September 2, 2022 - Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation installed four chess tables with seating on the Main Street (south) side of the Freimann Square Fountain. All four tables feature chess boards painted on the surfaces. Players can bring their own chess pieces and walk, bike, drive or ride to the centrally located park to enjoy a fun and beneficial game of chess in a beautiful setting.
Steve McDaniel, Director of the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department says “Chess is known as the game of kings, but the great thing about chess is that it is available to just about anyone. Now with the addition of these tables, players of all levels can enjoy friendly competition, and build a number of proven cognitive skills including healthy social relationships.” He continues, “While playing chess isn’t a new pastime, it is seeing renewed promotion to diverse groups from local chess clubs and players. Fort Wayne Parks is happy to bring the game tables to Freimann Square.”
Tables are available to the public on a first come basis. Two of the four tables offer wheelchair access.
A celebratory event is being planned in collaboration with local chess clubs, Take A Stan, FortChess, Three Rivers Chess as well as Purdue Extension for later this fall.