City officials shut down playground after equipment deemed unsafe, with full reopening not expected until later this summer

One of Fort Wayne’s neighborhood green spaces is going quiet for the season.

Bloomingdale Park, nestled just off Sherman Boulevard, has been temporarily closed by the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department following safety concerns about its aging playground equipment. Officials say repairs and upgrades are underway, but the timeline for reopening stretches possibly through mid-summer.

Safety Triggers Swift Action

According to a Parks Department spokesperson, the closure was triggered after a portion of the playground structure was deemed unsafe and subsequently removed. Though no injuries were reported, officials acted quickly to prevent potential accidents.

“This was a proactive move,” the spokesperson said. “We discovered structural concerns with certain elements of the equipment, and we decided to move forward immediately with repairs to ensure public safety.”

The park’s playground was surrounded by a temporary fence earlier this week, and heavy equipment has already been spotted on site as work begins in earnest.

What’s Being Repaired?

While city officials have not detailed the full scope of the upgrades, sources familiar with the process say the work will include:

• Replacement of key playground structures

• Resurfacing of fall zones with updated safety materials

• Inspection and potential upgrades to adjacent park amenities

The closure is part of Fort Wayne’s broader effort to modernize its public spaces and respond quickly to maintenance issues, especially in older parks that serve historically working-class neighborhoods.

Neighborhood Impact

Bloomingdale Park, though modest in size, serves as a central recreational hub for the surrounding community. Located in a dense residential area north of downtown, the park is frequented by families, dog walkers, and children from nearby elementary schools.

“We come here almost every day after school,” said Alicia Martinez, a local parent. “It’s disappointing that it’s closed, but I’d rather see them fix it properly than risk anyone getting hurt.”

Parents say they’re now seeking alternative parks, with many turning to nearby Hamilton Park or the larger Franke Park complex—though both require either a longer walk or car ride.

Temporary Inconvenience, Long-Term Improvement

The Parks Department has not given a firm reopening date but says it hopes to complete the repairs “sometime in mid to late summer,” weather and supply chain issues permitting.

This timeline means the playground will likely be out of commission for most of the school break—a disappointment to some, but a necessary step, according to city officials.

“We understand the inconvenience,” the spokesperson said. “But we’re focused on delivering a safer, better space that will serve families for years to come.”

Investments in Infrastructure

The closure is the latest in a series of park improvement projects around Fort Wayne. In recent years, the city has funneled more money into park infrastructure, citing both public safety and quality of life as top priorities.

Recent park investments include:

Some of the funding for these improvements comes from a combination of city budgets, federal infrastructure grants, and private donations from local businesses.

Community Response

Reactions have ranged from understanding to frustration.

“There’s really not much else for kids in this part of town during the summer,” said Darrell Reed, who lives across from the park. “We hope they fix it quickly—and maybe add something new while they’re at it.”

The Parks Department hinted that new features might be in the works but did not confirm any specific additions. Residents are encouraged to check the department’s website and social media for updates on the project’s progress.

In the meantime, the department is directing families to other city parks that remain open and offering expanded summer programming.