Development of Maamawi Park in Dauphin is being advanced by a $100,000 gift from the Province through the From the Ground Up - Safe Healthy Communities for ALL program.
The money is earmarked for the third phase of the project aimed at developing a new learning and activity centre promoting healthy recreaton, inclusion and reconciliation in the region.
“Strong communities are built around places where people can gather, learn, play and connect,” Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard said in announcing the grant, last week.
“Our government is proud to support Maamawi Park, because it creates a safe and healthy community space for everyone in Dauphin. This investment will provide new opportunities for families, children, elders and visitors to enjoy the outdoors, while deepening understanding of Indigenous history and culture in the Parkland region.”
This phase of the community-led project will expand recreation opportunities, while creating a safe, healthy and welcoming space for residents of all ages. The goal is to establish the first of four planned learning and story stations.
The activity station will be themed “the north” and will feature interactive play and exploration areas, Indigenous storytelling elements, public art, educational signage, landscaping and gathering spaces developed in collaboration with Indigenous partners.
Planned features include a bear tunnel play structure, cedar groves and shelters, musical play elements, Indigenous artwork and storyboards, as well as native plants and landscaping.
“This project reflects what makes the Dauphin area such a great place to live - people coming together to build something that benefits the whole community,” said Agriculture Minister and Dauphin MLA Ron Kostyshyn.
“By investing in Maamawi Park, we are creating more opportunities for children and families to be active, supporting reconciliation through learning and understanding, and helping ensure Dauphin remains a safe, healthy and welcoming community for generations to come.”
The free and accessible learning centre is expected to serve not only the City of Dauphin and the Rural Municipality of Dauphin, but also the broader region and neighbouring First Nations communities.
“Maamawi means together, and that spirit has guided this project from the beginning,” said Larry Budzinski, a member of the Maamawi Park Steering Committee.
“The next phase will create a unique space where people can gather, play, learn and celebrate Indigenous culture together. We are grateful to the Manitoba government and all our community and Indigenous partners for helping bring this vision to life.”
The project is being led by Dauphin Recreation Services in partnership with the Anishinaabe Nations in Treaty 2 Territory, the Northwest Métis Council, the Dauphin Friendship Centre, the City of Dauphin, the Rural Municipality of Dauphin and other local organizations.
Dauphin Recreation Services is a non-profit organization led by a board of directors, funded jointly by the City of Dauphin and the RM of Dauphin. It manages facilities and parks that serve both municipal regions, including 11 parks inside the city and four parks in the rural municipality.
The From the Ground Up - Safe Healthy Communities for ALL program provides up to $100,000 to help non-profits, municipalities and northern affairs councils fund community revitalization, youth programs and capital improvements that strengthen local infrastructure and support vibrant community life.