Today & Tomorrow Northeast Indiana’s three rivers are timeless. The Maumee, St. Joseph and St. Marys rivers have unified our region for centuries, bringing people together in downtown Fort Wayne for commerce, community and cultural enhancement. Today, we arrive at the riverbanks with high expectations. An appetite for adventure, or a yearning for solitude. A need to connect with our heritage, or a restless desire to never see the same view twice. As we begin the implementation of the Riverfront Fort Wayne master plan, we can make our rivers a powerful, unifying force in our region and a source of pride for generations to come. Positive Momentum Phase by Phase I’m honored to serve as Mayor at an important The Board of Park Commissioners has been time in the history of Fort Wayne. charged with overseeing Phases I through III of Riverfront Development. The first phase, With strong leadership and innovative approaches, Promenade Park, is focused on public spaces in we’ve positioned our city as a leader in economic a park setting and will open in the summer of development opportunities, job growth and 2019. Funding for the $20 million park came from quality of place amenities that make us a point Regional Cities, the City’s Legacy Fund, the Park of destination for residents, families and Foundation, the Community Foundation, private businesses alike. contributions and resources from the previous allocation of funding approved by City Council. Now we must be committed to moving our city forward to continue the positive momentum It is our mission to see that the project is we’ve started. welcoming and accessible to the entire region, Our rivers can bring all of us together to including people of all abilities and all means. demonstrate to current and future residents Highlights of Promenade Park include a pavilion, and employers that our community is a great tree canopy trail, amphitheatre, bandshell, dining place to invest. As we move forward with plans gardens, promenade, entryway sculpture, water for Riverfront Fort Wayne, the unprecedented fountain, kids’ canal, boating docks and ramps, a excitement and investment we’re experiencing children’s play area and more. today will only increase. Riverfront Phases II and III will extend to the east It’s time to make our rivers a world-class and west of Promenade Park and funding has been destination. approved for the public portion of these phases. The goal is to foster significant private investment along the improved public riverfront space. While construction commences, we’ll continue Tom Henry our proactive programming efforts that are very MAYOR, CITY OF FORT WayNE popular with residents and visitors, helping people see the beauty and uniqueness of our three rivers unlike ever before. Al Moll EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF FORT WayNE PARKS & RECREatION 4 The Story Residents Asked. of Our Rivers Phase 1 Answered. The plans for Promenade Park are the direct result of public input about what makes our rivers a powerful source of local pride with vibrant character. In recent years, residents have explored the rivers’ recreational and MISSION cultural benefits with pontoon rides, kayak outings, Dragon Boat Always races, riverfront concerts, walking tours and more. Riverfront Fort Wayne exists Now the growing interest in these activities voiced at public input moving. to delight, energize and sessions has shaped the two primary objectives of Phase 1 plans. unite our entire community Our three rivers flow. through moving experiences They ramble and they roll; and extraordinary places. they roam and they rush. They rise. Their sound becomes a rhythm, becomes a beat — a heartbeat. VISION They breathe life into our community. They breathe Riverfront Fort Wayne commerce. Adventure. will evolve and develop to And romance. become a center of activity and a powerful source of On these banks, we’re at our regional pride—nationally Urban Waterfront Features Recreation and Exploration best — recognizing our past, recognized for its unique Some of the key assets residents want Another critical asset residents want but creating a new momentum. and vibrant character. to see on our riverfront are urban to see on the riverfront is enhanced Forward. waterfront features where they can access to the river for recreation dine, drink, listen to music and attend and exploration. Since Fort Wayne Our rivers brought us here. events. The Historic Wells Street Outfitters has already pioneered Today, we’re in the middle Bridge currently hosts events, and a successful watersports business of a powerful story, and OUR PROMISE our plans for Phase 1 development at the Old Cass Street Depot on the tomorrow looks even better. expand urban features on the south north bank of the river, Phase 1 will Riverfront Fort Wayne bank of the river. also expand natural developments In Northeast Indiana and promises every Fort Wayne and river activities in this area. downtown Fort Wayne, resident and visitor an we’re just like our rivers: always-evolving opportunity Always moving. to connect with nature, culture and community. Together, these plans create an authentic, iconic waterfront experience that is the ultimate destination residents have envisioned. 