Optimist Park expansion opens

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This article was published 14/09/2020 (1851 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The City of Winnipeg cut the ribbon on the newly expanded St. James Optimist Park.

The expanded park features a new full-sized soccer field, playground, parking lot and fencing. The City also relocated the Optimist Park monument, moving it closer to the new field. A ribbon cutting was held for the expansion on Sept. 3, giving residents more green space to enjoy the last few days of summer.

The ribbon cutting was attended by Mayor Brian Bowman, Coun. Sherri Rollins (Fort Rouge – East Fort Garry) and Coun. Scott Gillingham (St. James).

Gillingham said he’s been pushing for this expansion for several years, and is happy that it’s finally happening.

“The site was really important for St. James as it is … It’s a really beautiful facility, multiple ball diamonds, some of the nicest in all the province,” Gillingham said. “Now, we can have soccer games on a brand new, top quality pitch. We’ve got a new play structure. You’ve got families, you know, their younger brother or sister comes along to watch the game … Now they have a place to pass the time.”

The park was expanded to the east of its existing site. The process started in 2010, when the province expropriated a portion of Optimist Park for the construction of the CentrePort Canada Way. According to Gillingham, the province was willing to give a settlement to the City for the expropriation, the two parties just needed to iron out the exact terms.

In January 2019, council approved the proposed settlement with the province. The city received $1,793,902, as well as a parcel of land to help with the expansion. The total budget for the expansion was $911,262.40. Construction began in October 2019.

The expanded site will serve as the St. James Minor Baseball Association home, as well as league play from across the province.

“The recreational opportunities provided by sports fields and playgrounds are extremely valuable to our residents,” said Rollins, chair of the standing policy committee on protection, community services and parks. “This impressive and important expansion at Optimist Park will be appreciated by residents in St. James for many years to come.”

For more information, or to view the full release, visit winnipeg.ca