (started 9/2020) Alec Johnson, Deputy Director of Planning and Development Sandra Odisho, Manager of Finance Kathy Pargmann, Manager Lead of Marketing Chuck Reddinger, Deputy Director of Recreation Steve Schuhmacher, Deputy Director of Park Maintenance Mitch Sheppard, Deputy Director of Community Outreach & Conservatory/Theatre Operations

3 Board of Park Commissioners President's Message To the Honorable Mayor Thomas Henry:

It is once again my privilege to present the Board of Park Commissioners’ Annual Report. In 2020, the Parks and Recreation Depart- ment, along with the rest of our community and our nation, were incredibly challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Board of Park Commissioners commends Director Steve McDaniel and the entire department for stepping up this year and continuing to live the mission of improving the quality of life for our fellow Fort Wayne citizens. In 2020, our parks and programs were more important than ever as we carefully navigated through unprecedented events.

Park and trail usage increased in 2020 as our community looked to the park system for new ways to pass time and stay active. Our maintenance teams worked tirelessly to keep our parks clean and beautiful all year. As Indiana restrictions started to be lifted, these teams maintained a consistent cleaning and sanitization plan to keep visitors to our facilities safe. This department’s commitment to the safety and well-being of our park patrons is to be commended.

We also want to recognize the staff that continued to develop programs and services for the community that could be enjoyed either virtually or in a safe, clean environment. From conducting classes over Zoom to organizing meal pickups for local school children, Parks and Recreation employees went above and beyond to maintain the standards our city expects from this department. This year threw everyone a curveball, and the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation team hit it out of the park.

In August, Steve McDaniel and the Parks and Recreation team officially unveiled the new covered walking bridge at Salomon Farm Park. Steve and the family of the late Don Wolf cut the ribbon on the new structure, which is located on the south side of Salomon Farm Park, near Till Road. We are so appreciative of the Wolf family for their support of our parks, and this bridge promises to be a lasting tribute to Don. A sign on the structure reads “A Bridge to the Future” which represents Wolf’s hope for the project to lead to even more opportunities for visitors to enjoy Salomon Farm Park in its entirety. We eagerly anticipate the future growth of the park as well.

While the 2020 Foellinger Theatre season was much different than we expected, we were pleased to still see live entertainment return to this venue. In partnership with the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre, Parks and Recreation presented productions of the musicals Legally Blonde and 1776 in August and September. The Theatre team worked closely with the Allen County Board of Health to ensure pa- trons would be able to enjoy these shows safely and comfortably. The results were fantastic, and we were very impressed with the team’s ability to adapt as other venues were forced to close their doors.

Even through the events of 2020, the Parks and Recreation team completed over 55 projects, and the City of Fort Wayne invested ap- proximately $3 million in Parks and Recreation Department improvements this year. The completed 2020 Capital Improvement Projects include several paving projects in our parks, pool renovations, ADA improvements and much more.

Our park planners also remained in touch with our local neighborhoods as we plan for the future. Notably, the team worked with resi- dents near Packard and Brewer Parks to develop comprehensive master plans for these spaces. With many thoughtful and construc- tive conversations, the department has come up with terrific ideas to revitalize these parks.

Looking to the future, we eagerly anticipate the many projects planned for 2021, including the first phase of Franke Park improvements, the Foster #3 Pavilion renovation project, and many more important improvements throughout our parks. The City of Fort Wayne is continuing to invest in the Parks & Recreation Department, with $3 million of public funding slated for 2021, which we are very thank- ful to receive.

On behalf of the commissioners, we continue to be grateful for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Fort Wayne as we all look forward to brighter times in 2021.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard Samek President of the Board of Park Commissioners

4 Annual Report 2020 Director’s Report On behalf of our entire department, I want to thank you for continuing to support our parks system throughout 2020, a very challeng- ing year. We know the city’s parks have become a much needed place of calm and respite as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 crisis. This is evident in the dramatic increases in park and trail usage, along with greater numbers at our three city golf courses. We are pleased that our parks were able to help the community persist through these unprecedented times.

I want to especially thank Mayor Tom Henry, City Council, the Board of Park Commissioners, the Park Foundation, and all of our gener- ous donors for your ongoing support of the work we do every day.

We made several difficult decisions this year in the interest of public safety, including closing our three city pools and cancelling classes and programs along with our very popular day camps. However, through challenge came opportunity, and our entire team worked tirelessly in 2020 to uphold our mission of improving the quality of life for our community.

When the pandemic started, we knew we had to prepare for a crisis that may take weeks, but could also take many months. We immediately went to work to determine the best course of action to keep our parks maintained for citizens and to keep the Parks and Recreation staff safe. Our grounds maintenance team formulated a gameplan for cleaning and sanitizing equipment, maintaining restrooms, and more.

Our programming teams also stepped up in 2020. We are now living in our new normal, which means we are creating programs that take into account the need for safety protocols like masks and social distancing. When COVID forced us to cancel several of our very popular summer camps, we knew we couldn’t just leave families without alternatives for their kids, so our recreation team worked together to come up with the PODS program, or Positive Outdoor Days of Summer. This program was very popular, and we expect to see some elements to continue being utilized in our summer youth programming going forward. Our team continues to evaluate all of our programs to learn what ongoing modifications need to be made for our customers’ safety.

When we could not host programs in person, our teams took the initiative to find new ways to connect with our community. Virtual programs were offered through all areas, including our four Community Youth Centers, the Botanical Conservatory, the Community Center and Outdoor Recreation. Participants of all ages were able to enjoy some recreational activities from the safety of home as we all navigated the pandemic together.

2020 was truly a year about coming together to support each other and our community. Parks and Recreation employees did that through various community outreach programs, especially for young people in the Fort Wayne community. Our Community Youth Centers partnered with Community Harvest Food Bank to provide meals for young people who were not receiving meals through their schools during the pandemic. This service was the epitome of our city coming together to help their neighbors, and I could not be more proud of our Youth Center team. In addition, our Employee Task Force coordinated various efforts outside of their regular work to help others in our community.

Very soon, you will see 11 new Buddy Benches installed around the city. The Department collaborated with local 11-year-old Sammie Vance to collect the plastic caps needed to make the benches and to spread her message of kindness and positivity. Our community donated 87 large bags of plastic caps weighing over 2,200 pounds! We cannot wait see these benches in our parks.

Our staff stepped up in the face of tremendous uncertainty in 2020 and they will continue to do so in 2021. As we learn from the events of this year, we confidently stride into the next with plans to deliver the same engaging and enriching experiences we always have in the safe and welcoming environment our community deserves.

Thank you for your continued support,

Steve McDaniel Director

5 Board of Park Commissioners Highlights of 2020

Awards Recognizing Park Excellence

The Old Barn in Salomon Farm Park was named the Best Historic Wedding Venue in Northern Indiana by LUXlife 2020 Global Wedding Awards. Fort Wayne received the designation of “Tree City USA” for the 30th year in a row by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters for our tree canopy stewardship and continued commitment to a green city. Fort Wayne also earned their 15th Growth Award from the National Arbor Day Foundation for a higher standard of forestry management of the City’s 65,000 public trees. Since it’s completion in the summer of 2019, Promenade Park has garnered significant recognition for design and engineering. The fol- lowing awards were received in 2020: • 2019 Project of the Year by Fort Wayne Magazine. Promenade Park is the first local development to receive this distinction. • 2020 Excellence in Construction from the Building Contractors Association of Northeast Indiana for New Construction – Over $6 million • 2020 Merit Award/Design from the American Society of Landscape Architects St. Louis for Constructed Projects, Over $500,000 Construction Budget • 2020 Merit Award/General Design from American Society of Landscape Architects Illinois for General Design – Constructed Projects • 2020 Award of Excellence from the American Society of Landscape Architects Central States (Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Mis- souri, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota) for Design (Built) • 2020 Award of Excellence/Design from the Indiana American Society of Landscape Architects for Constructed Projects, Over $500,000 Construction Budget • 2020 Engineering Excellence Honor Award from the Indiana American Council of Engineering Companies • 2020 Innovation by Design Award Honorable Mention in Cities category from Fast Company

New Projects and Renovations

• Conservatory Roof Replacement • Salomon Main Drive Paving & South End Drainage • McMillen Pavilion Renovations • Buckner Park LWCF Grant • McCulloch Pavilion Renovations • Wells Street Bridge Grant Project • Northside & McMillen Aquatic Centers – Renovations • Thomas Property Acquisition • Kettler Pavilion Hardscape Improvements • Memorial Park Trails • Parks Paving (Lakeside, Northside, Johnny Appleseed)

6 Annual Report 2020 Financial Report

Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Condensed Financial Report for the year ending December 31, 2020

REVENUES Property Taxes $ 15,095,027 Other Taxes 2,239,060 Charges for Services 3,071,879 Local Grants and Donations 3,012,899 Other Revenues 239,580 Total Revenues $ 23,658,445

EXPENDITURES Parks and Recreation General $ 18,155,193 Capital Outlays 2,981,649 Debt Service 503,068 Total Expenditures $ 21,639,910

7 Board of Park Commissioners Recreation 2020 Accomplishments The Recreation Service team entered 2020 with a sense of excitement to build upon the successes of the previous year and expand programs to meet the needs of the community. In March this enthusiasm was replaced with uncertainty as we ascertained what services we could still provide in a safe manner during the COVID-19 pandemic. After the initial shock that we would not be running our normal schedule of programs, the Recreation staff worked together to provide alternative programs and activities to serve our residents. The limitations of COVID-19 to the daily activities of many citizens saw them turn to our parks to provide welcome relief. This year saw major increases in trail use, camping, nature areas, and especially golf. The pandemic challenged our staff in new ways. Staff had remote meetings via Zoom for the first time, and found themselves work- ing remotely to minimize contact with each other. Facilities were modified with shields, signage and disposable masks to allow staff, volunteers and guests to interact safely. Unfortunately, several of our core programs and facilities were not able to open including Lifetime Sports Academy, Franke Park Day Camp, Farm Camp, Northside Pool, McMillen Pool, Memorial Pool, and Senior Games. Most programs were not possible due to size or space limitations. Instead, the public had the opportunity to take exercise classes virtu- ally, send their kids to PODS programs, and experience Salomon Farm via social media. 2020 proved to be a challenging year but also emphasized the importance of Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department to the social well-being of the community.

