Friends of the Rivers: Re-discovering Fort Wayne’s rivers as a source of recreation, community engagement, and economic development. FRIENDS OF THE RIVERS: CELEBRATING FORT WAYNE'S RIVERS AS A SOURCE OF RECREATION, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. FRIENDS OF THE RIVERS IS DEDICATED TO ENHANCING THE COMMUNITY'S APPRECIATION, EXPERIENCE, AND USE OF THE RIVERS. THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDES RIVER CRUISES ABOARD A 54-FOOT CANAL BOAT MODELED AFTER AN AUTHENTIC 1840'S CANAL BOAT BEGINNING IN 2017. THE 1840'S-STYLE, FLAT BOTTOM BOAT WILL ALLOW INDIVIDUALS TO EXPERIENCE THE RIVERS AND THE POTENTIAL THEY OFFER FOR DEVELOPMENT, RECREATION, AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING.