Winnipeg, MB - Mayor Sam Katz today announced a $952,000 commitment to improve the outdoor recreation and play areas at the Freight House in Central Winnipeg.
“The Point Douglas community is in urgent need of modern, quality, recreation opportunities,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “This is a project that I’ve been considering for several years and I’m so pleased to support the families of this neighbourhood by ensuring that young people have a safe place to play.”
The contribution, from the Mayor’s Civic Initiatives Fund, will go towards transforming the largest green space in Point Douglas into a welcoming space for young people and families.
“This is a terrific announcement for the residents of Point Douglas,” said Mike Pagtakhan (Point Douglas). “I am so pleased that the Mayor has recognized the need for safe, accessible recreation in this neighbourhood, and has come forward with funding for this project. I can’t wait to see this park transformed.”
The planned improvements, set to begin in the late summer of 2013, include:
- Creating a new, accessible outdoor play structure,
- Resurfacing an outdoor basketball court,
- Installing new, permanent boards for an outdoor skating rink,
- Adding a new skateboard/BMX bike area,
- Supplying new nets for the soccer field,
- Beautifying the outdoor area with new signage, seating areas, fencing and trees.
“We’re delighted the Mayor has decided to make this investment in our communities,” said Allan Wise, Executive Director of Central Neighbourhoods Development Corporation, the local renewal corporation operating in the three inner-city neighbourhoods of Centennial, Central Park and West Alexander. “I believe the downtown core belongs to the whole city. By engaging our youth and their families, and providing improved recreation services, we are investing in Winnipeg’s future.”
Located in a residential area of Point Douglas, the Freight House includes the Central Community Centre, a day care and the Boys and Girls Club, with several schools nearby.