On January 10th, residents and city leaders came together at the Grand Wayne Center in downtown Fort Wayne for a public input meeting about Riverfront Fort Wayne, and the crowd was spilling out of the Anthony Wayne Ballroom.
The meeting started with an introduction by Mayor Tom Henry and a presentation by David Rubin, of DAVID RUBIN Land Collective, an award-winning landscape architecture and urban design firm contracted to lead Phases II and III of Riverfront Fort Wayne. The studio has worked on designs for waterfront districts in Wilmington, DE; Allentown, PA; Bala Cynwyd, PA; Westfield, IN; Columbus, IN; Muncie, IN; Indianapolis; and the Cayman Islands.
During his talk, Rubin said one thing that stands out to him about Fort Wayne is the city's wide variety of spaces within its parks system. He also reiterated the Riverfront team's intention to develop spaces that support and welcome all residents to the rivers. That's where public input comes into play.
After the presentation, residents crowded around idea boards and maps scattered throughout the ballroom to share their thoughts about the project and the city using handwritten notes and push-pins. The City of Fort Wayne posted a short recap video (above).
Riverfront Fort Wayne's Phase I developments are expected to open in June 2019, including urban waterfront features and walkways like Promenade Park, an elevated boardwalk, as well as boating docks and ramps.
In the meantime, residents can enjoy the rivers at events like Riverfront Fort Wayne’s Winter Cozy on Jan. 26 at Headwaters Park West after Winterval.
In February, Riverfront Fort Wayne is offering another way for residents to get involved with the project by hosting a free Riverfront Educational Series, which will give the public three opportunities to meet its development team and learn more about plans.
A news release says these meetings will include a special announcement about Promenade Park, water quality updates, as well as ideas about new ways residents can enjoy the rivers. Each meeting will feature a different panel discussion topic at Hop River Brewing Company at 1515 N. Harrison St.
The first meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 11, on the topic "Our Muddy Rivers: Water Quality, Cleanups, and More." Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase at Hop River. The brewery is also offering free tours of its space before and after the event.
More information, including parking information, is available at RiverfrontFW.org or by calling Megan Butler at 260-427-6248.
The educational series is sponsored by WANE 15 and Hop River Brewing Company.
Attend the Riverfront Educational Series
Our Muddy Rivers: Water Quality, Cleanups, and more
Monday, February 11, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Building Our Future: Phase 1 Previews and Phases 2 & 3 Plans
Monday, March 11, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Party on the Riverfront: Events, Programs, Tours
Monday, April 8, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
More information about upcoming Riverfront activities can be found at riverfrontfw.org.
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