The fort celebrates centennial.

From simple beginnings in 1905 with six parks and 95 acres, to today's 84 parks and 2,800 acres, the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department has witnessed first-hand the generosity of the city's residents through the years. During its Centennial year, the department celebrated by showcasing accomplishments and providing special activities throughout the summer.

Kicking off a summer of fun, the department offered a photo contest called "A Day in the Park," which encouraged people to visit and discover parks. Popular $1 Friday admission days were scheduled at various facilities every Friday throughout the summer. Even the gardeners participated in Centennial activities by researching and planting gardens with tropical plants that were popular 100 years ago.

Special events wrapped up the summer and ranged from old-fashioned to state-of-the-art facilities. A social at our historic farm park featured a barn dance, hay rides, homemade ice cream and games, and attracted more than 600 participants. A celebration on skates at the ice arena offered a 30-minute skating exhibition, historic memorabilia, free skating and birthday cake.

The largest special event was a "Party in the Park," which attracted more than 2,300 people to featured activities like moonwalks, children's games, carriage and train rides, clowns, live music, free food and birthday cake. Perry Ehresman, interim director of Parks and Recreation summarized the Centennial year and said, "As we wrap up what has been an exciting summer throughout our parks, we want to thank the community for helping to make the parks and recreation department an outstanding testament to our city's founding leaders."

For more information, visit www.fortwayneparks.org.