Enjoying our own little winter wonderland

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/01/2019 (2790 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Those of us living between Henderson Highway and the Red River like to brag about how Fraser’s Grove Park and Kildonan Drive are our little secret. In the summer the street comes alive with dog walkers, joggers, cyclists and people enjoying ice cream from one of the nearby shops.

The area takes on a life of its own every winter, too. The little hills are perfect for tiny sledders to make their first run. The City of Winnipeg floods a skating rink and erects a small toboggan run which they also flood for extra fun. Look for that in the easternmost section of the park.

People are making good use of the Red River this year. A group from Scotia Street across the river cleared a large-size rink and souped it up with hockey nets, Christmas trees, flood lights, hay bales and a sound system. The only time I heard music playing it was rap but to each their own, I guess.

Further down the river, a different group made their own curling rink complete with stones. It looked like it saw some action around Christmas.

The Red River is also popular with cross-country skiers. There are several different pathways, some near the banks and others right across the middle. Some local skiers, in search of variety, switch between Frasers Grove Park, the Red River, and Kildonan Park, which is conveniently located a sort trip across the ice.

Some of my neighbours like skiing on the river at night. When the sky is clear, the moon lights your way. It is especially bright after a fresh snow.

Humans aren’t the only ones enjoying the area either. I’ve seen hawks and eagles flying overhead. Squirrels and rabbits abound (could explain some of the birds). Come early in the morning or late at night and you may catch a glimpse of a deer, raccoon, fox or even a coyote, either in the park itself or walking on the riverbank. 

I stick to walking the dogs through the park and along the riverbank. Because I walk at the same time most days, I have befriended several other dog walkers who share my routine. It’s a great way to start the day before heading off to work.

Tony Zerucha is a community correspondent for East Kildonan. Email him at tzerucha@gmail.com

Tony Zerucha
East Kildonan community correspondent

Tony Zerucha is a community correspondent for East Kildonan. Email him at tzerucha@gmail.com

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