6 7 Envisioning Tomorrow: BLOOMINGDALE NEIGHBORHOOD MLK BRIDGE HEADWATERS PARK NORTH ANCHOR RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT HARRISON STREET BRIDGE RIVERVIEW MIXED-USE HISTORIC WELLS STREET BRIDGE SUPERIOR LOFTS EWING STREET ST. MARYS RIVER BRIDGE CAMBRAY FORT WAYNE MUSEUM VAN BUREN EDWIN J. THE LANDING OF ART STREET BRIDGE ROUSSEAU RANDALL CENTER LOFTS PROVENANCE ANTHONY HOTEL WAYNE BUILDING BERRY ST. PEDESTRIAN LINK COMPLETED ASHBERRY CITIZENS SQUARE UNIVERSITY OF SAINT FRANCIS IN PROCESS ASH BROKERAGE WAYNE ST. PEDESTRIAN LINK PROPOSED SKYLINE AEP PLAZA Phase I-III TOWER PHASE I ALLEN COUNTY WASHINGTON BLVD. Promenade Park PUBLIC LIBRARY Developments PHASE II GRAND WAYNE CONVENTION CENTER JEFFERSON BLVD. PHASE III Riverfront Fort Wayne is part of a broader EMBASSY blueprint for revitalizing downtown Fort THEATRE HAMPTON INN Wayne. Phase I, Promenade Park, and Phases II & SUITES THE HARRISON COURTYARD and III are intended to help position our rivers BY MARRIOTT as part of a larger network of destinations in SOUTH ANCHOR Fort Wayne, including Parkview Field, PARKVIEW FIELD PARKVIEW FIELD / LINCOLN downtown museums, The Landing, Headwaters CITYSCAPE FLATS Park and future developments like Headwaters 9 Junction. South Bank Urban Waterfront Features The south bank of the riverfront is designed around social interaction, special occasions and everyday outings. Its urban waterfront features include a variety 2 8 of indoor and outdoor meeting spaces that range from 6 small and intimate to large and spacious. 10 1 11 5 1 Old National Bank 8 Ambassador 7 HIGHLIGHTS Plaza Enterprises Amphitheatre 2 Park Foundation Pavilion 9 Convergence 12 3 3 Betsy Chapman Sculpture Family Gardens 10 Sweetwater 4 Entry Plaza Bandshell 5 Little Creek Bioswale 11 The Journal Gazette Foundation Dining 9 6 Rotary Fountain Gardens 4 7 Auer Lawn 12 Doermer Kids’ Canal North Bank Recreation and Exploration The tree-lined north bank of the river leverages the Rivergreenway trail system and expands on the river’s recreation and exploration opportunities. It builds on this bank’s role as a center of outdoor activities. 2 1 HIGHLIGHTS 1 Parkview Tree Canopy Trail 2 Boating Docks and Ramps 3 3 PNC Playground 10 Today: Programming and Events Our rivers are already a popular regional destination. Riverfront Fort Wayne hosts a series of regular, diverse programs and events to help residents enjoy and explore our rivers right now. HISTORIC BOAT TOURS RIVERFRONT FORT WAYNE RIVER CLEANUPS StorYTIME ON Nature Walks Water QualitY Events THE BRIDGE Scenic pontoon boat tours FILM SERIES Citizens ask how they can Whether it’s bike rides, early Riverfront Fort Wayne were scheduled twice a week Free movies were shown help us keep our rivers clean, Kids of all ages have gathered bird nature tours or just has hosted the Riverfront spring, summer and fall, on giant screens in Lawton, safe and beautiful. Volunteer for weekly summer songs, leisurely strolls, residents Education series about the offering residents the most Headwaters and Johnny groups, organized by our stories, rhymes and more have enjoyed regular, hour- quality of water in our rivers beautiful way to observe Appleseed Parks over the Riverfront Riparian Supervisor, on the Historic Wells Street long tours along the banks of and future plans for Riverfront our city and the changing summer. Families brought gather Saturday mornings Bridge overlooking the Phase the St. Marys River. Almost development. The educational seasons—from the river. An blankets, lawn chairs and at Guldlin Park for riverfront 1 development area. These 500 residents also enjoyed series will continue with fresh expert guide entertained each snacks, unplugged, and cleanups. Clearing invasive gatherings have helped Riverfront tours during topics at Hop River Brewing group with a different river- enjoyed some good old honeysuckle is vital and it’s an families engage with the rivers Be a Tourist in Your Own Company, a new business near related history lesson about fashioned fun in the park. The easy family-friendly activity. in new ways. Hometown. the St. Marys River. Weekend our City’s heritage. Topics Film Series was so popular, it tours hosted by City Utilities at included Canals & Crossroads, will be expanded in 2018 and The City of Fort Wayne and the Water Filtration Plant and Riverscapes, Wells and Turtle a boat-in movie will be added Allen County government Wastewater Treatment Plant and Glorious Gate. in 2019. purchased a river barge to were popular as well. clear logs and debris from the river. The barge may also THERE’S MORE TO COME! This is only the beginning. With more investment be used to assist with bank in our rivers and greater access to public spaces, Riverfront Fort Wayne can expand stabilization and invasive plant its offerings, and the possibilities are endless.