Manitoba’s first wheelchair-accessible dock opens at Camp Manitou
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/07/2022 (1212 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Manitoba has its first wheelchair-accessible kayak and canoe dock, which was installed as part of the 11-acre expansion at Camp Manitou in Headingly.
“It gives us the opportunity to provide something to individuals in the province that is unique,” said camp director Audrey Hicks. “I’m excited to see the difference it makes because, for some, they have probably never had this opportunity.”
The dock, which cost roughly $60,000, was donated and installed by Nor Col EZ Dock of Gimli. President Garth Krulicki approached the camp when he heard about their expansion.
“I reached out and connected with Audrey so that all of the kids could be involved,” he said. “EZ Dock wants everyone to be able to get on the water and be accessible to everyone.”
Other upgrades include a 2.6-acre custom lake, biking trails, a pump track and an expanded dining hall.
Camp Manitou is a core program of the True North Youth Foundation; renovations were the result of a $9-million capital campaign from the community.
The four-season camp has creative and innovative programming and its environment provides campers with adventure and learning that stimulates physical, social and emotional growth.
With the latest expansion, campers have 39 acres of land to explore.
“Our new bike trails allow us to start teaching new skills. In the same way some kids take to hockey, we may be able to introduce kids into a new type of biking where they may be able to take it and go farther,” Hicks said.
First-year biking program leader Ness Dalling, who grew up racing with the provincial team, said the new paths are up to standard.
“Having the new trail system is going to be fantastic. The kids this past week have had a ton of fun riding them. This is a proper mountain biking trail. It’s top class.”
Fifth-year camper Ben Wolodarsky said he enjoys the new paths and was excited to see the new attractions this summer.
“Now that we have a lake, it’s been much more fun. This is the first chance I’ve had to canoe,” the 11-year-old said.
More than 500 kids have been able to use the new dock and bike paths.
Krulicki said he hopes to install more accessible docks in Manitoba and on Hick’s list for future upgrades is a bigger field, a new basketball court and a high ropes course.
bryce.hunt@freepress.mb.ca