Families in Fort Wayne’s Northside neighborhood were all smiles Thursday as city leaders unveiled a newly renovated playground at Lakeside Park—a vibrant, reimagined public space designed to be as inclusive as it is fun.

The transformation marks the first in a series of major playground upgrades funded through a $15.3 million local income tax distribution from the State of Indiana. Officials say the initiative aims to prioritize access, safety, and inclusivity—particularly for children of all abilities.

Ribbon-Cutting Celebration Draws Families, Officials

At precisely 10 a.m., Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker stood beside Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel and neighborhood leaders, beaming as kids raced across the bright new equipment behind her. Dozens of families gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1401 Lake Avenue.

“You know, when you look out today, you see our kids are outside having fun and playing, and that’s what we want,” Tucker told the crowd. “We want our children to be outside, and we want the community to feel safe.”

Children didn’t need to be told twice. Within minutes of the ribbon falling, the new zip lines, sensory stations, climbing towers, and swings were full of excited, giggling parkgoers.

Designed for Everyone

The new Lakeside Park playground is built around the concept of universal play—an approach that ensures children of varying physical and cognitive abilities can enjoy shared public spaces without barriers.

Steve McDaniel said that accessibility was “a core design priority” from the beginning. “We wanted a playground where all kids, regardless of their abilities, could feel welcome. This is about equity, dignity, and letting kids just be kids.”

The surface is fully ADA-compliant, and key features include:

• Sensory panels and music play areas for children with autism or sensory processing needs

• Wide ramps and transfer stations for wheelchair users

• Ground-level play zones alongside traditional climbing and slide structures

• Seating zones for caregivers and shaded rest areas

Parents like Dana Hughes, whose daughter uses a mobility aid, praised the design. “Before this, we’d have to drive 20 minutes to find a park she could enjoy. Now we can just walk here. It means the world to us.”

A Park With Deeper Purpose

Lakeside Park has long been a community anchor for Fort Wayne’s Northside, but officials said aging infrastructure and outdated play equipment made it clear that an upgrade was overdue.

Now, with new equipment, landscaping, and a revamped layout that encourages both active and quiet play, the park is stepping back into its role as a family hub—and a reflection of the city’s evolving values.

“This is a space where kids get an opportunity to come and have fun,” said Mayor Tucker. “Parents get an opportunity to relax, sit on a park bench, and destress. That’s what we want in our community.”

Five More to Follow

Lakeside is just the beginning.

According to Parks and Recreation Director McDaniel, five additional playgrounds are slated for transformation later this year. The sites include:

• Jehl Park

• Franke Park

• Waynedale Park

• Indian Village Park

• McCormick Park

Construction at some of these locations has already begun, with scheduled completions staggered through fall.

The improvements are part of a broader reinvestment strategy that city officials say is long overdue. “We’ve heard from families for years about the need to update our parks,” said McDaniel. “Now we’re delivering on that promise.”

A Day to Remember

Thursday’s event wasn’t just a formal reopening—it was a joyful homecoming for a beloved neighborhood park.

Children chased each other around new play zones. Parents caught up with neighbors. Music played softly in the background, and a popsicle stand gave out free treats near the new shaded picnic pavilion.

Lakeside’s splash pad was also running at full blast, providing much-needed relief on the warm June morning.

“This isn’t just a playground,” said Angela Thomas, a Northside resident and mom of three. “It’s where memories are made. It’s where kids feel like they belong.”