COVID COVID-19 created many new challenges are working on virtual program ideas to The daily activity themes were art, sci- the Department had never faced. As be implemented during the COVID-19 ence, philosophy, dance/music, literature, staff came to grips with the full impact of pandemic. and wellness. these challenges, they worked together to work on creative solutions. Below are 17 different PODS (Positive Outdoor Days GOLF the highlights of staff efforts to continue of Summer) themes were put together to Our three city golf courses opened on to operate during the pandemic. offer in a nine-week period as a replace- March 15, but on March 20 we had ment for our normal day camp programs. to close them due to COVID-19. This We created new Recreation Coordina- delayed the start of leagues and tourna- tor and Recreation Supervisor positions. Many older patrons did not have the technology at home to participate in ments. City golf courses reopened on These positions gave us the flexibility to Monday, May 4 for walking only. Golf work in a wide variety of recreation set- virtual programs, so at the request of Parks and Recreation staff, the Community carts and league play were allowed a tings as well as special maintenance proj- week later on May 11. While shut down, ects. This was especially important since Center Foundation provided support to purchase 6 Chromebook computers new cleaning, handling and sanitizing we had cancelled many of our regular procedures were implemented at all golf programs and had to develop new for patrons to check out so they could participate in virtual programs. facilities. Plexiglas shields (check-outs), programs that fit COVID safety guidelines. PPE, social distancing and other measures We hired about 35 Recreation Coordina- We developed a program called Chalk were followed to ensure patron and tors and Supervisors to perform a variety It Up that was held in Promenade Park. employee safety. Golf courses, practice of work this summer and assist in areas of Almost all rentals and programs were areas and driving ranges opened with highest importance for the department. canceled due to COVID-19 and this new social distancing and gathering rec- The department implemented rental and program helped to keep Promenade Park ommendations in place. Cups on the participant COVID-19 and general liability active and busy, and yet remain COVID- courses were turned upside down and waivers that rental coordinators and compliant. We ran this program 7 days raised above the surface with flagsticks in program areas will now be using. These per week, from 2-8 p.m. Each week had for “no touch” golf. All rakes, trash cans were developed in coordination with the a theme that coordinated with events we and ball washers were removed from city’s legal staff. had planned for the summer but were the courses. Restrooms were only open forced to cancel. We organized the ac- in the clubhouses but remained closed Volunteers from the Community Center tivities this way to keep our programming on the course. With limited recreational made several hundred masks for use buckets alive in the minds of the public. options in the community, many people by Parks and Recreation staff and fellow In total, we have created over 100 days turned to golf to stay active. Our golf volunteers. of unique programming that is interactive, courses benefited with an almost 15% fun, family-friendly, stimulating, and fresh. increase in rounds played. Staffs have attended Zoom meetings and 8 Annual Report 2020

Several golf facility improvements were Chris Jones, Manager of Golf Operations Community Center completed in 2020. Foster Park Golf moved on to pursue other career op- The Parks and Recreation Department Course purchased 40 late model carts to tions. Jason Smith, Manager of Athletics was selected by FitLot and AARP to go along with the courses newly paved and Daryn Schwartz, Special Event Coor- receive a fully-funded AARP sponsored cart paths. Electrical updates at Shoaff dinator oversaw the golf operation as we outdoor fitness park. The Community Park Golf Shop allowed for better equip- searched for a replacement. Center was chosen as the location based ment use and a second point of sale on the wealth of fitness activities offered register to speed up the check in pro- Aquatics ofr older adults. Included in the project is cess. Several golf shop fixtures were also In response to our challenges with a a 3-year grant to fund 54 instructor-led, added to modernize the shop space. shortage of qualified lifeguard staff each not-cost fitness classes each year for all New LED lighting was installed at McMil- season, our Free Swim Skills and Life- ages and abilities. len Park Golf Clubhouse in January to guard Prep course was developed in increase long term energy efficiency and 2020. Our hope was that by promoting Indoor exercise equipment at the help modernize the clubhouse. A new it to various school systems we will get Community Center was also upgraded. upright sliding door beverage cooler was enough participants trained and com- Outdated equipment was eliminated delivered to each course in mid-January fortable enough to take and pass the and new elliptical and resistance band so we can now handle all beverage actual lifeguard class. Our Free Swim Skills holders were [ircjased (courtesy of the concessions in-house. The coolers will and Lifeguard Prep course took place Community Center Foundation). Other lead to long term savings and profitably Saturday February 28 at the Renaissance equipment was refurbished. YMCA and was scheduled to meet a to- for the operation. Every Tuesday and Thursday from April to tal of 4 times. We had three people par- opening in June, we offered three senior The Junior and Pee Wee Golf Tour total ticipate, but unfortunately, we canceled exercise classes on Facebook Live (ABC numbers were up from 2019. The Junior this program due to COVID-19. None of Exercise, Cardio Flex and Senior Yoga). Tour had a total of 404 registrations (+5 the three pool facilities opened in 2020 Yoga for everyone was filmed once a from 2019), and the Pee Wee Tour had as we felt it would have been unsafe to week until opening and played on our a total of 235 registrations (+47 from do so during the pandemic. 2019). website. Active Aging Week was held

9 Board of Park Commissioners

October 5 - 9. There were 230 in atten- Other impacted events due to COVID as several other items for the Salomon dance for all events. We felt that this was were the season opening of Hursh- Farm Homestead. a good number during the pandemic as town Reservoir, which was postponed many of the participants are older adults. until May 22 and the opening of Johnny As a replacement for Christmas on the All events were planned and implement- Appleseed Campground, which was Farm, staff placed holiday themed pas- ed following safe guidelines for CO- postponed until May 24. sive structures around the farm during VID-19. Those that attended were ready Thanksgiving and Christmas. to get out and do something. It was nice There were a few programs that were able to be held including the Salomon Riverfront to see them all since we didn’t have the This was the fourth year for the Winter Senior Games event in 2020. Farm’s Farmers Market held on Wednes- day evenings, and attendance ranged Cozy event, but the first time it was held During the COVID-19 closure Community from 189-312 each night. The Salomon in Promenade Park. Attendance (268) Center staff called each volunteer to see Farm Park sunflower U-Pick was very suc- increased by almost 600% over 2019. how they were doing during quarantine. cessful. This was the first year to provide S’mores, firepits, human sled dog racing, a U-Pick option to allow people to pick and the appearance of a real sled dog The lobby Christmas tree was lit on No- sunflowers at designated days and times were added to the event. vember 12 and the outside light display for a fee. A portion of the field was sec- Dog Sweater Day was the first dog event started brightening up Main Street on tioned off for photography only. Visitors November 16 but no ceremony of any held in Promenade Park. The community had options to purchase flowers from was invited to bring their pups in their kind was held to prevent any group gath- $2 for a single stem, $10 to fill a mason ering. WPTA decorated our window on best sweaters. Dogs donned various cos- jar, $20 to fill a pitcher and $40 to fill a 5 tumes, including a taco, converse shoes, the south side of the lobby for the DID gallon bucket. Hours of operations were sponsored Window Decorating Contest. and matching sweaters. A local pho- Wednesday through Saturday from 4 - 8 tography club also had a meetup at the Outdoor Recreation pm, and visitors purchased more than event and shared their photos for future Most programs and rentals were can- $1,500 of sunflowers per day. In addi- marketing purposes. The total attendance celed due to safety concerns during the tion, more than 70 professional photog- was 130. COVID pandemic including Fiber Arts raphers purchased photography passes. On August 8 we celebrated the one year Festival, Farm Camp, Concert on the Farm, Loren and Liz Thomas donated an old Christmas on the Farm and most classes. anniversary of Promenade Park. The park farm tractor to Salomon Farm Park as well had a very successful first year with good media coverage, praise from the commu- nity and a number of prestigious awards. The celebration was limited due to COVID restrictions and focused attention on the river with floating yoga demonstra- tions, paddle play activities with kayaks and a river lighting ceremony. Chalk It Up was the COVID alternative to originally planned summer programming. Sidewalk chalk provided continuous and safe entertainment for park visitors throughout the summer. Promenade Park participated in the Downtown Holiday Window Decorat- ing Contest over the holidays. Partnering with local photographers, Riverfront staff created large-scale paper cut light boxes featuring winter scenes of the park. The boxes were placed in the Park Founda- tion Pavilion, viewed from the outside of the building, and were on display until January 4, 2021. Because of their durabil- ity, we plan to add more boxes each year.

