Winnipeg, MB – Mayor Brian Bowman, Councillor Sherri Rollins, and Councillor Scott Gillingham participated in a ribbon cutting today to recognize the expansion of Optimist Park in the St. James ward. The expanded park features a new full-sized soccer field, playground, parking lot, monument relocation, and fencing.
Optimist Park was expanded to the east of its existing site due to expropriation of park land that allowed for the construction of the CentrePort Canada Way. The portion of Optimist Park required for road construction was originally expropriated in 2010. Council approved an expropriation settlement with the Province of Manitoba in January 2019 that included a parcel of land transferred back to the City for expansion of the park.
“This project has been a long time coming for the St. James community and the sports clubs that call these facilities home,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “It took many years of work and due diligence by City staff to reach this point and we are thrilled to finally be able to open the expanded area of the park with a brand-new relocated soccer field and state-of-the-art playground.”
“The recreational opportunities provided by sports fields and playgrounds are extremely valuable to our residents,” said Councillor Sherri Rollins, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Protection, Community Services and Parks. “This impressive and important expansion at Optimist Park will be appreciated by residents in St. James for many years to come.”
“This project is the result of nearly a decade of dedicated work, from the acquisition of the land, consultation with the community on this vision, and bringing these plans to life,” said Councillor Scott Gilingham, St. James. “With appreciation for their patience, the community of St. James will now be able to enjoy the relocated soccer field, newly constructed playground, and other upgrades that will benefit the baseball facilities, which serve as home for the St. James Assiniboia Minor Baseball Association.”
Construction of the park expansion began in October 2019. The total budget for the park expansion was $911,262.40, which was allocated from the CentrePort Canada Way Expropriation Settlement for the restoration of Optimist Park. Council approved the expropriation settlement made by the Province of Manitoba to the City of Winnipeg in January 2019 at the negotiated price of $1,793,902.40.