A vibrant new hub for recreation and community connection is officially open in Portage la Prairie, as the Peony Farm Community Park celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday, September 7th.
The event drew approximately 75-80 people, beginning with a "learn to play pickleball" activity on the park's new multi-use court before community representatives took to the stage to thank those who made the project possible.
Speeches were delivered by Deputy Mayor of Portage la Prairie, Joe Masi, Cathie McFarlane of The Community Foundation of Portage and District, and Brenda Miller-Adams, Co-Chair of the Peony Farm Community Club.
The event concluded with a free community barbecue, serving up hot dogs, burgers, drinks and chips for all attendees.
A community-driven project
The park’s new modern facilities, which include playground equipment, a picnic shelter, and the multi-use pad for pickleball, basketball, and an ice rink during the winter, were the result of a massive community effort.
According to Miller-Adams, the project was a direct response to a community survey that asked residents what they wanted from their new park. The park replaces an old, dated playground that included a wooden structure that gave kids splinters and a hazardous slide known as the "silver bullet."
The new park is now fully accessible and designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages.
“It has been an exciting year, and going from actually achieving all the funding that we needed to make a two or three-year project into a one-year project was nothing short of a miracle,” Miller-Adams says.
The $187,000 project was made possible through a variety of sponsors and in-kind donations.
Major sponsors included the Manitoba government and the Community Foundation of Portage and District. Businesses like Cobbs Plumbing and Heating, Simplot, and Dynamic Windows and Blinds also contributed, along with numerous community members.
A safe space for families
The new park is a welcome addition for the many young families who have recently moved to the area.
For young father Brett Foley, the park is a testament to the community’s spirit and a safe space for his kids to play.
Foley says it’s “unreal to see where it’s at today with how much was accomplished, and it really just speaks to the community spirit in the area. So I'm really thankful to be part of it.”
Fellow young father Stephan also highlights the park’s new, safe design.
“Love the park. It's nice to use, and it's obviously kid-friendly. Everything's brand new. No splinters, slivers, and the oldest loves the basketball court,” Stephan says, adding, “We couldn't have asked for a better park, honestly.”
Miller-Adams echoes their sentiments, noting the pride and joy she feels seeing the park in use.
“It is absolutely amazing, it excites me right to the core of my being,” she says. “My eight-year-old grandson, I have said to him, it warms Nana's heart whenever I see the park being used. The other day, he came home and he said, Nana, you'd be so excited. There are two daycare buses at the park; your heart will be so big. So it has been a very, very exciting project for us.”
For all of Portage
While the park is located in Peony Farm, it is intended to be used by all Portage residents.
“No, it's not. It's for Portage and Peony Farm, the community and the district,” Miller-Adams says.
With its grand opening complete and summer weather holding, the park is expected to see heavy use in the coming weeks.
From the laughter of kids on the playground to the sound of bouncing balls on the new courts, the Peony Farm Community Park is ready to bring joy to the community for years to come.