10 Annual Report 2020

Athletics held for the first time at Promenade Park. With the closure of aquatic facilities, Estimated attendance was 4,000. Patti Lifetime Sports Academy, and many Davis, Community Center Manager, and regular programs, Athletic staff were Daryn Schwartz, Special Event Coordina- able to work on improving our annual tor co-chaired the event. General Safety Training (GST) modules. The Thomas property purchase received Staff worked on adding voice to GST/ final passage from City Council on Febru- SCAN power point presentations in ary 12. The Thomas’s donated 17+ acres the event that we have to make a quick of their property to the department in turnaround training new employees and 1997 and our purchase of the remaining these presentations allow them to partici- 15.53 acres completes the long-term pate in training remotely. Staff also took goal of making the property whole with advantage of their time by taking several access lane, storage, pond and house. park drone pictures and videos for the The property has been officially named department website as well as pictures the Thomas Nature Sanctuary. of department projects, playgrounds and roofs for the Projects Division. Internal Audit of Recreation services was completed with suggestions for improve- Athletics staff has been attending virtual ments. Improved processes were imple- roundtables through the IPRA (Indiana mented in the spring and early summer Parks and Recreation Association) to keep for many areas. informed on various topics that effected other parks and recreation departments The Community Center had planned to around the state due to COVID-19. host the first annual Parks and Recreation Job Fair March 18 from 4 - 6pm. Parks Travel Services and Recreation staff were to be present Diane Kennedy officially assumed the role to answer any questions about the 300+ of Travel Specialist on January 2, 2020. various positions to be offered as well as All bus trips were canceled in the spring City HR representatives will help anyone due to COVID-19. No bus trips were that wishes to apply for any position. taken during the month of June and July Unfortunately, like many similar events in due to State of Indiana and Allen County 2020, this job fair was canceled, but staff Board of Health restrictions requiring plans to bring it back after the end of the social distancing to prevent the spread pandemic. of COVID-19. On July 30, 2020, we received updated guidance from the Chuck Reddinger, Alec Johnson, and Ra- Allen County Board of Health. They still chel Vedder (from Design Collaborative) caution us against going forward with our presented an education session about bus trips as the pandemic persists. They the design, construction and program- stated that masks lessen the spread of ming of Promenade Park at the Indiana COVID-19, but it is hard to police this on Parks and Recreation Association annual a full bus. Also, it is impossible to social meeting in Muncie on February 12, 2020. distance on a bus. Furthermore, it is risky A No-Wake speed limit proposal was to be in an enclosed bus with shared air. submitted to the DNR Commission for Based on their guidance, we cancelled all consideration. This would create an bus trips through the rest of 2020, put- enforceable speed limit on the wa- ting the safety of our travelers first. terways in the downtown area of Fort Other Items of Note Wayne, and we received several letters Winterval was held on January 25. This of support from the community for this is a Parks and Recreation lead event with proposal. The proposal went to review many participating agencies. Several new in subcommittee and the process would events were added this year including be continued in 2021. sled dog demonstrations, a Farm Hand We submitted a proposal to Friends of competition at Hop River Brewing led by the River to operate Sweet Breeze start- Salomon Farm staff, and Winter Cozy was ing in the 2021 season. 11 Board of Park Commissioners Marketing & Development 2020 Accomplishments The Marketing Team continued to utilize In the spring as various programs and Comprehensive Survey Results technology in 2020 to improve customer facilities shut down, our message of “Stay The Department contracted with Great service and to communicate accurately Home & Safe” by participating in virtual Lakes Marketing Research to complete a and consistently. Never was this put to activities (@Home) and/or venturing out Comprehensive Survey with Residents. the test more than during 2020! safely to take a walk or enjoy nature at The survey was complete in May of a park became the underlying themes. 2020. 800 Community Members par- COVID-19 Communication Plan We decided to publish the Summer Fun ticipated in the survey from January 14 Due to COVID-19, technology was a key Times via an on-line format and to distrib- to March 23, 2020. A few key findings component of the ever pivoting strategy ute postcards to our mailing list directing include: 1) overall 84% are satisfied with to communicate with our public. The them to the web. In addition, a wide the Department (up from 78% in 2011); Marketing Team was constantly chal- range of other promotional tools were 2) at least 78% rated the park they visit lenged to be innovative. A few new used. During the summer, we offered most often in excellent or good physical web links (COVID-19, FWParks@Home, PODS, CHALK IT UP, and other creative condition; 3) 93% agree that the Depart- and FWParks4FUN) were created as an programming, and we pivoted to heavily ment improves the quality of life of Fort opportunity to keep the public informed promoting these programs. In the fall, Wayne residents; 4) usage of parks and as well as to roll out various virtual op- we were cautiously proceeding with trails is high, with 85% visiting or using a tions. The COVID-19 link quickly became promoting select programs and virtual park/trail in the past year; 5) future phases a popular platform where we could options until the November 23-January of Riverfront development should include communicate our ever changing mes- 25, 2021 shut down. At that time, resur- walking paths, dining/restaurants and sage with the public. We developed a gence in promoting virtual programming areas to enjoy nature. The survey results “Back on Track” graphic that changed to became the new norm and we rolled will be used as we plan the Department’s a “Covid-19 Park/Program Modifications” out the FWParks4FUN link as a place to future. as the pandemic evolved. The COVID-19 check out all of our virtual program op- infographics are a key component in tions. As we complete 2020, we are not communicating our opening and closing sure what lies ahead, but we are ready to BACK ON TRACK Stages are subject to change based on CDC guidance and other new information. information to our community in an “at a embrace the next challenge and pivot as Additional restrictions could apply. For more information, visit www.fortwayneparks.org. STAGE 2 STAGE 4 glance” format. MAY 4-MAY 23 JUNE 12-JULY 3 necessary. EFFECTIVE 6/12/2020 STAGE 3 STAGE 5 MAY 22-JUNE 11 JULY 4 & BEYOND

SOCIAL GATHERING Up to 25 people Up to 100 people Up to 250 people Over 250 people (Special Events, Facility Rentals)

SUMMER PROGRAMS CANCELLED SEE WEBSITE FOR PROGRAMS

GOLF OPEN

VISITORS IN THE YOUTH CENTERS CLOSED FOR SUMMER SEASON

OFFICE AT ONE TIME PARKS / TRAILS OPEN

OPEN PARK RESTROOMS PARTIAL OPEN THANK YOU All Restrooms DEPARTMENT CLOSED OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (MAY 18) OFFICES LIFETIME SPORTS NA CANCELLED FOR THE SEASON ACADEMY J APPLESEED CLOSED OPEN CAMPGROUND PARK AMENITIES Tennis, Basketball, Futsal CLOSED OPEN 2 Courts; Skateboard Park MANTENERSE APARTADO SWIMMING POOLS NA CLOSED FOR THE SEASON COMMUNITY CLOSED OPEN JUNE 15 OPEN CENTER 50% capacity BOTANICAL CLOSED OPEN JUNE 14 OPEN STAY APART CONSERVATORY 50% capacity ATHLETIC FIELDS CLOSED OPEN for practice OPEN for games

SOCIAL 6/1 GATHERINGS CLOSED OPEN Pavilions LIMITED

DAY CAMPS NA CANCELLED FOR SEASON

t t WAIT HERE DOG PARKS OPEN with membership SUPERVISED PLAYGROUND NA CANCELLED FOR SEASON PLEASE PROGRAM FOELLINGER CONCERTS POSTPONED AUGUST ? THEATRE PLAYGROUNDS/ CLOSED OPEN SPLASH PADS

ALL PARK VISITORS ARE ASKED TO PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING. SUMMER PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN MODIFIED TO ADHERE TO CDC GUIDELINES AND ALLOW FOR SOCIAL DIS- TANCING AMONG ATTENDEES.

12 Annual Report 2020

Customer Service Recreation staff members are provided Customer Service training that stresses positive interactions with customers. Program evaluations and user surveys were distributed to access all of the programs offered by the Department. A total of 2,242 evaluations received in 2020 were analyzed and reported back to staff. Our 2020 overall Department Customer Service Rating was 90% (our goal). Complaint processing continues to be a priority. In 2020, 92% of complaints were processed within one business day. Continuously, new Customer Service features were added to the five main Department web sites, including the development of over 23 new web links created to enhance visitor experience. Digital content also required: redesigning existing links as needed, adding addi- tional photos throughout to market our department, continuing to add content to all three calendars, making major updates four times a year, coinciding with A positive outcome of the SCFVA Blue Botanical Conservatory. Graphic design the release of the quarterly Fun Times, as Ribbon Show being cancelled was the work in 2020 included: 82 temporary well as making regular updates to keep SCFVA virtual Facebook component. Stu- and permanent signs; 4 Fun Times cata- content fresh. dents could post photos of their plants logs; 46 postcards; 7 kiosk displays; 135 on a virtual platform and view other sub- print flyers; 36 social media posts; 46 The total web hits for 2020 reached over mittals as well. Over 50 students chose electronic sign slides; 26 tickets/passes; a million for the sixth year (1,029,605). to participate. Due to the success of this, 19 brochures; 16 newspaper ads; 16 The number of yearly hits has been additional opportunities will be explored posters; 6 e-newsletters; 4 event pro- steadily growing, up 284,889 hits from for students to safely showcase their grams; 4 banners, 4 certificates; 7 swag 2010. The top five web links: Foellinger horticultural skills. imprints; 3 stickers; new scorecards for Theatre, Headwaters Park, Community the 3 golf courses; multiple program and Concerts, Trails, and Park page links have Graphic Design activity props. consistently rated high. Graphic design for all marketing efforts is Additional Marketing Efforts completed in-house. A major focus this Social Media/Media Relations year was on the production of COVID- The Department maintains 12 individual Photography and videography are vital related signage for parks, facilities, web Facebook pages, two Instagram and two components to the marketing mix. Due and social media postings. Permanent Twitter accounts with over 91,000 total to the addition of drones to our inven- interpretive signs were designed for the followers. Monthly e-newsletters are tory, the Marketing Team was able to use Bioswale in Promenade Park, the Spy Run distributed for Fort Wayne Parks and Rec- some of the drone footage on social Creek bank restoration in Franke Park and reation customers along with other timely media and the web to market our parks invasive species prevention at Hurshtown mass emails for specific areas of the and programs. We also started a 360 Reservoir. Promotional pieces for COVID- department including Golf Courses, Foel- video project to capture footage at our inspired PODs and Chalk-It-Up events at linger Theatre, and Riverfront program- pavilions. Currently five pavilion videos Promenade Park as well as the three city ming. In 2020, 50 individual e-newsletters are now on-line and very popular with golf courses were also in high demand. A (22% open rate) were distributed. rental audiences. new Visitor Guide was produced for the

13 Board of Park Commissioners

The following news conferences were Our major partner supporting the parks centers have been closed for months held in 2020: and programs continues to be the Fort (offering virtual programming only), and Wayne Park Foundation. Through their yet we were able to acquire a $7,700 • Salomon Bridge Ribbon Cutting regular trust donations and their fundrais- grant through the Community Harvest (August) ing for the Riverfront project, the Depart- Food Bank to improve the kitchens and • McMillen Park Basketball Court Murals ment is more able to maintain facilities, food service that provide meals to (October) offer programs we would not always underserved children. When the facilities be able to provide, and finally to show open again, these updated kitchens will Sponsorships, Donations and Promenade Park as an inclusive collabora- provide more flexibility in options and Grants Summary tion made possible by private citizens service to area children. Individuals have Generous donations and gifts given to and foundations. given extra gifts to assure that programs will continue once the pandemic is over. the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Area foundations provided significant Department this year were from commu- support, including AWS, Auer, English Funding from the Park Foundation and nity-oriented individuals, foundations and Bonter Mitchell, PNC Charitable Trusts, the NE Indiana Regional Development corporations. As always, we are so grate- Mimi & Ian Rolland and Journal Gazette. Authority totaled $1,908,120 this year ful to our generous community! Multiple Dozens of small businesses supported to pay for Promenade Park construction. facilities and programs benefited, includ- events and numerous individuals donat- Donations for the entire year of 2020 ing the Community Center, the Foellinger- ed for memorials in honor of their friends totaled $3,021,899. Freimann Botanical Conservatory, Lifetime and family. Sports Academy, Salomon Farm Park and Each year we are grateful and humbled its new covered bridge, and numerous The year 2020 will be remembered by the willingness of others to help make Memorial trees and benches in various for the many difficulties caused by the our park system the best in the region. parks. COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest. Thank you from all of the Fort Wayne Parks The Department’s community and youth and Recreation staff and participants.

