A new and inviting outdoor space will soon welcome people to Winkler's Central Station Community Centre.
Executive Director Bev Wiebe, says a grant of just under $14,000 through Red River Mutual's 'Spruce up your Story' initiative will be used to build a timber frame porch over the centre's picnic table area up front.
"We just want to use this to liven up the front of our building, create a really welcoming front porch where community members can stop by," shared Wiebe.
Wiebe says the space will be used for different programming and events like their drop-in community meal.
"Some of the programs like Healthy Baby or families that are accessing the food bank and having breakfast, they can go outside, enjoy the picnic tables, but have some shade and some shelter as well. So, it's kind of just expanding our dining area outdoors and creating a great space."
Central Station, along with the 9 other recipients, was selected out of a record 317 submissions to the program.
"It's pretty fantastic. It's very exciting, and I think one of the things that their response to us was, that it really benefits anyone in the community. It's outdoors, right? So it's beautifying Main Street, adding to our community space outdoors where anyone can access it at any time. So, we're very, very excited and honored to have been chosen for this project."
Work on the project will start this month, and Wiebe says they hope to be using the new space by August.
Wiebe added the summer months are usually slower for programming at the Centre, however, the Community Meal is a constant that will continue on Monday evenings. She noted Public Health is offering health clinics at the centre once a month as well, which she says has been a great addition for those that are wanting to access those services.