FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – On Wednesday, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel, Board of Park Commissioners President Justin Shurley, Superintendent of Project Administration David Weadock, parks staff and public officials officially dedicated the new Shoaff Park Playground, located at 6402 Shoaff Park Drive.
The new equipment is one of six new playgrounds scheduled to open in neighborhood parks in 2026. Each will feature an inclusive play area designed to support physical, sensory, and social development.
The following was released:
In 2025, The City of Fort Wayne earmarked $1.86 million to six playground projects—at Kreager Park, Shoaff, Ronald G. Repka Memorial, Bloomingdale, Hanna Homestead and Lafayette Parks—following the City receiving a local income tax supplemental distribution from the State of Indiana of $8.6 million. Projects are focusing on strengthening neighborhoods and enhancing quality of life opportunities for the public.
Mayor Sharon Tucker, who was unable to attend the dedication, shared the following statement: “I’m grateful that we’re able to fund important projects that benefit children and enhance the quality of life in our great city,” said Mayor Sharon Tucker. “Fort Wayne is fortunate to have so many wonderful parks that provide access to recreation and areas of peaceful rest and stillness. We’re a better and stronger community when we care for our young people and provide them with opportunities to experience and grow.”
“Every improvement we make is guided by a vision of creating welcoming public spaces where people of all ages and abilities feel they belong, said Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel. “These new playgrounds reflect our commitment to thoughtful design, accessibility, environmental stewardship and long-term investment in the places where families gather, friendships are formed and childhood memories are made. By removing barriers to play and creating spaces that inspire exploration and connection, we’re investing in a higher quality of life for generations to come.”
The new Shoaff Park Playground includes features such as two large, fully accessible evolution play towers, sensory and musical play panels, tunnels and net climbers, spiral slides, a modernized merry-go-round and teeter-totter and a giant climbing chair that’s sure to become a favorite photo spot.
Five of the six playgrounds are refreshed and ready for action. Lafayette Park is expected to open in early August. To see the 2026 playground projects, visit FortWayneParks.org.
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