Central Park is a multi-cultural community hub

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/08/2021 (661 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I’ve been in Winnipeg for just eight years so I didn’t see Central Park before it was revamped between 2008 and 2012. I am glad the gothic Waddell Fountain was restored as it adds a heap of old-world charm to the park

I often meet up with a friend at the park to play board games found at nearby Thrive Thrift Store. We have played The Newfoundland Jam Game, Frog Juice and Set – a real oldie. All were a steal at just 50 cents apiece.   

Almost all the residents of the Central Park neighbourhood live in high-rises so the park really comes alive on sweltering hot summer evenings. It is only in summer that it has its vibrant multicultural feel, as so many people stay indoors in winter.  

During the community consultations, back in 2008, that went along with re-doing the park, residents suggested a spray park and a soccer pitch. Both were inspired choices as laughter rings out continually from the kids playing in the water and the artificial pitch is usually being used for youth soccer or smaller kids just kicking a ball around. Of course, during the COVID-19 pandemic, daycares and schools have been bringing kids to play during recess and at lunch hour.

The many benches are usually taken up by people happy to see friends again, as I am. It is nice to just hang out but I have been to a couple of events lately, too.

I caught a noon hour concert by Folklarama favourite Drum Cafe on Aug. 5. Five djembe drums, a West African xylophone and lyrics sung in traditional African languages added up to great sounds that rocked the park.

Two days later, on a sunny Saturday, there was a painting class as part of the Art in the Park program. I followed along with the instructor as she painted a grouping of three blooms on a black background but somehow my painting wasn’t as pretty as hers. It was nice to be outside around others again at both events.

Events, and sometimes even giveaways, put on by various organizations happen often at the park, as it is a community hub. A recent event called 100 Soccer Balls saw 100 soccer balls and some soccer gear given out to kids living in the inner city. The Winnipeg Central Global Market is held outside Knox United Church every Saturday from 11 to 5 p.m. You can find fresh local produce, multi-cultural food, crafts and more there every week.

You can find out about many of the upcoming events on the Central Neighbourhoods (cnwpg.org) and the Spence Neighbourhood Association (spenceneighbourhood.org) websites.

Events are also often advertised on posters posted on bulletin boards around the neighbourhood.

Anne Hawe is a community correspondent for the West End. She can be reached at annie_hawe@hotmail.com