Swinney Park
Interactive Park Map
About the Location
Historic Origins
Swinney Park is one of Fort Wayne's oldest and most significant public parks, established in 1869 when Colonel Thomas W. Swinney leased his property to the city. Upon his death in 1875, Swinney bequeathed the park and approximately 240 acres of land to Fort Wayne, with the stipulation that it remain open and free to the public.
In 1843, the park was the site of a grand celebration for the opening of the Wabash and Erie Canal. Later, it housed the Allen County Fair and, from 1920 to 1953, was home to Trier's Amusement Park.
Geography and Design
The park is divided by the St. Mary's River, with the eastern portion consisting of 46 acres entirely in the floodplain, while the western 48 acres include both floodplain and higher ground.
Swinney Park became an integral part of George Kessler's Park and Boulevard Plan in 1912, serving as both a western gateway to the city and a northern terminus anchor along the St. Mary's River.
Features and Attractions
Today, Swinney Park offers a blend of natural open spaces and recreational facilities. It features a small man-made lake, recently rehabilitated, and remnants of an extensive Japanese Rock Garden begun in 1928.
The park provides access to the Rivergreenway, a trail system along the St. Mary's River, allowing visitors to enjoy nature within the city limits.
Historic Structures
The historic Swinney Homestead, built in 1844 and now maintained by Settlers Inc., stands as a reminder of the park's rich history. This Federal-style structure, later converted to Victorian Italianate, is open to the public during scheduled events, offering a glimpse into Fort Wayne's past.
