Tuxedo neighbourhood gets green light to build new playground

While an empty lot in the Tuxedo neighbourhood may not look like much now, by next summer it will be buzzing with families. The community is coming together to help design a brand-new playground, transforming this space into a lively hub for everyone to enjoy.

The Manitoba government says the new playground at Edgeland complex, hopes to provide a place for families to gather, play, and connect.

“You have a resource community centre, I know so many of those young kids go to that centre and play their, now their going to be able to come and play right here,” explained Bernadette Smith, the Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness.

Minister Smith and Premier Wab Kinew shared that consultations on the playground’s design will begin this month, with in-person sessions throughout October.

“We’re gonna build a new play structure right here, in this empty space and the best part is, is your gonna help us decide what it looks like,” said Premier Kinew.

“So over the next two months in October and November you and everyone else in the community are going to have the input and tell us what should this structure have.”

Jessica Edwards and her daughter moved into the complex just over a year ago, after living in seven other Manitoba complexes designed for low-income families. She says when she first saw the empty lot, she was disappointed, with the nearest park, streets away.

“This playground itself will add a lot of community, will be able to make really good connections and we’ll be able to form lifelong relationships,” said Edwards.

With the community able to help design the park, Edwards and her daughter Katalina hope to see a few specific features.

“There gonna add all the playgrounds, you know a swing, just promoting the health of the young people in the neighbourhood,” said Edwards.

The playground will replace the previous one that was demolished in 2018, will feature accessible and Indigenous cultural elements, and the focus will be on input from local youth. Construction is set to start in spring 2025, with completion expected by summer 2025.