PHASE I - Omni Source Property

Target: Parents/Children/Families/Tourists

   Experience the new gateway to downtown Fort Wayne...

As one travels south down Clinton Street, they see the existing Science Central building on the left connected by a "fortress" gate to a newly constructed Old Fort turret to the right.  "Welcome to Fort Wayne" adorns the gate. Signage on the Science Central side of the gate expresses our commitment to progress: "Embracing the Future..." Signage on the Old Fort side proclaims our respect for our history: "...Building Upon Our Past."

The gate's rough timbered facade hides a pedestrian skyway providing access to both sides of the park across Clinton Street. As the driver continues through the gate, they journey back in time to what appears to be an old Fort Wayne where all buildings have a "timbered" facade, and yet are modernly constructed.

To the right, is the new "Fort Fun" Playground - a scaled version of the original fort which serves as the backdrop for a children's playground.  Modeled after the beautiful Leo-Cedarville park, this area complements the new fort theme and is conveniently located adjacent to the Imagine MASTer Academy for area residents to enjoy.

The centerpiece of this space is Three Rivers Fountain. This retention pond is illuminated at night and connected to three canals, representing the St. Mary's, St. Joseph, and Maumee Rivers which wind throughout the park. Lined with apple and crabapple trees, the canals provide continuity from one area to all others.  The St. Mary's branch traverses through "Fort Fun" Playground, serving as a water feature for bridges and walks. The St. Joseph's branch extends from the Gateway Fort turret.  The Maumee branches off the retention pond to visually cross Clinton Street, winds through Lawton Park and the newly designed Indoor/Outdoor Skateboard Complex, terminating in the distance behind Science Central.  Tourists and residents alike enjoy paddle boating around the fountain in the pond, while model-boating enthusiasts test their skills in the long widening stretches of the Maumee.

Three Rivers Fountain is symbolic: 

"Fort Wayne draws upon our commitment to our children (Fort Fun/St. Mary's) and respect for our historical & natural heritage (Old Fort/St. Joseph). From these our community is strengthened and embraces the unseen challenges of the future (Science Central/Maumee)."

Just south of this outdoor water feature is the Old Fort Water Park Resort.  This 250 room, five-story family destination houses unique indoor water attractions which celebrate our city's rich heritage. These include the "Raft Race," Wabash-Erie Canal Lazy River, "The Flood" Family Raft Ride, "Summit City," Fallen Timbers Challenge Pool, "Bucky Beaver's Toddler Town," and "Mad Anthony's Wild Indoor Playground". Area artists were commissioned to paint the murals depicting Fort Wayne area history that adorn the main gallery.

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Parking? No problem! Visitors to the area enjoy plenty of space to park their vehicle in our underground five-acre lot directly adjacent to the Resort. 

South of the Water Park Resort lies the Train Depot, formerly used by Omni Source. This renovated facility houses our Rail Museum and informs visitors of Fort Wayne's history of street cars, trains, and intra-community rail transportation.  A streetcar and caboose stand adjacent to this building, beckoning visitors to walk inside and experience how city residents traveled in days gone by.

The Fort Flea Market lies to the west of the Rail Museum and affords tourists and residents the opportunity to purchase local crafts, antiques, and trinkets to remember their Fort Wayne family vacation. This two-story facility hosts booths rented by local merchants and integrates well with the Shopping Boardwalk on the Northwest bank of the St. Mary's River.  

Although our driver has reached the end of this area, they may continue their journey into the heart of downtown Fort Wayne by crossing over the St. Mary's via the renovated Martin Luther King Bridge.

Overview
Phase II: The Shopping Boardwalk
Phase III: Nightlife Boardwalk/Skateboard Park
Phase IV: Innovation/Museum District (coming soon)