Expanded Optimist Park now open

WINNIPEG (CityNews) – The expansion of Optimist Park in St. James ward is now complete.

Optimist Park was expanded east of its original location after the City allowed the construction of CentrePort Canada Way over part of the park in 2010.

In 2019 the City agreed to an expropriation settlement with the Province, which allowed park expansion to take place.

“This project has been a long time coming for the St. James community and the sports clubs that call these facilities home,” said Mayor Brian Bowman in a statement. “It took many years of work and due diligence by City staff to reach this point and we are thrilled to finally be able to open the expanded area of the park with a brand new, relocated soccer field and state-of-the-art playground.”

“The recreational opportunities provided by sports fields and playgrounds are extremely valuable to our residents,” said Councillor Sherri Rollins. “This impressive and important expansion at Optimist Park will be appreciated by residents in St. James for many years to come.”

“This project is the result of nearly a decade of dedicated work, from the acquisition of the land, consultation with the community on this vision, and bringing these plans to life,” said Councillor Scott Gilingham. “With appreciation for their patience, the community of St. James will now be able to enjoy the relocated soccer field, newly constructed playground, and other upgrades that will benefit the baseball facilities, which serve as home for the St. James Assiniboia Minor Baseball Association.”

The expansion began in fall 2019.

A budget of $911,262.40 was allocated from the CentrePort Canada Way Expropriation Settlement for the restoration of Optimist Park. An additional $1,793,902.40 came from the settlement made by the Province to Winnipeg.

The expanded park features a new full-sized soccer field, playground, parking lot, monument relocation, and fencing.