Winnipeg, MB – Today, the Government of Canada, Province of Manitoba, City of Winnipeg, and other project partners celebrated a newly opened outdoor basketball court at Sinclair Park Community Centre (490 Sinclair Street).
The new basketball court, made from acrylic sport court surfacing, also features new chain link fencing, seating, and improved drainage in the areas surrounding the court complete with drainage culvert, catch pits, and newly laid sod.
“With the completion of the new outdoor basketball court, the North End neighbourhood will gain a welcoming and safe place to get outside and stay active with friends and family,” said Kevin Lamoureux, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “Projects like these are made possible through collaboration with our partners, bringing greater access to improved recreational infrastructure that contributes to more vibrant communities for generations to come.”
“This newest recreational addition is a needed and welcome addition as more families call North Winnipeg home,” said Diljeet Brar, Province of Manitoba, MLA for Burrows. “When kids have access to more recreational actives, like this basketball court, more families are able to reach their full potential.”
"This basketball court has been part of the vision for Sinclair Park Community Centre for many years and I am very excited for the community that it has now come to fruition," said Councillor Ross Eadie, Mynarski. "I was pleased to assist the volunteers at this community centre by recommending the basketball court to the federal and provincial governments and adding Mynarski ward money to cover off the extra funds for a better drainage system for this part of the field. Thank you to federal and provincial partners for making it happen for this neighbourhood!"
“As they said in Field of Dreams, ‘If you build it, they will come’,” said Tracy Ball, President, Sinclair Park Community Centre. “This new basketball court has really become our court of dreams, proving dreams can come true with help and support from our community and our dedicated politicians. My dream, and that of our board of directors, is to help ensure that our youth, our families, and our whole community have the recreational facilities needed to live active and healthy lives. Thank you to all who believe in our community and the great things we can achieve.”
Council approved funding for the project through the COVID-19 Economic Response and Recovery Plan, which focuses on enhancing active transportation, improving regional park infrastructure, and adding accessible recreational amenities in underserved areas of the city.
The budget for all project costs, including design, construction, and regulatory requirements, was $352,000, with $290,000 funded through the federal Canada Community-Building Fund and $62,000 came from the City of Winnipeg’s Land Dedication Reserve Fund.