Kildonan Park truly a North End treasure

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 27/07/2022 (1468 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I recently read and enjoyed an article in the Winnipeg Free Press by Alison Gillmor. The article, entitled “Natural Beauty”, described the history and the attractions of Kildonan Park.

As a Riverbend resident, I frequently enjoy the ‘natural Beauty’ of Kildonan Park. In fact, the park has been a constant source of recreation and pleasure for me throughout my life.

Growing up in Winnipeg’s North End, Kildonan Park was the place to visit. I spent many hours there as a teenager skating on the frozen duck pond and barreling down the thrilling tobogganing slides. It was the setting for romantic walks and serious teenage problem-solving discussions.

When my children were growing up, we visited the park most weekends. In the summer, they enjoyed the playground, the huge sandbox, the wading pool and the witch’s hut. As they grew older, they loved the summer camps offered through the City of Winnipeg’s recreation progam. As teenagers, they lived at the outdoor pool with their friends.

Winter activities included skating, tobogganing and cross country skiing. Kildonan Park was really a safe haven for my children.

The park has always been a meeting place for my friends and family. It has been the setting of many important celebrations. My late mother’s 80th birthday party took place in the pavilion. Our wedding photos were taken in the front formal gardens. We have enjoyed many birthday gatherings there.

During the pandemic, the park has provided a safe place to meet and socialize with others. We could walk and burn off the stress of the bad news that arrived daily. The Christmas that we could not celebrate together indoors, we met our children in the park’s parking lot to exchange gifts and greetings. Kildonan Park has provided some semblance of normalcy and continuity during these strange times.

These days, my husband and I often cycle through the park en route to Scotia Street and St. John’s Park. In every season of the year, we walk the paths and the perimeter of the park.

I am pleased to see how popular Kildonan Park has become. People walk, bike and roller skate daily. Children frequent the summer camps, playground, splash pad and pool. In the evenings, Rainbow Stage draws audiences for their musicals. There are family celebrations and bar b ques.

I agree with Alison Gillmor that Kildonan Park has been and continues to be a treasure for the north part of our city.