14 Annual Report 2020 Sponsorships, Grants & Gifts: Top 50 NAME AMOUNT PROJECT NE IN Regional Development Authority $1,292,620.00 Riverfront Development NE IN Regional Development Authority $442,500.00 Riverfront Development Allen County Fort Wayne Capital Improvement Board $250,000.00 F-F Botanical Conservatory Connector Project Fort Wayne Park Foundation $173,000.00 Riverfront Development Fort Wayne Park Foundation $155,280.00 Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory Auer Foundation $123,000.00 Salomon Farm Park Covered Bridge Northeastern IN Regional Coordinating Council $100,000.00 Riverfront Development Fort Wayne Park Foundation $56,364.00 Freimann Square Downtown Improvement District $29,850.00 Downtown Planters Fort Wayne Park Foundation $28,958.00 Lifetime Sports Academy Fort Wayne Park Foundation $26,343.00 Lindenwood Nature Preserve Fort Wayne Park Foundation $25,737.00 Buckner Park Auer Foundation $25,000.00 Lifetime Sports Academy Fort Wayne Park Foundation $17,973.00 Salomon Farm Park City of Fort Wayne Public Works $17,500.00 Tree Replacement Fort Wayne Park Foundation $16,928.00 Courthouse Green NE IN Regional Development Authority $15,122.00 Lebamoff Reservoir Park Rain Garden Journal Gazette Foundation $12,500.00 Lifetime Sports Academy Turnstone $12,000.00 McMillen Park basketball court English, Bonter, Mitchell Foundation $10,000.00 Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory Auer Foundation $10,000.00 Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory Downtown Improvement District $7,930.00 Downtown Planters Community Harvest Food Bank $7,700 Youth Centers Rolland Foundation $7,500.00 Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory Fort Wayne Park Foundation $6,000.00 Great Tree Canopy Comeback PNC Charitable Trusts $5,500.00 Jehl Park Fort Wayne Park Foundation $5,086.00 Foellinger Theatre Fawley, Robert $5,000.00 Foster Golf Course tree maintenance Streeter, Robert & Donna $5,000.00 Memorial benche & Trees ME Raker Foundation $5,000.00 Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory Fort Wayne Park Foundation $4,947.00 Kids Crossing PNC Charitable Trusts $4,500.00 Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory Downtown Improvement District $4,400.00 Leveling of tree grates within Downtown Fort Wayne Metals $4,400.00 Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory Marvin & Marva Komisarow Foundation $4,261.00 Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory FitLot, Inc. $4,010.00 Community Center Steininger, Don $4,000.00 Salomon Homestead Fort Wayne/Allen County Community Center Foundation $3,870.00 Community Center Miller, Brian $3,800.00 Disc Golf St. Joseph River Watershed Initiative $3,750.00 Salomon Farm Park - Drainage Swale Grant Turnstone $3,564.58 McMillen Park Basketball Courts Community Foundation - Conservateers $3,340.00 Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory Sankofa Benefit $2,658.00 F-FBC Woody & the Wormhole Restoration Fort Wayne Park Foundation $2,442.00 Salon Park Fort Wayne Park Foundation $2,166.00 Riverfront Development AWS $2,150.00 Riverfront Sensory programs Franklin Electric $2,000.00 Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory Scales, William & Kylee $2,000.00 Lifetime Sports Academy Ft. Wayne/Allen County Community Center Foundation $1,900.00 Community Center T-E Incorporated $1,500.00 Unrestricted Parks For a complete list of 2020 donations visit Total sponsorships, grants & gifts for 2020 $3,012,899.00 www.fortwayneparks.org. 15 Board of Park Commissioners Grounds & Improvements 2020 Accomplishments 2020 brought several changes to our operations and how we look at cleaning and maintaining. We found ourselves in the middle of a pandemic that would affect so many departments and so many people. The cleaning staff had to change how we clean things as well as how to keep our visitors safe. Maintenance Technicians spent time on getting Plexiglas barriers installed at our facilities that are open to the public to keep all involved safe. Shannon Reddinger moved from MainTrac Coordinator to Payroll Specialist and Nicole Roth left her job as Gardener at Lakeside to ac- cept the job as MainTrac Coordinator at the Lawton Park Maintenance Office. The following reports are the accomplishments for Project Administration, Facilities, Trades, Grounds, and Safety and Operations for 2020:

Project Administration The Project Administration Department attended the Great Lakes The Project Administration Section is responsible for design, Parks Training at Pokagon State Park in February. The project co- engineering, technical assistance, cost estimating, project ordinators participated in virtual playground safety training and management, and project inspection either directly or through completed certification exams in Indianapolis in the fall. Multiple the procurement of consulting Architects, Engineers or Land- webinars and virtual learning experiences occurred throughout scape Architects. The staff also assists with short and long range the year. Project intern, Ahmed Gaballa, left his position in April planning, implementation of special projects and assignments, and accepted a full time position in Indianapolis. This position is graphic presentation production and administers most of the planned to be filled in early 2021. Department’s capital improvements projects. The staff consisted The Project Administration Department provided many utility of a Supervisor, two Project Technicians and one Engineering locate services for construction, landscape and buildings and Intern. grounds projects.

16 Annual Report 2020

Project administration completed the following projects in 2020: Facilities and Trades The goal of the Facilities/Trades and Grounds Staff is to provide • Bob Arnold Northside Park Ball Diamond Fence Replacement “outstanding services” to each park as required. The Facilities/ • Buckner Park LWCF Trail Project Design Trades section consists of one Supervisor, one Working Leader, • Community Center Roof Design nine Park Person C’s, two Relief Persons, eight Maintenance Tech- • Downtown Containerized Displays nicians, one security person, and two Utility Seasonal employ- • Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory Connector Security ees. These employees deal with a multitude of tasks. Cameras • Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory Roof Replacement The Facilities staff deals with things such as cleaning and arrang- • Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory Roof Design ing setups for rental pavilions, cleaning public restroom facilities, • Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory Fountain Liner picking up and disposing of litter from all park sites. This team • Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory Building Assess- also assists the Grounds Management Division in winter with ment snow removal at our rental pavilions, and many of our other • Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory Glass Roof Assess- facilities throughout the department. The Facilities staff was busy ment in 2020 with 1,876 pavilion rentals. This is down 657 rentals • Foellinger Theatre Spot Light Bay Renovation from 2019 which is due to the buildings being shut down during • Foellinger Theatre Drainage Structure Improvements the COVID-19 pandemic. Rentals were suspended from March • Foster Park Golf Course Pro Shop Lighting 15 thru June 1 and November 23 thru December 30, which • Foster Park Golf Pro Shop Interior and Exterior Improvements resulted in the loss. Facility staff also conducts annual cleans in • Foster Park Drainage Swale at Volleyball Courts all recreation centers, which are McMillen Community Center, • Franke Park Road Pavement Patching Weisser Recreation Center, Jennings Center, Cooper Center, and • Franklin Park Roof Replacement Design the downtown Community Center. These events are designed to • Franklin Park Roof Replacement Construction thoroughly clean areas of the buildings that are not cleaned on • Franklin Park Arch #1 Repair a daily or weekly basis. Areas such as ceiling joists, light lenses, • Indian Village Sears Pavilion Roof Improvements and HVAC vents, will all get a deep clean. Both Weisser and Jen- • Jennings Center LED Lighting Upgrades nings Centers also get a fresh coat of wax on specific floors. • Johnny Appleseed Park Boardwalk Abutment Repair • Johnny Appleseed Park New Restroom Improvements The Trades staff deals with repairs throughout the Parks Depart- • Kettler Park Open-Air Pavilion Improvements ment. The Maintenance Techs are in charge of ensuring park • Kreager Park Soccer Fields Irrigation fixtures, playgrounds, buildings, and utilities are in safe, opera- • Kreager Park Signage Improvements tional order. Each spring, the exterior restrooms, and drinking • Kreager Park Barn Structural Engineering Services fountains have the water turned back on with care and attention • Lawton Park Sign Improvements paid to ensure that they are in working condition. The spring • McMillen Park Basketball Court Painting time is also when all three pools are prepped and opened for • McMillen Park Golf Course Drainage the year. Preparation includes repainting the Northside Pool and • Memorial Park Pavilion Terrace spray structure as well as the spray structure at McMillen Pool. • Memorial Park Monument Sign The three pools have all electrical and plumbing components • Northside & McMillen Pool Site Improvements checked and prepared for the season. Each fall these processes • Northside Pool Building Improvements are reversed so the facilities and services can be winterized for • Northside Pool Picnic Tables and Benches the winter shut down. • Northside Pool Slides Restoration In 2020, the Maintenance Technicians had 2,328 work orders/ • Promenade Park Playground Barrier Fence requests for the year, with a total of 239 alarm repairs, 18 appli- • Promenade Park Storage Building ance repairs, 180 building repairs, 254 carpentry projects, 450 • Promenade Park Restroom Building light repairs, 312 electrical repairs, 99 HVAC calls, 126 lock/key • Reservoir Park Playground Equipment Replacement repairs, 195 play equipment repairs, 324 plumbing repairs, 112 • Reservoir Park Cooper Center Improvements sign repairs, and 19 vandalism repairs. This year, the maintenance • Reservoir Park Parking Lot Rain Garden team was also tasked with installing brand new holiday light • Rivergreenway Roosevelt Boardwalk Repair Design displays on McMillen Community Center, Weisser Park Recreation • Rivergreenway Roosevelt Boardwalk Construction Center, Jennings Recreational Center, and Cooper Recreation • Salomon Farm Topographic Survey Center. These displays will become a yearly installation.. • Salomon Farm Livestock Fence Improvements • Salomon Farm Covered Bridge The Facilities and Trades Manager is also in charge of overseeing • Salomon Farm Covered Bridge Design annual maintenance contracts for HVAC, boilers and manage- • Shoaff Park Golf Pro Shop Exterior Improvements ment of contract services for: alarm systems, filter replacement, • Utility locate services for various department projects electrical, plumbing, painting, roofs and fence repairs, as well as helping cover the 383 after-hours calls. 17 Board of Park Commissioners

Safety and Operations Support The year was an exceptionally difficult Thirty five employee injury incidents Safety and Operations Support provides for maintenance operations due to wet were recorded. Most prevalent injury logistical and safety support for the vari- weather. Over 1,562 automotive and was lacerations/punctures - all minor. ous divisions of the Parks and Recreation preventive maintenance work orders Seasonal employees accounted for 13 Department. Major functions include were completed on equipment and injuries. Seventeen (17) injuries required storeroom operations and inventory con- vehicles in the department. Significant medical treatment, 12 of which were trol, automotive and equipment repair, new vehicle/ equipment purchases for OSHA recordable. Four incidents tallied property accounting and control, risk the year were: two Toro 5910 large area 27 restricted days. There were no lost management, safety training and logistical mowers, eight Carry All gas or electric workdays for the year. Total worker com- support of department programs and utility carts, a Toro Groundsmaster 1200 pensation costs for the year to date are functions. A storekeeper and courier/ towed finish mower, a Ford service truck, $12,380 (previous year was $11,642). storeroom assistant keep the storeroom three Ford dump trucks, two Ford pickup Twenty one vehicle/equipment/property and courier functions running. Automo- trucks, a Ford cargo van, a John Deere damage incidents were recorded, 13 of tive and equipment repairs are per- tractor, two John Deere Progators, two which were preventable. Nine instances formed by a garage working leader and John Deere 2700E greens mowers and a resulted in repair costs to department three fleet mechanics. Smithco turf roller. vehicles and equipment totaling $9,640. The storeroom ordered and delivered Safety and Operations presented training The most expensive was a truck/deer ac- materials and supplies in support of for General Safety, First Aid, Cardiopul- cident which cost $6,400. numerous department programs and monary Resuscitation and Automatic projects throughout the year, including in External Defibrillation, Stormwater Pollu- Grounds Maintenance response to the COVID-19 threat. COVID tion Prevention, Bloodborne Pathogens, The Grounds section consists of one Su- related purchases of personal protec- Chainsaw Safety and various equipment pervisor, three Heavy Equipment Opera- tive equipment, sanitizing machines and operation classes. In July, the Department tors, three Working Leaders, ten Grounds sanitizer totaled over $100,700 by year’s passed the annual Stormwater Pollution Team Members and six Relief Persons. end. Our stock inventory items included Prevention inspection of our maintenance The Grounds employees also deal with a approximately 2,148 lines of high usage facilities and pools by the CofFW Regula- multitude of tasks. and critical repair parts and supplies. End tory Compliance manager. Heavy Equipment operations used over of year stock value was $64,466. 120 tons of bulk salt and Grounds opera-

