Winnipeg, MB – Fort Richmond families will soon have a new spray pad to enjoy during the summer months.
The Government of Canada, Province of Manitoba, and City of Winnipeg broke ground today on a new 5,700-square-foot accessible spray pad and other park features at the South Winnipeg Community Centre’s Fort Richmond site (666 Silverstone Ave.).
“This is an exciting investment in accessible recreation for families in this growing community,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “This project will create another welcoming outdoor space where children can play and stay active. I want to thank our federal and provincial partners for their collaboration and shared commitment to enhancing recreational opportunities for Winnipeggers.”
The project includes pathways, seating areas (including benches and picnic tables), shade structures, bike racks, and new trees. The spray pad is expected to be ready for the 2027 season.
“Every new spray pad we build is an investment in healthier neighbourhoods, stronger communities, and free recreation that every family can access,” said Councillor Vivian Santos, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Community Services. “With many new spray pads opened recently and more on the way, we continue modernizing aging wading pools into inclusive, accessible spaces where children, seniors, and families can gather, play, and stay active together. This new amenity at South Winnipeg Community Centre is another example of how partnerships between all levels of government are helping us build vibrant community spaces for a growing city.”
“For the many families in our neighborhood, this spray pad means more than just a splash on a hot day,” said Councillor Markus Chambers, St. Norbert – Seine River. “It means healthy active play just a short walk away as well as a gathering spot to welcome newcomer children which equals to a cooler, happier summer for parents and their children.”
“Today we celebrate a space that brings new energy, new families, and new memories to this neighbourhood,” said Councillor Janice Lukes, Waverley West. “The addition of this spray pad builds on an already bustling park and play area, creating another place where families and neighbours can connect.”
The City is also working on a preliminary design to add a gymnasium, expand the community centre’s parking lot, and conduct other site improvements. A new gymnasium would increase programming opportunities and better service a vibrant and growing community. The design work will result in a Class 3 cost estimate that will be used for future funding requests to undertake the work.
These proposed improvements form part of a larger revitalization plan for the centre’s Fort Richmond site.
“We are grateful to have a spray pad coming to our Richmond Kings site,” said Arthur Pearson, Executive Director, South Winnipeg Community Centre. “It will bring many more families to our site and endless hours of fun for their children. During this extended time of heat, we wish to remind residents to visit our Waverley Site, as its spray pad is open now and providing relief.”
Council approved funding for the spray pad project through the Spray Pad Investment Program, which focuses on providing inclusive, free recreation opportunities that everyone can enjoy.
The budget for the project is $1.5 million, with $1 million funded through the Community Stream of the federal Build Communities Strong Fund and $500,000 from the City of Winnipeg.