FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation announced that the Sweet Breeze canal‑boat replica will be removed from the St. Marys River on Wednesday, Oct. 14, marking the close of the 2026 season. The removal is scheduled for 9:15 a.m., weather permitting, at Guldlin Park near Van Buren Street and Michaels Avenue.
Season highlights and community impact
Since its debut on May 23, the Sweet Breeze boat has offered free guided tours of the historic St. Marys River, allowing residents and tourists to experience the city’s waterways up close. The partnership with Friends of the Rivers enabled daily trips through the summer, drawing families, school groups, and history enthusiasts.
Park officials said the 2026 season “finished strong,” citing robust attendance numbers and positive feedback from participants. Many locals praised the boat for providing an educational, family‑friendly outing that highlighted Fort Wayne’s river heritage while reinforcing the city’s commitment to preserving natural resources.
Removal logistics
The boat will be carefully lifted from the water and transported to a storage facility where it will undergo routine maintenance and preparation for the next season. Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation emphasized that the removal is a routine part of the seasonal operation and does not signal any change in the city’s long‑term river‑access plans.
“We’re grateful to Friends of the Rivers and the community for making this season a success,” said a Parks and Recreation spokesperson. “The Sweet Breeze boat has become a beloved part of our summer programming, and we look forward to bringing it back next year for another round of river tours.”
Looking ahead
While the Sweet Breeze boat will be out of the water for the remainder of the year, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation continues to offer a variety of outdoor activities, including trail hikes, playground upgrades, and upcoming river‑cleanup events. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged with the department’s social‑media channels for updates on future programming.
For those interested in supporting the Sweet Breeze tours or learning more about the partnership with Friends of the Rivers, information is available on the Fort Wayne Parks website.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