18 Annual Report 2020 tions applied over 5 tons of bagged ing. We applied nearly 26,000 pounds of pavilions, Memorial Park pavilion, Franke salt on drives, lots and internal walks fertilizer to small parks, larger general park Park pavilions, and the Foellinger Theater. and entrances at various park locations, areas and athletic fields; applied over 90 pavilions and centers. This includes Franke gallons of non-selective herbicide mixed American Elevator was hired to do the Park, Bob Arnold Northside Park, Psi Ote in 3870 gallons of water to 215 acres monthly and yearly elevator inspections. Pavilion, Sears Pavilion, Foster West and of park grounds at various sites; applied Hometown Pest Control was hired to Pawster Park, Salomon Farm Learning 35.16 gallons of selective broadleaf her- spray in our facilities as well as remove Center, Shoaff Riverlodge Pavilion, the bicide in 3000 gallons of water to nearly hazardous insect nests in the parks trees. Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conserva- 70 acres of athletic fields and general tory, the downtown Community Center, park areas at selected sites. Grounds Dan Shaw was hired to remove and Freimann Square, Courthouse Green, also performed 1912.85 hours related install the shade canopies at Shoaff, Swinney Homestead, Lawton Complex, to tasks involving trimming overgrowth Jennings Center, and Buckner Park. Dan Jennings Center, Weisser Center, Coo- along the River Greenway, clearing under was also hired to repair the poured in per Center and McMillen Center. They growth along the Rivergreenway, split- place material at our playgrounds on an performed 846.3 hours of related snow ting wood at Franke Maintenance Dump as-needed basis. removal tasks at various park and facility area and stump removal at various parks. Extra Clean was hired to clean the Parks locations and Rivergreenway paths. 460.5 hours were spent doing flood and Recreation administrative offices. cleanup in the parks and along the River- Heavy Equipment operations performed greenway. Allied Mechanical completed all back- 490.9 hours of excavation tasks and flow preventer inspections as well as re- projects relating to various types of tile Crews performed 848.5 hours of trans- pairs to HVAC systems at Weisser Center, and drain work, irrigation, water line portation duties. This includes provid- Swinney Homestead, and Sears Pavilion. and sewer line repairs, minor excavat- ing transport and hauling services for Allied was also responsible for the Parks ing, grading and concrete projects. They golf course equipment each winter and Preventative Maintenance schedule and performed 567.95 hours of tasks and spring, as well as, on an as-needed basis repairing any P-tac units at the administra- projects related to hauling, spreading for maintenance and repair services. tive office. Allied also reconnected the stone, filling holes, grading lots, drives We also transported and hauled equip- drinking fountain at the Reservoir Park and boat launches at Salomon Farm, ment to and from the Johnny Appleseed playground. Lawton Park, Franke Park, Hurshtown Campground, Hurshtown Reservoir, Reservoir, Foellinger Theater, Johnny Ap- Lindenwood Nature Center and Salomon Hambrock was hired to remove and pleseed Park, Shoaff Park and Guldlin Park. Farm. 1308.55 hours were spent repair- install new poles for basketball lighting at Heavy Equipment and Grounds opera- ing, maintaining, and servicing equipment the Jennings Center. tions performed a combined 3,429.63 which includes 16 foot large area mow- hours of hauling and debris removal tasks, ers, 60 and 72 inch zero turn mowers, Strebig was hired to remove and reinstall which includes hauling various products chainsaws, spin trimmers, push mowers, a drop ceiling at the Cooper Center. such as wood chips, fibar mulch for play- and related parts. The setup, repair, and S&E construction was hired to install grounds, ball diamond material, stone, general maintenance or our portable pipe gates at Foster West, Shoaff golf sand, topsoil, compost, debris piles and irrigation systems totaled 504.88 hours. clubhouse, and along the Rivergreenway Zoo refuse. Training, meetings, shop, bullpen clean by Shoaff Park. ups, and building cleaning encompassed Grounds crews performed 12,340.97 1408.52 hours. Res Electric was hired to install new hours of mowing, spin trimming and lights and power at the Harris Road Barn blowing off hard surfaces. They maintain Contracted Projects and install power for Christmas lights at nearly 1,000 acres of park grounds on a Koehlinger Kruse was contracted to mon- Cooper Center. At Jennings Center, they 6 to 8 day mowing cycle. We had 350 itor and/or repair alarms at the Botanical changed all the lighting inside and out hours of litter pick up in parks; 1,107.26 Conservatory, Franke Theater, Lawton to LED, they also installed new basket- hours of limb cleanup; 1381.73 hours of Greenhouse, McMillen Community Center, ball court lights. They installed new LED trash removal services; 2467.79 hours of and McMillen Golf Clubhouse. pathway lighting, LED parking lot lights, combined tasks related to the mainte- and new LED lights on the tennis courts at nance of general turf areas, athletics fields VFP Fire Systems were able to complete Weisser Center. Res Electric was also hired and ball diamond maintenance. This the annual inspections for: Community to install new LED lighting in the gym, includes spraying, fertilizing, hydro mulch- Center, McMillen Community Center, green room, and concession seating area ing, seeding, watering, mowing, aerating, Weisser Center, Jennings Center, Cooper at McMillen Community Center. working and lining ball diamonds and Center, Salomon Farm buildings, admin- athletic fields, including layout and set istrative offices, Northside Pool, Bob Ar- up of athletic fields per event schedul- nold Northside Park pavilions, Shoaff Park

19 Board of Park Commissioners Park Planning 2020 Accomplishments Planning may continue to serve as areas of respite, site/north of Superior Street. JPR, a local Park planning is important as it defines, wellness, gathering, and inclusivity. design firm, was awarded the contract. quantifies, and visually represents our They have since carried the project Design Development for Phase II River- through design development, with con- best intentions as stewards of the parks. front Development did not gain much There are many park users, advocates struction documents and permitting to ground in 2020. The project consultant, be completed in 2021. and stakeholders who propose improve- David Rubin Land Collective, was asked ments and projects, thus we must be to put the project on hold in March due Groundbreaking took place in December prepared to respond and react based to budgetary constraints stemming from for a new restroom building on the north on established goals. The planning report the pandemic. However, the Neighbor- side of Promenade Park adjacent to Har- below highlights much of the coordina- hood and Infrastructure Master Plan was rison Street. This project, conceptualized tion necessary to best serve the interests completed through coordination be- in the initial design for Promenade, will of the public and our park system. tween various city departments and Land be a welcome and necessary addition to This year presented many challenges, Collective. Design Development for Phase the park, providing facilities for patrons including those presented by COVID-19, II has been given approval to resume in near the playground, north dock, and social injustice protests, and the effects January 2021, and we eagerly await the Rivergreenway. Completion is anticipated of climate change. Impacts from each of process to continue for the design of this in April 2021. portion of the Riverfront District. these varied between individuals, groups, Master planning efforts continued for a organizations, and regions, but were felt One area that originally fell within the number of neighborhood parks. Resi- to some degree nonetheless; our depart- contract for Phase II Riverfront Develop- dents from the neighborhoods surround- ment was not an exception. Parks and ment was the former Headwaters West ing Packard, Brewer, Hanna Homestead Recreation Planning in particular faced park space, located immediately east of and Moody Parks had come forward in changes in the physical work environ- Harrison Street on the south bank of the 2019 advocating for improvements. A ment and unexpected budgetary and St. Marys River. It was determined to be planning process was established, includ- project schedule alterations, and has led in the best interest of the city to proceed ing the formation of steering commit- to a reexamination of the potential use with design of this space as part of a tees, gathering community input, and the of parks space as it relates to health and separate agreement in order to prepare development of guiding principles for social issues. It is through these lenses for construction in conjunction with the each park. Plans have been completed that we can remain optimistic that parks forthcoming development south of the and adopted for Packard and Brewer,

20 Annual Report 2020 while input has been gathered and principles established for Moody. Input is on course to be gathered for planning at Hanna Homestead. Cost estimating and funding will be determined as planning progresses. Bidding and construction for the St. Marys Streambank Stabilization Project was put on hold due to budgetary con- straints stemming from the pandemic. This project will continue stabilization of the heavily eroded left bank of the St. Marys River adjacent to the Old Fort, protect- ing the base of the pedestrian bridge extending from Headwaters Park and making improvements to species habitat through the establishment of native riparian plant species. We are hopeful to continue the designed/permitted project in 2021. Planning staff has continued to coordi- NBA All-star grant to complete a new ments. A visual screen was established nate with City Utilities staff as the Deep mural on four basketball courts at McMil- in the fall through the planting of several Rock Tunnel and Sewer Consolidation len Park. evergreen trees on the property’s north- Projects carry on. Drop shaft locations are eastern boundary. currently under construction at East Cen- Following the awarding of a $250,000 tral, Headwaters West, Guldlin and Foster Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant, Landscape and Horticulture Parks, and impacts to each park have work began in earnest on the Buckner The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation been regularly reviewed and discussed Park Trail Project. The project will result in Department has a proud tradition of throughout the process. The largest the completion of a trail from Bass Road exceptional development and mainte- impact has arguably been on Foster Park to the northern end of the park. Seating nance of landscape and horticultural where vehicular and pedestrian routes will be located along the trail and within displays throughout the system. From into the park were disrupted for much of an open-air pavilion, while native vegeta- stunning annual beds at Freimann Square, the year, significantly impacting aesthetics, tion will be enhanced and established Courthouse Green, Foster Park, Swinney golf operations, and general accessibil- along the trail’s route. Construction is Park, Foellinger Theatre in Franke Park, and ity. Planning for a redesign of the park currently anticipated for late 2021. Lakeside Park, to pastoral parklands with entrance will continue into 2021. A new rain garden was designed and open vistas and mature tree canopies. It A ‘Born Learning Trail’ was completed at constructed at the north end of Reser- is always our goal to maintain this tradition McMillen Park this year. The project, pro- voir Park along Creighton Avenue. Runoff of care, with available funding allocated posed and coordinated by United Way from the adjacent parking lot is directed for that purpose. of Allen County, aims to provide learning into the rain garden via curb cuts. Native In 2020, the Lawton Park Greenhouse opportunities for pre-K children and their vegetation, including sedges, grasses, staff and volunteers produced 32,147 caretakers by offering a series of activities and a small variety of perennial flowers plants of 237 different varieties for floral along a designated trail in the park. Bilin- work in concert with the soils to allow for displays in the parks throughout Fort gual signs outline the steps for each activ- storm water infiltration and beautification. Wayne. Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Con- ity, while custom painted murals, com- The project was made possible by grant servatory Showcase plant production for pleted by art education students from dollars received through the Great Lakes the six floral changes included: the University of Saint Francis, provide an Restoration Initiative (GLRI). interactive element. This project illustrates • Winter Show - 1,423 pots a successful example of partnership Following the acceptance of the Thomas • Spring Show - 3,625 pots of bulbs between each contributing group. Road property in northern Allen County, • Butterfly Show - 1,562 pots of annuals planning began to make changes as • 2nd Summer Show - 4,993 pots Parks and Recreation planning staff part- agreed upon with the current property nered with Turnstone Center for Children owners. Staff walked the property and • Holiday Show - 3,210 pots & Adults with Disabilities to secure an discussed short term plans for improve- 21 Board of Park Commissioners

