Fitness equipment, outdoor classroom coming to Winnipeg park

A Winnipeg park received some new equipment to help residents live an active lifestyle.

Upgrades are coming to a Winnipeg park, including the addition of fitness equipment, a paved path, and an outdoor classroom.

On Monday, the City of Winnipeg, Province of Manitoba, and Government of Canada broke ground on improvements planned for John Forsyth Park.

The upgrades will cost $859,000, with $250,000 coming from the city, $300,000 from the province, and $200,000 from the federal government. The rest of the money will come from a Trails Manitoba grant, a Kal Tire RePlay grant, the Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities, and Assiniboine Credit Union.

Coun. Markus Chambers said he expects the upgrades, including the outdoor fitness area, will become of great use to Winnipeggers, including area residents and students at École Christine-Lespérance.

“I know that with other schools in my ward, a lot of the outdoor equipment is very much utilized, especially during the summer months,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity to increase lighting around here as well so that kids can play well into the evening time in the fall months.”

Construction at the park is expected to be completed by August.