Mayor Henry Leads Ceremonial Groundbreaking for Promenade Park

06/29/2017  |  BY RFW

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June 29, 2017 – Progress continues to be made on riverfront development efforts. Mayor Tom Henry and Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll today joined representatives from City Council, the Board of Park Commissioners, the Fort Wayne Park Foundation, the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, the Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority and Riverfront Fort Wayne investors for a groundbreaking ceremony on the future site of Promenade Park.

“This is a great day in the City of Fort Wayne as we begin construction on a world-class project that will have a lasting and meaningful impact on Fort Wayne and the region,” said Mayor Henry. “Riverfront development provides unique opportunities as we work together to continue to be a point of destination community that’s a recognized leader in job growth and retention, strong neighborhoods and attractive quality of life amenities. We’ll remember today’s groundbreaking as a special moment in our ongoing commitment to moving Fort Wayne forward in the right direction.”

Riverfront construction is expected to begin in July and is anticipated to take 18 months. The construction investment for Phase I is $17.1 million, with the funding coming from prior approvals of Legacy funds, Regional Cities money and private donations.

The first phase of Riverfront Fort Wayne, Promenade Park, will be focused on public spaces in a park setting. Development will occur on the south and north sides of the St. Marys River between Harrison Street and the historic Wells Street Bridge and will include the following highlights:

• Ambassador Enterprises Amphitheatre
• Auer Foundation Lawn
• Howard L. and Stephen L. Chapman Gardens
• Fort Wayne Park Foundation Compass Pavilion
• Fort Wayne Downtown Rotary Club Water Jet Fountain
• The Journal Gazette Foundation Dining Gardens
• Old National Bank Plaza
• Parkview Tree Canopy Trail
• PNC Children’s Playground
• Chuck and Lisa Surack Sweetwater Bandshell
• Waterfield Foundation Entrance Sculpture
• Kid’s Canal (Anonymous)

The following features are still available for naming rights:

• Little Creek Bioswale
• North Dock/Active Launch
• Wetlands

An updated Riverfront Fort Wayne website was also launched today and is located at www.riverfrontfw.org. The website is a hub of information for all things riverfront, including a list of those who have made a financial contribution to Riverfront Fort Wayne. On this mobile-friendly website, residents and visitors will be able to plan their time on the rivers, keep up with construction updates and development progress, learn about the history of our rivers and discover ways to become a river advocate. Not only will site visitors be able to keep up to date on Riverfront sponsored events, but they will find links to other organizations hosting events and offering programs or activities on the rivers.

“We’re excited to get this project underway and very grateful for all the support we’ve received from the entire community. As we like to say, this park is by the community, for the community,” said Director Moll. “We encourage everyone to visit riverfrontfw.org often to see time lapse construction photos, and to stay informed about everything related to Riverfront Fort Wayne.”

The team leading the design is Riverworks Design Group, comprised of Design Collaborative, Forum Studio, Hoch Associates, Engineering Resources, American Structurepoint, and One Lucky Guitar. The Hagerman Group serves as Construction Manager.