NEW BOONE PLAYGROUND DEDICATED

May 10, 2024 - Mayor Sharon Tucker joined Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel, AWS Foundation CEO Patti Hays, park representatives, public officials and neighborhood association representatives to dedicate the new Boone Playground on the corner of Boone and Mechanic Streets in the heart of the Nebraska Neighborhood. This new equipment is among the first in a total of ten new playgrounds which will be added to neighborhood parks in 2024, all of which will feature play spaces to encourage children of all ages and abilities to grow and learn through physical, sensory and social experiences.

Two million dollars in funding was earmarked in 2023 by the late Mayor Tom Henry and the City Council for the new playgrounds at Bob Arnold Northside, Kreager, Boone, Turpie Playlot, McMillen, Tillman, Lawton, Gren, Foster and Kettler Parks after the City received a larger than usual supplemental distribution of local income tax from the State of Indiana. In addition, AWS Foundation awarded Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation a $215,000 grant in 2024 for accessibility upgrades to be made over the next three years. The accessible safety surfacing at the Boone Park playground is the first park to receive upgrades as part of this grant.

"The new playgrounds are an example of our ongoing commitment to provide an excellent quality of life for residents and visitors," said Mayor Tucker. "I'm particularly encouraged that our new play areas place a heavy emphasis on accessibility and having individuals of all abilities to be able to have a positive and memorable experience."

"This record amount of funding from the City and AWS Foundation will impact children of all abilities and families for years to come," said Director McDaniel. "We are grateful and thrilled that our efforts to increase accessibility in our parks are acknowledged and maximized in such dramatic ways."

"Creating play environments where everyone can participate benefits children, families and the whole community. AWS Foundation is proud to increase accessibility upgrades in Fort Wayne Parks," says Patti Hays, AWS Foundation CEO.

In addition to the synthetic turf safety surfacing, inclusive elements at Boone Park playground include two transfer stations, two ADA swing seats, Cozy Cocoon, ground level activity, Musical Play and PlayCubes.

The ten new playgrounds are expected to be refreshed and ready for action by mid-June. To see the full schedule of 2024 playground projects, visit www.FortWayneParks.org.