move Honeysuckle, as well as seed a na- tive understory vegetation mix in all areas where Honeysuckle has been removed over the past three years. Multiple other parks properties had a total of 316 trees planted as part of our replacement pro- gram including: Swinney Park Disc Golf Course, Thomas Nature Sanctuary, Indian Village Park, South Harrison Blvd, Shoaff Park Frisbee Golf Course, Forest Park Blvd, Lawton Park, Bob Arnold Northside Park, Johnny Appleseed Park Campground, Salomon Farm Park, Reservoir Park, Buck- ner Park, Wells Street Park, Lakeside Park, Eastbrook/Westbrook Blvd, and Franklin School Park. Some of this year’s landscape projects included the replacement of the Heart Arbor in the Foster Park Bridal Glen and Approximately 3,960 plants were sold The School Children’s Flower & Veg- the landscape around the new outdoor at the Tulip Tree Gift Shop and Sales etable Association (SCFVA) program was fitness park at the downtown Community Garden and 909 plants were sold at the another challenge since schools were Center. Home & Garden Show. The Mother’s shut down. Seed sales began in January Day Plant Sale sold approximately 19,387 with 609 packets sold. Normal distri- Riparian Management containers of plants. The few remaining bution of the packets by each SCFVA The work completed by the Riparian Divi- plants were sold at the Conservatory Gift Chairperson is in early April and all but sion improves the riverine environment Shop and Sales Garden and used for an one order was sent to the students. With and usability of the local rivers for our pa- herb and vegetable planting at Freimann the assistance from the Fort Wayne Com- trons through the implementation of the Square. A portion of the leftovers were munity Schools Maintenance Manager we Riparian Management Plan. This includes also donated to various non-profit farms were able to get most of the plants to addressing the rivers’ waters during their throughout the city with a large portion 35 FWCS locations for distribution when changing levels as well as stewardship going to the Johnny Mae Farm. the students picked up their belongings of the adjacent land along the riverbanks in May. For the remaining 27 Southwest The COVID pandemic created some and providing education opportunities Allen County, parochial and private challenges for the greenhouse in 2020. and safe access to the river banks and schools, SCFVA Chairpersons, volunteers, With many department employees work- channel. and school staff found creative ways to ing remotely and volunteers not allowed get the plants to students. In all, approxi- KayeC Jones was hired as the new in the facility, a small team of employees mately 16,000 plants were distributed Riparian Supervisor following Dan Wire’s continued to work in the greenhouse to to students. A few schools managed to retirement in May. KayeC had served as keep production going. Plant production have Plant, Flower and Vegetable Shows a seasonal employee since the division’s for all areas begins 9 months to 1 year when school resumed in August, some founding, and brings a great level of ex- prior to installations, so plants for the But- even into late September. There was no perience and determination to the job. terfly Show were already in production citywide Blue Ribbon Show. when the pandemic began. Although the The work barge was used to remove Summer 1 Show (butterfly display) at the This year’s tree plantings were a success over 113 tons of logs creating navigation- Conservatory was not installed in April, again, with a total of 366 trees planted in al hazards on the rivers. One hazard in those plants were used for the Mother’s the parks alone. The Great Tree Canopy particular was an extremely large cotton- Day Plant Sale and the parks. Thanks to Comeback (GTCC), supported through wood tree that had toppled over with quick planning from the Botanical Conser- volunteer efforts and our partnership the root ball still attached from the bank vatory staff, the Mother’s Day Plant Sale with Friends of the Parks, accounted for of the Old Fort to the center of the river. continued as an online sale with plants 50 of these trees. Our focus this year Riparian crews were able to removed the sold directly out of the greenhouse. As was on Vesey Park and Casselwood Park. tree with the help of the forestry crew. the Plant Sale grew closer, we had invalu- Quantities and locations of GTCC trees Docks and ramps were kept clear from able assistance from employees from included 40 at Casselwood and 10 at debris, silt and litter throughout the year. other areas. Vesey. Along with planting trees in Vesey The crew worked hard to remove the Park, GTCC volunteers continued to re- 22 Annual Report 2020 most man-made materials from the river cooperation with the drone operators, department where the kids learned since the department began. After taking we also began mapping the rivers for about what the riparian department does a few days recording the weight of man- the riparian crew and possibly for any to clean the rivers, water quality, invasive made debris and litter removed from recreational user in the future. species and a little of Fort Wayne history. the rivers, we estimated approximately 18,720 pounds of debris has been To better educate and inform the public Due to the concerns of social distanc- removed this year. on the waterways and to improve boater ing, there were only three volunteer safety, three types of buoys were suc- outings targeting invasive species Asian Outflow booms were also installed for cessfully deployed for the first recreation- Bush Honeysuckle, Buckthorn and Tree of the first time this August in three loca- al season: slow/no wake buoys, warning Heaven. Over six tons of these inva- tions on the St Marys River: Ewing St. buoys and dam warning buoys. The dam sives were removed from Headwaters Bridge, Bloomingdale Park and Main St warning buoys were used at Hosey dam, Park and Spy Run Creek in Brookview Bridge. Clearing the floatables from the City Utilities dam and Leo-Cedarville dam. neighborhood. These volunteer efforts waterways will be more efficient with The warning buoys were deployed at included 34 volunteers and 136 man the installation of booms as they catch Promenade Park flanking the North dock hours, totaling $2,040.00 of volunteer floatables coming out of the outflows to prevent motor boats from collid- labor. Riparian staff continued invasive during rain events. ing with the seawall. The slow/no wake removal in Brookview neighborhood/ buoys were deployed downstream from Spy Run Creek, Guldlin Park, Blooming- This was the first year we contracted out Harrison Bridge and upstream from Ewing dale Park, and Vesey Park. Total invasive the installation and removal of the docks. Bridge. removal was more than 31 tons. Installation was successful, and removals of the docks were mostly successful, but Public education presentations included Celebrating the one year anniversary due to fluctuating river levels, the kayak general public information, the annual of Promenade Park with the “River, Set, launch at Promenade was left in the river Home & Garden Show Riparian pre- Go!”event allowed the riparian staff to at the advice of the contractor. sentation in February, and media story showcase our rivers once again by assist- about log removal (WANE TV and Journal ing with the floating stages, cauldrons of The vines planted in the containers in Gazette). We provided barge rides for fire, kayak parade and floating yoga. the rip rap along St. Joseph Boulevard kids in cooperation with the recreation proved successful for another year. More mulch and plants were added, and maintenance was completed all year. The greenway has been greatly enhanced for its users as well as the boaters along the St. Joseph River. Viewsheds along the rivers were maintained with tree pruning and invasive species removal. This was the first year we were able to addle goose eggs as part of our herbivo- ry management plan. We found 29 nests with 162 eggs, most of which were off St Joe River and within Swinney Park. We will continue addling eggs within the down- town area to better control the goose population as it is an effective method. The crew continued protecting the trees by using hardware cloth and sand paint as both methods prove to effectively protect our large downtown river area trees from herbivory damage. With the lowest drop of the river levels in recent years, the crew was able to scout for any navigational hazards that would normally be covered by the river. This includes Johnny Appleseed boat ramp, notorious for being a rocky launch. In

23 Board of Park Commissioners

Forestry and leadership has proven to be an asset tree inspection from a Tree Risk Assess- Whether in our parks or along our streets, to our department in this short amount ment Qualified arborist. This inspection trees are an integral part of our city’s of time. resulted in 674 street trees identified character and infrastructure. Forestry for removal, and all of these trees were We contracted to removed 680 stumps strives to provide welcoming, safe and removed in 2020. Forestry crews also in 2020, with an additional 198 currently functioning public spaces. A healthy removed 61 trees from the parks and 37 under contract. Our recent allocation of urban canopy maximizes the environ- trees that were struck by vehicles. additional resources for stump removal mental, social, and economic benefits has proven to be a success. Forestry This year’s tree planting was a success. that trees provide. received very few calls concerning tree In total, 1,154 trees were planted in our 2020 proved to be a challenging year for stumps remaining for longer than our parks and along our streets. A long- the Forestry team. Spring started with an residents expect. standing partnership with Friends of the altered Arbor Day celebration during the Parks of Allen County made it possible Maintaining a pruning cycle is a criti- week of April 24. Because area schools to plant 50 of these trees in our parks cal component of our urban forestry were closed, nearly 1000 seedling with volunteers as part of the Great Tree management plan. Routine maintenance Chinkapin oak trees intended for distri- Canopy Comeback. results in a healthier tree canopy and an bution to Fort Wayne area third graders improved tree structure to better with- This department views continuing were offered to area residents. Our For- stand stresses from wind, ice, and rain. education as an essential component in estry Team set up at four different parks Without a structured maintenance sched- providing our residents with consistently on consecutive days for contactless ule, we could expect far more forestry- improved service. This year offered lim- pickup. While this was not the original related urgent response requests and, ited opportunity for in-person learning. plan, residents were excited to be out ultimately, significantly increased main- Forestry staff was able to earn Continuing getting free trees. Including this in future tenance costs. Forestry crews pruned Education Units by attending virtual train- Arbor Day activities will be considered. 2,150 trees in 2020. Because street tree ing seminars. The Arbor Day Foundation recognized pruning requires additional face to face Storms were not a significant issue for the City of Fort Wayne’s commitment to contact with homeowners, our pruning forestry this year. Crews removed 106 our urban canopy by naming us a Tree efforts were significantly impacted by storm damaged limbs/hanging limbs from City for the 30th year in a row. We also COVID-19. Forestry responded to 1,009 the right of way. received the Growth Award for the 15th Citizen 311 tickets in 2020 while consis- consecutive year. The Growth Award tently scoring above a 95% satisfaction highlights innovative programs/projects rating. and an increased commitment of re- It is impossible to maintain trees free of sources for urban forestry. risk. Some risk must be accepted to ex- Tony McGuire was hired as our Forestry perience the benefits that trees provide. Supervisor in September. Tony’s exper- We try to keep this risk as low as reason- tise in customer service, tree care safety, ably practicable by completing a level 1

24 Annual Report 2020 Community Outreach & Conservatory/Theatre Operations 2020 Accomplishments Foellinger-Freimann Botanical • The “Present Tense, Future Calm” theme The silver lining of the 2020 pandemic Conservatory turned out to be extremely apropos experience for the Botanical Conserva- As with all divisions, the staff and volun- as the next garden to launch after the tory was a revolution to our business teers of the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory’s closure but still in the model transforming the on-site, in-person Conservatory stepped up to the chal- midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mother’s Day Plant Sale into a success- lenge of providing aesthetic beauty, Seating and message stones through- ful, zero-contact fund raiser. The event education, and recreational opportunities out the garden marked each distinct was safely implemented with online sales for Fort Wayne’s residents and visitors garden “room” and encouraged visitors and curbside pickup out of Lawton Park in a safe and inviting environment. While to participate with all their senses in a Greenhouse. 1,442 customers placed or- all other city buildings were closed to slowed and reflective pace and restor- ders for 19,387 plants from the comfort customers from November 23, 2020 ative setting. and safety of their homes, made appoint- into January of 2021, the Conservatory ments for pick-up and received their • For the holiday season, the Conserva- plants via a touch-less drive-through fulfill- remained open to the public preserving tory branched out a bit with “Oh? holiday traditions like visits with the live ment system. Customers were extremely Christmas Tree.” Twenty-eight cultural positive about the shopping experience reindeer, and family photos by the poin- and historical versions of a Christmas settia tree while hosting 7,312 guests. saying that they hoped that the Conser- “tree” were represented, both indoors vatory would retain the new business In 2020, our famous spokes-tree, Woody and out, with festive music and lighting model, post pandemic. Gross sales were the Talking Tree received a sprucing up. to guide visitors through the experi- $77,068 which was about 20% less than Over the past 20+ years, Woody had ence. Special “selfie” photo oppor- 2019, a noteworthy success given the been “loved to pieces,” quite literally tunities saw frequent use throughout challenges of the pandemic. by our young visitors. Thanks to gener- the season, and we were grateful to ous donations from the Fort Wayne Park be one of a small handful of facilities The Conservatory received generous Foundation and numerous friends of the able to stay open during the COVID-19 grants from the Rolland Foundation, the facility we were able to invite the original resurgence. Auer Foundation, PNC Charitable Trusts, the Arnold Foundation, the ME Raker creators back to Fort Wayne to make • Based on the Indiana Governor’s repairs and improvements. With the help Foundation, the Wilson Foundation, restrictions, the “Miracle of Flight” live the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, of Taylor Studios, Woody is his old self butterfly exhibit was canceled. again and back on duty greeting visitors Franklin Electric Foundation, the Magee- to the gardens with his cheerful smile and O’Connor Foundation, the Marvin and wry humor. Marva Komisarow Foundation, NIPSCO, Ever changing exhibits are at the core of the Conservatory’s mission and contin- ued to attract guest throughout the year. • The “Dog Days of Winter” display invited children to imagine life as a pet and included dog agility course equip- ment for kids to play on. As usual, many young families bought member- ships in order to enjoy time away from home in a relaxed atmosphere while their offspring let off some of their pent up energy.

25 Board of Park Commissioners and the Fort Wayne Park Foundation as Foellinger Theatre involved Theatre staff intimately involved well as many private gifts and donations. At the Foellinger Theatre, requirements for in the development of two productions Media sponsors Majic 95.1, 97.3 WMEE, social distancing caused the postpone- for the first time in over 30 years. The ABC21, PBS Fort Wayne, WBOI, WXKE, ment of all commercial shows well into Civic staff and volunteers also stepped and WANE 15 were also instrumental 2021. It simply was not possible to oper- outside of their comfort zone working in to a successful 2020 for the facility. Our ate the 2,751-seat facility with less than an outdoor environment, and a unique thanks go out to all our supporters. 400 tickets sold. We are very pleased situation. Together we invited a jubilant that all 2020 acts willingly rescheduled audience, many of whom were first time Looking ahead, the facility will be embark- into the next year and many new acts visitors to the Foellinger Theatre, to take ing on a strategic plan to guide opera- have reserved dates for the up-coming in a show. 1,288 guests attended a total tions well into the future as well as a full season. of 6 performances of the upbeat and assessment of the physical plant that will boisterous musical Legally Blonde in Au- guide capital improvements and major However, even with the challenges of gust, and another group of 1,214 guests repairs. In the coming year, another very 2020, the Theatre posted a triumphant enjoyed 6 performances of a rousing popular, but time worn exhibit will see a season. 2,661 patrons enjoyed the rendition of the patriotic musical 1776 in much-needed facelift – the worm tunnel, thrill of live performance under a starry September. which teaches children about soil and its summer sky that might not have been inhabitants will premiere a fresh look in possible in another location. Because of It is our belief that the Foellinger The- the first quarter of 2021. Later in the year, the need for social distancing, the Fort atre was one of the first theatres in the a stunning installation of public art called Wayne Civic Theatre was unable to per- Midwest (and possibly the country) “Megaflora” created by local artist, Cary form in its normal home – the Arts United with fixed seating to offer safe, socially Shafer will welcome visitors and serve as Center. Instead, they took their show on distanced live performances during the a place making beacon at the corner of the road landing at the Foellinger The- pandemic. Our staff rapidly acquired Calhoun Street and Jefferson Boulevard. atre. The large-scale, noble experiment expertise in socially-distanced ticketing, pandemic-safe crowd management, dramatically increased cleaning and sanitizing, and all while working with an entirely new market in a new business model. Our hearts go out to The Auer Foundation who provided grant funds to underwrite the theatre operating ex- penses and to the Allen County Board of Health for helping us to develop a plan that kept our customers, staff, volunteers, and the performers safe. Ironically the pandemic may have created an entirely new business opportunity for the Theatre. We received proposals from three different organizations to create a large scale drive in movie theatre in the overflow parking lot behind the facility. While none of those proposals came to fruition, it drew attention to the demand for such an experience in our community which is worthy of further investigation for the future. In addition the Theatre provided a free concert by the New Millennium Jazz Orchestra – attendance was small and socially-distanced, but the event was very much appreciated by those who attended. Plans are for the Orchestra to return to the Theatre post-pandemic when even more jazz lovers may enjoy their craft. 26 Annual Report 2020

Looking to the future the 2021 season By June 8, all centers were offering a contains reservations for many exciting full menu of virtual programs for youth entertainers, several of whom have never including STEAM, fitness, dance, music, played our stage, and some who have sports, social skills, community service, never before played Fort Wayne. As we study time, and games. Families were await the repeal of social distancing, able to pick up program kits so children Theatre staff is learning best practices could participate in arts and crafts, food and networking with other government- preparation, and fitness programs as if operated similar facilities to understand they were on-site in the centers. Several the ways that they are able to operate in students from diverse backgrounds and the public sector while achieving theater remote locations (as far away as Georgia) industry standard practices. joined in on the fun. Community Youth Centers On August 17, all of our facilities The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation re-opened for service. Families pre- Department operates four youth centers: registered their students and core Weisser Center, located in Weisser Park, programming took place in a masked, Cooper Center, located in Reservoir Park, socially-distanced fashion for a smaller Jennings Center located on McCulloch group of youth. Virtual programs con- Street, and McMillen Center located in tinued allowing youth to take field trips McMillen Park. All four facilities offer a around the globe or to connect with comprehensive after school program youth at their Sister centers around the providing education, recreation, social- block. ization, and nutrition services in a “safe Our buildings entered another shut down haven environment.” In addition, our De- on November 23 that lasted into the new partment hosts the only free playground year, and a full slate of virtual program- program remaining in the State of Indiana ming resumed. Carry out food service where children enjoy a healthy breakfast was offered once again, but suspended and snack along with many of the same shortly after starting because the service services provided by the afterschool was not used. We suspected that the program. generous outpouring of gifts of food McMillen Center also serves adults as during the holiday season had caused a community center providing adult families to temporarily stop seeking meals programming, open gym, meeting rooms, through our program. sports leagues and rental space for com- As the holidays approached, staff munity events. struggled for a way reach out and wish In 2020, the world of our centers was the community a happy holiday at a time turned completely upside down. when being together for our traditional, annual celebrations was not safe. They On March 25, services at our centers decided to “say it in lights.” Each of the came to a screeching halt as the facilities centers purchased large-scale, lighted were closed down due to the pan- holiday decorations and the staff from demic. Our nightly food service program Lawton Park installed them on top of difficult times. They adopted best prac- had been providing hot, nutritious meals each of the buildings. The decorations tices for safety and entered a bold new to hungry children for many years. The created a warm glow that could be seen era of virtual programming that is sure to immediate concern was for the health for blocks. Members of the community remain well into the future. From mid-June and well-being of the children whom we appreciated their appearance and the through December 2020, Center staff served. In order to continue the nutrition fact that although the buildings were not produced 650 high-quality, interactive, service, while other staff participated in open, the Park Department remembered virtual programs focusing on our core training in best practices for COVID-safe the neighbors who support us year program areas of education, recreation operations and learned how to deliver round. an engaging menu of virtual programming, and socialization. staff at McMillen Center assumed a lead Throughout the many ups and downs role by providing hot, carry out meals for of 2020, our center staff rolled with the children in need. punches showing grace and resilience in 27 Board of Park Commissioners Children's Zoo 2020 Accomplishments The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo exists to connect kids and animals, strengthen families, and inspire people to care. 2020 proved to be one of the most challenging years to fulfil this mission. For 55 seasons, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo had always opened on schedule, but in 2020, that was not the case. When the Governor issued the lockdown due to the COVID-19 global pandemic in the spring, it was apparent that season 56 was going to be like no other at the Zoo. Attendance & Membership Zoo membership sales reached 11,444 the Species Survival Plan for this species, Opening was delayed six weeks with households in 2020, a decrease of 26% the zoo hopes to welcome baby “por- the Zoo not permitted to open until over 2019. Membership expiration dates cupettes” in the future. June 14. Upon opening, the Zoo looked were extended 2 months, the end of The workroom of the Aquarium under- very different: members only with a zoo season moved to October 31, and went several major changes to make this timed ticket, face coverings on staff and we provided member-only hours until space more welcoming to guests on be- recommended for guests, hand sanitizing after Labor Day to thank all current Zoo hind-the-scenes tours. A new live coral stations throughout the Zoo and signage members for their continued support of display tank and adjacent coral “frag” tank promoting social distancing. the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. (named for its purpose of growing out On July 4, the Zoo opened to all guests Animal News new colonies of coral from existing coral with new zoo hours: noon to 7 p.m. In 2020, Cape Porcupines were wel- “fragments”) will help school groups through August. Members could visit comed to the Zoo as a new species. and tours learn what live corals look like before noon with timed tickets. The Zoo An exhibit in the Kopjes area of African and how important they are to a viable remained open September and Octo- Journey was renovated to accommodate oceanic ecosystem. In addition, new en- ber. 2020 Zoo attendance was 325,263 these spikey burrowers. Male “Abasi” and closures for the display and propagation guests: a 43% reduction from 2019. female “Stompers” can be found wearing of seahorses have also been added. Throughout the 2020 season, Zoo staff down their continuously growing teeth The global pandemic had a significant and guests adjusted to numerous state on fresh browse and twigs or completely impact on animal transactions between and local mandates keeping guests, redesigning the topography of their zoos. Many zoos halted all animal trans- staff, and animals safe during the global exhibit by digging through their substrate. actions, and commercial airline transport pandemic. With a recommendation for breeding by

