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The sound of bouncing basketballs and slapshots will now echo through Bridgwater Park as the community celebrates the opening of a one-of-a-kind sports court.
A new outdoor basketball court officially opened at Bridgwater Park in Winnipeg on Saturday, Sept. 7, providing a new recreational space for the rapidly growing community. The court, located at 200 North Town Rd., was built with funding from the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba, and the City of Winnipeg.
The $210,000 project features an asphalt and acrylic sport court surface, along with chain-link fencing, two built-in street hockey nets, an asphalt pathway, newly laid sod, and a seating area with an accessible picnic table.
“Investing in community spaces like Bridgwater Park's new basketball court is a key part of our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Canadians,” said Winnipeg South MP Terry Duguid, who spoke on behalf of Housing and Infrastructure Minister Sean Fraser.
“This project not only promotes active living but also strengthens community bonds by providing a space where Winnipeggers of all ages can come together for generations to come.”
The new facility caters to the growing popularity of basketball in Winnipeg, said Waverley West Councillor Janice Lukes, pointing to the local success of the Sea Bears basketball team. “It’s a thriving and accessible sport that welcomes all ages and skill levels,” Lukes said. She also noted the court’s unique design, which includes hockey nets to accommodate floor hockey, a first in Winnipeg.
MLA David Pankratz emphasized the importance of such projects for the area’s development, highlighting the rapid growth of Bridgwater and the wider Waverley community. "The government of Manitoba is proud to be a partner with the city as we work together to build healthier and safer communities," he said.
The project was funded through the federal Canada Community-Building Fund, with additional support from the City of Winnipeg’s COVID-19 Economic Response and Recovery Plan. The plan aims to enhance active transportation, improve regional park infrastructure, and provide accessible recreational amenities in underserved areas of the city.