FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): The city of Fort Wayne invested about $3 million in the Parks and Recreation Department in 2016.

Mayor Tom Henry and Parks and Recreation Director Al Moll gave an update on the 2016 capital improvement projects during a press conference Wednesday morning. 

The parks department started more than 60 projects and 30 projects are still in progress. The city invested about $3 million in the department.

“The fact that we have almost a 100 parks in our community,” Henry said. “I think speaks volumes what we are trying to bring forth for our city as far as our citizens and those who want to visit our community.”

While the leaders spoke about the accomplishments of 2016, they pointed out what the public can look forward to seeing next year and it was mostly about the riverfront development.

“We are hoping to break land for construction in the middle of 2017,” Moll said. “And we are still on plan to have it completed by the end of 2018. We are still going through the clean up of the riverbanks, start removing trees, get the river cleaned up, that will be happening ongoing.”

RELATED: First phase of riverfront development to cost $16 million more than expected

The city of Fort Wayne is slated to invest $5 million in the Parks and Recreation Department next year.

For more information about the Parks and Recreation Department projects, visit the department’s website. 

Below are the projects completed in 2016:

•      Franklin School Park: Phase One
•      Buckner Park: Splash Pad
•      Courthouse Green: Accessible Ramp and Sidewalk Improvements
•      Franke Park: Park/Children’s Zoo Entryway Sign Installed, BMX Fence Improvements, Bleacher Improvements, Day Camp ADA Pathway and HVAC Installed, Foellinger Theatre Exterior Painted, Signage, Concrete Ramp and Loading Dock Improvements
•      Salomon Farm Park: Learning Center Parking Lot and Homestead Improvements
•      Packard Park: Ball Diamond and Sidewalk Improvements
•      Community Center: Parking Gate and New Kitchen Flooring Installed, Sound Equipment Improvements
•      Foster Park: Volleyball Court Improvements
•      Lions Park: New Concrete Pathways and Signage Installed, Outfield Fence Improvements
•      Lawton Park: Cannon Monument Restoration

•      Johnny Appleseed Park: Campground Signage and Drainage Improvements, Campground Restroom Climate Control Installed
•      Indian Village Park: Sidewalk Improvement
•      Klug Park: ADA Swing Installed
•      Kreager Park: Cozy Cocoon Playground Addition
•      Waynedale Park: Drinking Fountain Improvements
•      Lions Park: Pickleball Court Improvements
•      Headwaters Park: Riverfront Floating Dock Project
•      Shoaff Park: Completed Pathway Around Golf Course
•      Various Parks: Bicentennial Benches and Plaques Installed in 19 Parks

The following include ongoing 2016 Projects:

•      Old Fort and Headwaters Park: Bank Stabilization Improvements
•      Roosevelt Park: Pedestrian Bridge Improvements
•      Salomon Farm Park: Asphalt Path and Old Barn Path Lighting Improvements
•      Botanical Conservatory: Plaza and Gutter Improvements
•      Bass Park: Playground Improvements
•      Memorial Park: Civil Servant Memorial Wall Engraving
•      Wells Street Bridge: Beam and Railing Improvements
•      Foster Park: Tennis Court Improvements
•      Lakeside Park: Solar Basketball Lights Installed

The following parks and facilities have improvements scheduled for 2017:

•      Franklin School Park
•      McMillen Park Community Center
•      Foellinger Theatre
•      Botanical Conservatory
•      Salomon Farm Park
•      Reservoir Park
•      Shoaff Park
•      Riverfront Development