A collaborative community initiative saw members of the Rotary Club and employees from a few local businesses come together this spring to spruce up the Duck Pond area at Island Park, bringing life and colour to one of Portage la Prairie’s most beloved outdoor spaces.
The effort is part of a growing Rotary Club project that includes four distinct garden areas around the pond, each maintained by a local corporate sponsor. This year's sponsors include Homestead Co-op, Mackenzie's Funeral Home, Richardson Milling, and Southport Aerospace Centre.
"When we do any cleanup or planting, or even weeding, they send a group of people from their offices to come and work with us," said Cathie McFarlane of the Rotary Club.
"Planting is always so much more fun than weeding, but they definitely help us out with the planting."
One of the contributors this year is Southport Aerospace Centre, which sponsors the 'Landing Zone' garden. The organization sent a team of staff members to assist with planting perennials, removing debris, and preparing the space for the season.
"This project is a great initiative from the Rotary Club, and we're really happy to be a partner through our corporate social responsibility arm," said Colby Orchard, Director of Development at Southport.
"It provides a good opportunity for our staff to get out in the community and help out as much as possible."
According to Orchard, the day was a success.
"We always have fun doing this. Thankfully the weather cooperated, and we had some experienced gardeners and some new to it, but everyone had a great time."
Beyond beautification, the initiative reflects deeper values of environmental stewardship and community engagement, both of which Southport and the Rotary Club hope will continue to inspire others to get involved.
"It's just a great program," Orchard added. "The Rotary Club makes it easy, they bring in professionals to give us guidance, and we're happy to provide the manpower."