October 2, 2026
Manitoba Government Invests $100,000 in Dauphin's Maamawi Park
– – –New Learning and Activity Centre Will Promote Healthy Recreation, Inclusion and Reconciliation in the Parkland Region: Simard
The Manitoba government is investing $100,000 through the From the Ground Up – Safe Healthy Communities for ALL program to support Dauphin’s third phase of upgrades to Maamawi Park, Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced today.
“Strong communities are built around places where people can gather, learn, play and connect,” said Simard. “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 is phase three of a community-led project that will expand recreation opportunities while creating a safe, healthy and welcoming space for residents of all ages, the minister noted, adding this phase of the project will 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 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 the City of Dauphin, the Rural Municipality of Dauphin, the broader Parkland region and neighbouring First Nations communities. The project will support recreation, education and reconciliation while strengthening community wellbeing and social inclusion, organizers noted.
“Maamawi means together, and that spirit has guided this project from the beginning,” said Larry Budzinski, member, 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 (RM) 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.
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