The community of Portage la Prairie has a new reason to get outdoors and get moving. This Saturday, the Junk Yard Dogs Cycling Club celebrates the grand opening of their long-awaited activity park, a vibrant network of trails and features designed to welcome cyclists, walkers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, accessibility and skill levels.
Nestled just south of the bypass on the reclaimed dump hill site at 200 Old Bridge Road, the new park is the result of years of vision, planning, and collaboration. “It’s a unique outdoor attraction for this area,” says Gary Bergen, president of the Junk Yard Dogs. “This brings Portage up to a level with other communities that have become destinations for outdoor recreation.”
The park features a wide variety of purpose-built trails – carefully designed for safety, enjoyment, and skill development. From gentle walking paths to more advanced biking trails with flowing turns, jumps, and other features, there’s something for everyone. Signage helps visitors navigate and select trails that match their comfort level.
Bergen explains that the grand opening, taking place at 10 a.m., is more than just a ribbon-cutting. “We’re celebrating the completion of this park and introducing it to the community,” he says. “It’s also a chance to thank our many volunteers, partners, and supporters who made this possible.”
Visitors can expect guided or self-guided tours, a barbecue lunch, a ceremonial kickoff with local dignitaries, and a raffle for a $2,500 trail bike, generously supported by local bike shop, Two Tired Boys, and owner Dale Cramer. Tickets are just $10 and available at the event, or in advance at Two Tired Boys Bike Shop and Hill’s Drug Store. Only 400 tickets are printed – your chances of winning are excellent, so get yours early before they’re gone!
“We’re thrilled to partner with ARC Industries of Portage la Prairie, who will be putting on a barbecue for the event,” says Bergen. “We’re glad to link up with another organization in our community that provides such a valuable service. ARC plays a vital role in creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. It’s exciting to celebrate this new recreational space together in a way that supports and includes all members of our community.”
One of the park’s standout features is its accessibility – both in design and cost.
“It’s completely free to use, thanks to our partnership with the City of Portage la Prairie,” Bergen adds. “That makes it that much more accessible for families and individuals.”
The park is open year-round, supporting seasonal activities like fat biking, tobogganing, and snowshoeing in winter, alongside summer hiking and biking. Maintenance is a shared effort between the cycling club, the city, and ongoing community support through volunteers and memberships.
Funded by a mix of public and private contributions – including the Government of Manitoba’s Building Sustainable Communities program, Trails Manitoba, and local sponsors like the Yuill Family, Moon Construction, Simplot, and Stride Credit Union – the project reflects strong local investment.
Though the current trail network and walking paths mark the completion of the first two phases, the club is working on finalizing a welcoming trailhead area, with gazebos, maps, restroom facilities, and resting spots. A connector trail linking the park to the Assiniboine River trail system is also in the works.
“We’ve tried to make this not just a park, but a symbol of community and collaboration,” says Bergen. “With its unique farmyard theme and grassroots origins, it’s something that really reflects who we are in Portage.”
The new Portage Bike and Activity Park is located at 200 Old Bridge Road at the Old Dump Hill, on the south side of the Highway 1 bypass. Join the Grand Opening celebration for the new Portage Bike and Activity Park on Saturday, May 31. Trail tours start at 10:00 a.m. and the opening ceremony happens at 11:30 a.m. For updates, follow Junk Yard Dogs Cycling Club on Facebook, or visit their website: portagejyd.com.