Winnipeg, MB – The Government of Canada, Province of Manitoba, and City of Winnipeg announced today the opening of a new 3,000-square-foot accessible spray pad and other park features at Whyte Ridge Community Centre.
“Congratulations to the Whyte Ridge Community Centre on the grand opening of their accessible spray pad, just in time for a beautiful Manitoba summer,” said The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan and Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface – Saint Vital. “Our government recognizes the importance of investments in people and communities by supporting projects like this. It is a vital addition to a welcoming, safe, and vibrant community space.”
“Outdoor community spaces provide residents the opportunity to build relationships, and connect with their community,” said Terry Duguid, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South. “The Whyte Ridge Community Centre spray pad will be a huge asset and gathering place for the strong community in Fort Whyte. Our government is happy to partner in this project.”
“As a parent in Whyte Ridge myself, I’m personally excited for the opening of the Whyte Ridge Community Center spray pad as a space for the community to gather, have fun, and create memories,” said Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Obby Khan. “Our government recognizes the important role community centres play, and we are building stronger communities together to provide Manitobans with access to spaces, services and networks that build healthy, inclusive, and vibrant communities.”
“I’m very pleased to have worked with passionate community members to make this spray pad a reality at the Whyte Ridge Community Centre,” said Janice Lukes, Councillor for Waverley West. “More and more young families are moving into Whyte Ridge and will enjoy these new amenities for years to come.”
“The Whyte Ridge Community Centre is a place for community members to connect and gather, and this spray pad will be a great addition to the centre's existing programs,” said Dwight Zacharias, Treasurer for Whyte Ridge Community Centre. “Thank you to every level of government for providing the funding to build the spray pad, and to our centre’s president, Kimberley O’Hara, whose tireless efforts helped make this happen.”
In addition to a new accessible spray pad, the amenities include asphalt pathways and seating area, fencing, benches, picnic tables, bike rack, shade structures, and upgraded landscaping.
The Council-approved budget for the project was $1 million, with $225,000 of the project budget funded through the City’s Land Dedication Reserve Fund, $400,000 from the provincial share of the Canada Community-Building Fund, and $375,000 from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund.