The City of Portage la Prairie is making what they term a meaningful investment into maintaining greenspaces they currently provide, as well as improving them and creating more. Councillor Ryan Espey says this hasn't been done to the extent that it now will be.
"Back in all my time on council, there was a real resistance to any of this kind of investment based on us historically putting so much money into the new Multiplex, which is, of course, now known as Stride Place."
A specific and structured three-year plan has been presented regarding this effort.
Espey pinpoints one example.
"I get really excited about the development of Dakota Oyate Park, which is a new park, and that was part of our apology to the Dakota people and part of reconciliation. But going forward with that, it's really something that's going to be special. We're in such early stages, that we don't really know what that's going to look like. There will be a lot of collaboration that's taking place. So, I'm looking forward to the design and the rollout of the plan for that."
The city has allocated funds to ensure this plan is carried through.
He also adds his thoughts on how the city is ensuring every citizen of Portage has access to parks and recreational spaces.
"This is something that was really fostered by the Parks Committee in its infancy, and known as the North End Parks Committee. There was an imbalance up there. So, the group actually formed with the notion of equalizing the spread of parks throughout the community and green spaces. That evolved into the Parks Committee, which eventually became a subcommittee of council, and that was over the course of over a decade of work. Now this is a continued evolution of that, where the city and the municipality itself are taking some ownership. In the past, this was largely fundraised by private citizens, businesses, and groups that found this important. They wanted to make a difference in their community. It's nice to know that, after all this effort, there's going to be a plan in place that makes it a whole lot easier to get these kinds of things done."
The council emphasized that no user fee will be incorporated for the use of spaces related to organized sports.
"We've talked about this over the years and debated it. What is affordable and accessible for some people is not for others. Despite how inexpensive it might appear, there are barriers. Sometimes, the barrier is money or transportation, and ensuring that everyone has access within a certain distance from their home is extremely important for people to feel that sense of community and be able to access these things."
Among these plans, Island Park playground specifically has $50,000 allocated for an accessible swing. Espey says this is connected to Kim Wikdahl's efforts to see accessible play equipment placed at the Island.
"I'm really hoping it's well-received," says Epsey.
The city has received input from the community in consultations in the past concerning where to set up parks and what should be placed inside them.
"I'm not sure exactly what the process is going to involve community input, but there will be an evolution of that."
All in all, the plan will be funded by allocating up to $200,000 annually for the next three years from land development fees.
If you have questions, you can reach out to the City, and they will be glad to respond.
Timeline:
Current Contributions for 2024:
- Junk Yard Dogs Activity Park – Contribution of $20,000 towards fencing and natural barriers
- Garrioch Creek Trail – Contribution of $75,000 towards trail upgrade project
- BDO Centre – Contribution of $5,000 towards community basketball court at former skate park location
- Skateboard Park – Contribution of $8,000 towards landscaping
- Koko Platz Community Centre – Contribution of $40,000 towards design resource support
- Elm Street – Shindleman Way Sidewalk – Investment of $140,000 in Active Transportation trail extension from Elm Street to Westpark School
Priority Action Plan for 2025:
- McKay Avenue Playground – Allocation of $150,000:
- Repair and replace swing sets
- Remove any current play structures
- Install small new play structure
- Minor landscaping Island Park Playground – Allocation of $50,000:
- Replace damaged slide on current play structure
- Minor repairs to major play structure
- Paint, upgrade, and maintain swing sets
- Minor landscaping Dakota Oyate Park
- Planning and development of park Budgetary commitment to be determined
Priority Action Plan for 2026:
- Prosvita Park Playground – Allocation of $40,000:
- Replace swing set
- Paint and minor repairs to play structure
- Minor landscaping Simplot Central Park – Allocation of $50,000:
- Install pedestrian asphalt pathway
- Minor landscaping 9th Street NW Playground – Allocation of $30,000:
- Upgrade play structure
- Upgrade fencing
- Landscaping Island Park Playground – Allocation of $50,000:
- Install accessible swing
Priority Action Plan for 2027:
- New Development Play Structure – Allocation of $200,000:
- Install new play structures between former AYC land and Southeast Development, in proximity to Republic Park
Miscellaneous Action Plan – Grant and/or Partner Dependent:
- Simplot Central Park – Estimated cost of $120,000:
- Install washroom facilities
- Intention to apply for funding. 50% of the costs associated with this project to come from our General Reserve.
With files from Dayna Yurkiw.