The Rotary Club of Portage la Prairie can almost cross a large project off their to-do list.
The duck pond at Island Park is almost complete, following the installation of some concrete bump-outs around the water. P.R. Director Preston Meier says the four-phase project started back in 2019.
"It had been a while since the club had done a major project," explains Meier. "We really envisioned taking the duck pond that was there for the last 100 years and trying to make it a special spot. We were able to meet with the City and develop a plan over four years."
He adds that they've been able to stay mostly on schedule, but COVID-19 threw a monkey wrench in some of the timing.
The project started in 2020 and involved rebuilding the waterfall, stripping the bank, shorting up the rocks, and restoring the pond. Meier calls phase two in 2021 the biggest part of the project. This included the pergola and deck provided by RONA Portage la Prairie.
"Ever since (the deck) was completed, there's been wedding pictures, as well as family photos and graduation pictures. It's been a cool thing to see happen. If you ever get the chance to walk around there in a cool Summer evening it comes together really well."
The next major changes to the duck pond wouldn't come until 2023, with lights being added surrounding the pond. Once those bump-outs are completed, all that will be left to do is officially cut the ribbon, but that will have to wait until the snow melts.
"There was a lot of blood, sweat and tears that went into it," notes Meier. "I know that the club was extremely proud of the way it turned out."
Meier would like to thank his fellow club members, the sponsors who have helped the project along, and any volunteers not with the club who spent time helping in any capacity.