COMMUNITY UPDATE – Message From The Mayor

The 63rd basic recruit class of the Fort Wayne Police Department has graduated and they’ve become fully commissioned officers. The class is made up of 18 males and 3 females. These men and women have demonstrated a commitment to providing excellent public safety services for our City. Additional personnel for the FWPD demonstrates our desire to be the safest community possible for residents, neighborhoods and businesses. I’m proud of the work our officers perform each day as they serve and protect all of us.

Fort Wayne UNITED is providing a wonderful opportunity for those looking for employment. On Saturday, July 21, 7 – 10 pm, area employers will be available during the late-night basketball league in the Renaissance Pointe YMCA to talk about positions they have available. Job searchers can watch some great basketball and meet a potential employer at the job fair. Then, anyone who finds a job they’re interested in and sets up an interview will be invited to meet with Fort Wayne UNITED for some interview tips, and they’ll get free attire to wear for the interview.

Fort Wayne UNITED is a Mayoral initiative that places two national efforts, Cities United and My Brother’s Keeper, under one umbrella. It is designed to answer the call to enhance opportunities, advance youth advocacy and help create a safer city for all, but more specifically for black men and boys. By bringing together a group of passionate and committed leaders, the initiative educates, informs and engages the community in an effort to make positive change one neighborhood at a time.

Futsal, also known as small-sided soccer, has now found a home in Packard Park. I joined officials from the soccer community, Packard Park neighbors, international soccer star DaMarcus Beasley, and Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel to officially open Indiana’s first Beasley outdoor Futsal court.

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DaMarcus grew up playing soccer with the Fort Wayne United Soccer Club and South Side High School and has since reached international heights playing professional soccer in six countries over 20 years. He believes that kids of all ages should enjoy soccer and gave generously to this effort at Packard Park. In his honor, the courts are now called the Beasley Courts. The futsal courts are a public-private partnership with Beasley, the Indiana Soccer Association and the neighbors around Packard Park.

Free Foellinger Theatre movies have returned for the summer. This year the movies are on Thursdays, beginning at 8 pm. Reservations aren’t necessary. All the animated movies are family-friendly and there are some great ones on the schedule. Minions plays on July 26, Finding Nemo on August 2 and Finding Dory is the season’s last movie on August 9. Foellinger Theatre is located in Franke Park, next to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. For more information, call the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department at 427-6000.