The public is invited to take a guided walk alongside the St. Marys River and learn about proposed riverfront development concepts. Local architects will take part in the walks and sketch people's ideas for what they envision along the downtown riverfront.

Two walks are scheduled:
• October 6 from 5:30-7 p.m.
• October 7 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Both walks start at Fort Wayne Outfitters/Bike Depot, 1004 Cass St. RSVPs are requested but not required by calling 311 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Parking will be available to the north and south of Fort Wayne Outfitters/Bike Depot.

During two public meetings in July, riverfront consultants from SWA Group presented ideas that emphasized three themes: nature, recreation and development. The Guldlin Park/Bloomingdale area would focus on natural habitat and could possibly include an ecology center, wetlands, docks and floating platforms. Lawton Park would have a recreation focus and might include an adventure playground, beach-like area and river walk. The Superior Street corridor would emphasize dining, retail and commercial development along a promenade.

During the River Walk, residents could see these concepts and how they might work into the existing landscape. Participants can offer their ideas and local architects will sketch what those ideas might look like.

In November 2013, the City contracted with SWA Group to complete the Riverfront Study, which is the first comprehensive look at enhancing the use of our City's rivers; it is intended to provide the road map to a world class investment. The study is expected to be completed in January 2015.