Promenade Park

Where Downtown Meets the Rivers

Tucked into the heart of downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana, Promenade Park is a pleasant 4.5-acre urban retreat where city life and nature meet. Opened in 2019 as part of the Riverfront Fort Wayne project, this park celebrates something truly special about the city - the meeting point of the St. Marys, St. Joseph, and Maumee rivers.

As the first phase of a bigger riverfront vision, Promenade has become a popular spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy Fort Wayne's riverside setting.

What You'll Find Here

The Parkview Tree Canopy Trail might be our favorite spot - it's an elevated walkway that offers nice views of both the river and downtown skyline. It's definitely worth checking out.

If you're bringing kids along, they'll make a beeline for the Doermer Kids' Canal and Rotary Fountain. The water area has this cool setup where water flows over large stones that little ones can splash around on. Right next door is a splash pad that's well-suited for cooling off during Indiana's warmer months.

The playground here isn't your average swing-and-slide setup. It's fully accessible with soft rubber padding (goodbye scraped knees!) and has everything from climbing structures to spinners. They even have an old-school merry-go-round, which is surprisingly hard to find these days.

Feel like getting on the water? You can rent kayaks and canoes from Fort Wayne Outfitters nearby. Or if you prefer someone else to do the paddling, hop aboard the Sweet Breeze riverboat for a relaxing tour of the city from a whole new angle.

Places to Chill

Around the park, you can find plenty of spots to take a load off. The porch-style swings along the riverfront are almost always occupied - and for good reason. There's something deeply satisfying about gently swinging while watching the water flow by.

If sitting still isn't your thing, challenge your friends to a game of table tennis, foosball, or cornhole. The park provides these games for anyone to enjoy.

Grassy areas abound for those impromptu picnics or just sprawling out with a good book. The multi-level design of the park creates these little nooks and crannies that make each visit feel like a new exploration.

Community Vibes

The Sweetwater Bandshell and Ambassador Enterprises Amphitheatre host everything from local musicians to community events, while the Journal Gazette Foundation Dining Gardens offer a lovely spot to enjoy a meal outdoors.

Art lovers will appreciate pieces like Convergence by Linda Howard, which adds to the park's creative atmosphere. Look closely and you'll also notice environmentally-friendly features like bioswales, showing Fort Wayne's commitment to sustainability.

Need a space for your next gathering? The Park Foundation Pavilion can be rented for weddings, parties, and other special occasions.

Grab a Bite

When hunger strikes, swing by Ted's café for a quick snack or drink. During busy times, food trucks roll in offering more substantial options. Just outside the park, Pufferbelly Junction ice cream shop awaits with an ideal sweet treat after a day of exploration.

You'll discover drinking fountains within the park - the fancy kind that let you refill water bottles. And yes, there are even special bowls for four-legged visitors!

For Everyone

One thing we really appreciate about Promenade Park is how accessible it is. The paths have gentle slopes rather than stairs, amenities are wheelchair-friendly, and there are tactile ribbons to help visually impaired visitors navigate. Clean restrooms are available near the playground and in the main pavilion area.

Dog owners, rejoice! Your leashed companions are welcome around the park, with plenty of walking paths and even those special water fountains I mentioned.

What adds to Promenade Park's appeal is how the space was developed with community input. Beyond providing a nice place to relax, the park has contributed to downtown's revitalization and become a community gathering spot.