28 Annual Report 2020 options became dramatically reduced. ship between Purdue University, the In- Despite these challenges, the zoo was diana Department of Natural Resources, able to continue with several major and the state’s accredited zoos to help animal moves that allow the continuation save this large salamander in Indiana. In of important breeding, conservation, and 2020, for the first time, the Fort Wayne education programs. These include the Children’s Zoo received an egg mass acquisitions of a new herd of four female collected from a hellbender nest in wildebeest, a male clouded leopard, the wild and hatched them resulting two spotted hyenas, two female Califor- in 155 viable larvae. These hellbender nia sea lions, and a colony of eight grey larvae will then be housed at the zoo short-tailed opossums. in professional care for several years so that they reach a size that is too large As usual, the Zoo welcomed many for their natural predators. This results in new animal births. The highlight of the reduced predation and a much greater year was a new baby reticulated giraffe chance of reaching adulthood. They named “Sukari” born on September 4. will then be released into the wild in The Zoo’s herd of sitatunga proved to be the rivers of southern Indiana to help quite prolific with three new calves, one re-establish wild populations of this dis- male and two females, born in February, appearing amphibian. In 2020, the Zoo September, and November. In August, invested in renovations to its hellbender two new species of birds were hatched facilities to increase the holding capac- for the first time in the Zoo’s history. ity and to provide faster flow rates that Two female helmeted curassows were mimic the fast-flowing rivers in the wild. artificially incubated and hand-reared, and one female scarlet-faced liocichla Motus is the Latin word for movement. Songbirds program which focuses on na- hatched in the Zoo’s Indonesian Rainfor- It is also the name of a global project tive backyard songbirds. The Zoo serves est dome. where a network of receiving stations as the financial account holder for this around the world can track migrat- program, and several staff are involved Conservation & Research ing birds, bats, and insects that are in the Steering Committee and various Through fundraising activities dedicated equipped with a small transmitter. This Action Groups. Through a donation from to conservation, such as the “Corks for network of stations helps biologists piece Wild Birds Unlimited, the Zoo established Conservation” event and the gift shop together migration routes and identify a bird feeding station in the Indiana Family roundup program, the Zoo was able to key habitat areas that are important to Farm to model responsible bird-feeding invest over $53,000 in conservation pro- migrating animals, thereby focusing con- practices. A Keeper Chat in this area grams in 2020. This included support for servation efforts. The Zoo has partnered helps educate guests on the threats projects such as the Coffee and Primate with ACRES Land Trust to manage a series that our native songbirds face as well as Conservation group in Indonesia who of four Motus stations, one at the Zoo easy actions that can be taken to help help save rare Javan gibbons by work- and three at ACRES properties, form- reduce these threats. The Zoo has also ing with the local communities to ensure ing an east-west line that would detect been added as a “hotspot” on Cornell’s that lifestyles and community practices any migrating animal with a transmitter eBird network, which will allow guests to remain sustainable for the habitat while across several counties. In 2020, the Zoo record and track the wild birds seen on still providing for the livelihoods of the received grant funding from Ecolab and zoo grounds. To date, a total of 98 wild families who live there. Other conserva- the Ropchan Foundation to build two bird species have been observed at the tion partners working around the world additional stations in the spring of 2021, Zoo! include the Sumatran Orangutan Conser- expanding the network into more north- vation Program, The Leatherback Trust, ern Indiana counties. Construction & Improvements Lion Guardians, ACRES Land Trust, South In the Central Zoo area, the Discovery African Foundation for the Conservation The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Garden was created from the revision- of Coastal Birds, Little River Wetlands, have a series of SAFE (Saving Animals ing of a long-standing exhibit that once the Red Panda Network, the Pan African From Extinction) programs where zoos housed prairie dogs, Arctic fox, bald Sanctuary Alliance, and the Save the and aquariums collaboratively pool eagles, and even bear cubs when the Tasmanian Devil Program. their expertise and resources to ad- Zoo first opened in 1965. The Discovery dress conservation needs in the wild Garden now provides a space where One of the Zoo’s major conservation for a given species or animal group. The guests can sit down, relax, and enjoy the programs is a hellbender headstarting Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo has become sounds of a small flowing stream. The program which is a collaborative partner- involved with the SAFE North American area has been landscaped with plants

29 Board of Park Commissioners that attract our native pollinators. Hum- the Z.O.&O. Railroad train ride, provides dollars for general operating needs had mingbird feeders provide close-up views an area where the contact animals in never been greater than it was in 2020. of these tiny birds. Part of this space can the farm can take a break and get a little Fortunately, the community responded also be used for special events or educa- exercise. The shelters in this area were to our requests for support. During the tional programs. Educational ambassador completely renovated, reroofed, and re- year, nearly $2.3 million dollars was raised animals are frequently brought out to painted. The mesh fence and gates were from more than 3,200 individual donors, meet our guests in this tranquil alcove. replaced with cedar boards that match families, corporations, organizations, and the theme through the rest of the Indiana foundations. Of those totals, we pro- Originally built in 2009, the artificial rock- Family Farm. cessed 4,137 gifts and welcomed 1,721 work of the Kopje area in African Journey new donors to the Zoo family. receives a lot of wear and tear from our While construction and improvements cold Indiana winters. Ice and snow can were significantly hindered by the finan- Because of our ample amount of outdoor create cracks in the themed concrete cial impacts of the pandemic, several space, we were still able to host our which can compromise the integrity of additional projects were still able to be three major fundraising events: Zoofari, the large boulders. For the last several implemented earlier in the year. These Zoobilee, and Corks for Conservation. years, the Zoo has proactively invested in included an expansion of the Zoo’s However, each were subject to new re- the careful inspection and repair of these security camera system, improvements to strictions on attendance numbers, robust cracks to ensure the safety of animals, the ceiling and access doors in the Reef safety plans were crafted and carried staff, and guests. Each winter, specialized Building’s aquarium work room, replace- out, and two of the three were resched- contractors reinforce any areas showing ment of the animal commissary walls with uled from their original date. We also wear and then carefully apply their artistic fiberglass-reinforced plastic to improve added virtual attendance components skills to transform the concrete back into cleanability, and a new ultrasound ma- to all our special events so that people a naturalized, artificial rock. Staying ahead chine for the Zoo’s veterinary program. could participate in the event without of this sort of maintenance before it pres- being physically present. ents as a problem is a tenet of the Zoo’s Programs & Events maintenance program. Fundraising Communications Due to the delay of Opening Day and Social media has grown significantly in In the spring of 2020, the exercise yards attendance restrictions caused by the recent years at the Fort Wayne Children’s in the Indiana Family Farm were reno- coronavirus pandemic, the need to raise Zoo and is the number one communica- vated. This space, visible as guests ride tion vehicle for messaging guests and Zoo members. Facebook was the #1 communication platform used to help the Zoo keep guests up to date with changes to state mandates and how they affected upcoming visits. The Zoo relies heavily on earned me- dia to gain visibility locally, regionally, and internationally and was successful in leveraging Zoo babies this season. During the spring lockdown, connect- ing our social media fans to our animals and education team increased our social media engagement and reach, giving our community a positive connection during a difficult time. Education Program In 2020, nearly 10,261 people from 176 organizations participated in 355 Zoo education programs. Many programs like Kids for Nature Camps, Zoomobile, ZSI and Wild Nights sleepovers were can- celed due to the global pandemic.

30 Annual Report 2020

Events Administration Community Service Zoo Education Event interns were tasked Personnel The Zoo is a self-supporting, non-profit with hosting zoo events that were so- Early in 2020, Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo organization, so it relies heavily on com- cially distanced and provided less hands- announced that longtime Executive Direc- munity support to succeed. To give back on activities. They were able to host 4 tor Jim Anderson would retire at the end to the community, the Zoo provided events at the Zoo, including International of the 2020 season, bringing to a close 10,003 free Zoo admission tickets to 152 Tiger Day, Grossology Day, Ice Day and a career of 40-plus years overseeing and local agencies serving disadvantaged Animal Care and Enrichment Day, high- driving much of the Zoo’s growth into a children and families; scholarship pro- lighting the incredible care, training and nationally recognized attraction. Ander- grams for college students and program enrichment zoo keepers and veterinary son worked closely with the Zoo’s board attendees; ticket donations to charitable care staff give our 1,500 animals every of directors in its national search for a auctions; and free admission for 84 day. replacement director. adults and 54 children for armed forces members and their families on Military More than 200 Teens for Nature Volun- In September, the Zoo officially wel- Appreciation Day. teer and Leadership participants spent comed Rick Schuitemann as its new the summer at the Zoo participating executive director. For Rick, leadership is The Zoo continues to provide superior in leadership activities, conservation all about helping staff achieve their goals animal care, exemplary guest service, and projects, zoo keeping, interacting with and the organization’s mission. Rick brings an outstanding experience for visitors Zoo guests and volunteering for a record over 30 years of progressive leadership while serving the community since 1965. 19,236 hours in a shortened zoo season. and experience from SeaWorld Parks & In 2020, it was again made clear: All Entertainment in the areas of park opera- employees are an important part of the tions, entertainment, guest services, park mission and success of the Fort Wayne development, and his passion for animals Children’s Zoo. as the new Executive Director.

31 fortwayneparks.org