October 1, 2024
Children Will Soon Have a New Place to Play in Tuxedo
– – –Manitoba Government Seeking Residents' Input into Design After Playground was Demolished in 2018: Smith
The Manitoba government is ensuring families that live near the Edgeland, a multi-property Manitoba Housing complex, have a place to play, relax and connect, by constructing a new playground in Winnipeg’s Tuxedo neighbourhood, Premier Wab Kinew and Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith announced today.
"Public playgrounds play a vital role in connecting families and friends,” said Kinew. “We are committed to working with the children in Tuxedo to get this important project done. By working together, we can create a place for families and children to gather and get active.”
Consultations on the design will begin this month. In-person consultations with residents of the Edgeland will be taking place throughout October and provide residents the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed playground, ask questions and share their vision on how the playground should look. The site’s previous playground was demolished in 2018.
The premier noted consultations will target future users of the playground, specifically the youth of the building. Accessibility and Indigenous cultural elements will also be integrated into each proposed design.
“The previous government demolished this playground with no plans to bring it back and now our government is righting that wrong,” said Smith. “These are spaces where children gain valuable social skills and have opportunities to connect with their peers, improve their motor skills and nurture lifelong friendships. Our government is thrilled to ensure Tuxedo families will once again have access to accessible playgrounds where everyone can play and belong.”
Located in Winnipeg’s Tuxedo neighbourhood, the Edgeland complex contains 124 rental units and one commercial unit. A mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom units, the properties were built in 1972 and developed as family housing.
“We are excited to learn about the investment of a new play structure in our community,” said Millie Braun, executive director, Family Dynamics. “We know that opportunities to play have physical benefits for children of becoming healthy and strong, but playgrounds also offer opportunities to build the developmental and social skills that build community and support lifelong wellbeing. The family resource centre at Tuxedo is a place where children, individuals and families come together to create community. Our focus is on building trusting and responsive relationships that empower and strengthen families and communities. We are grateful for the support we receive from the province and making the playground possible. Our community says thank you!”
It is anticipated the project will be tendered this fall and awarded in the coming winter months, the premier noted, adding the project is expected to start in the spring 2025 with an anticipated completion date of summer 2025.
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