WINNIPEG – Elmwood families now have a new option for play.
Clara Hughes Recreation Park officially opened Tuesday on Henderson Highway. The Winnipeg-born Olympic medallist was on hand for the announcement.
“These are my stomping grounds.,” said Hughes, who graduated from Elmwood High School. “I hope kids will learn a little bit about what I’ve done then believe in themselves that anything is possible.”
The playground and skatepark are on the grounds of the former Kelvin Community Centre, which was torn down in 2008.
“The playground upgrades, addition of a new skateboard facility, site improvements and a new entry plaza have transformed this park into a location where an Olympic champion, athletes of all ages and anyone who enjoys outdoor activities can stay active or relax with family and friends,” said Ron Lemieux, the local government minister.
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Until now, families living in the area had to go more than 20 blocks to the Bronx Park Community Centre for a playground and recreation facilities.
“It’s not fun when you can walk across the street,” said Regan Clark, who lives near the park.
While they are thrilled with the playground, some parents said a proper community centre needs to be built to replace Kelvin.
“It’s great that the kids have somewhere outside but when winter comes, they will need somewhere to go and warm up,” said Kaylee Mack.
Province officials said they have no plans to help build a new centre.
“You would hope that someday we would be able to do something,” said Lemieux. “But right now, there is nothing concrete.”
Work is expected to start in the new year to overhaul the hockey changing rooms on the site.
A total of $758,500 of taxpayer dollars went into the park. All three levels of government contributed.
The city planned to sell the land after the Kelvin Community Centre was demolished but community lobbying helped reverse that decision. The neighbourhood is still lobbying for the rest of the community centre to be replaced.
Hughes, who won two bronze cycling medals in the Summer Olympics and four speedskating medals in the Winter Olympics, is tied with fellow Winnipegger Cindy Klassen as the Canadian with the most Olympic medals. She is the only person to have won multiple medals in both the summer and winter Olympics.
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