Mayor Tom Henry is joining mayors across the country for the fifth annual Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service today, a nationwide bipartisan effort that highlights the impact of national service in tackling city problems. This day gives our community an opportunity to celebrate our nation’s unsung heroes–citizens who volunteer not for recognition but who use their time and talents to help solve community challenges and make cities like Fort Wayne a better and brighter place for everyone.

This year, Mayor Henry attended a clean-up at Memorial Park to thank volunteers for their service. Youth from McMillen Park Community Center set aside part of their Spring Break to mulch several landscape areas in the park. Additional volunteers from Easter Seals Arc, Hobson House and the Volunteer Center joined in.

“We’re fortunate to live in a community that values volunteerism and working together to make a meaningful and lasting difference,” said Mayor Henry. “The momentum and investments we’re experiencing in the City of Fort Wayne are a result of residents and neighborhoods being committed to make our City all that it can be.”

“This cleanup is an extension of a successful partnership the Parks & Recreation Department has with the Volunteer Center called Adopt-a-Playground. Twenty-one playgrounds have been adopted by community groups, who commit to cleaning three times per year for their three-year adoption period,” said Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll. “We have many more parks available for adoption by business groups, church groups, even families.”

Groups interested in adopting a playground should contact Natalie Eggeman at 260-427-6028 or email her at natalie.eggeman.

Individuals and groups interested in volunteer opportunities in Fort Wayne should contact the Volunteer Center at (260) 424-3505 or info@volunteerfortwayne.org