The Grand Opening of the Whyte Ridge Accessible Fitness Park was on Saturday July 27. This beautiful, one-of-a-kind facility is the result of over 2 years of planning, emailing and organising. Cameras rolled as Global News covered the ribbon cutting ceremony . There were people from the community, board members, calisthenics athletes and dignitaries including our own Janice Lukes, and our former councillor Marty Morantz who provided the funding. Terry Duguid of the Federal Liberal party even dropped by. He lives in Whyte Ridge and supports the club by providing funding for students each summer. Janice brought Sargent Sundae treats for everyone and it was an exciting and fun event. Global News Link – https://globalnews.ca/news/5693402/whyte-ridge-community-centre-accessible-fitness-park/
The facility is wheelchair accessible owing to its rubber safety surface and has many features that assist with access to the equipment, including pull up bars at many levels, rails to help reach the highest bars, benches, easy entry parallel bars, grade level entry and of course the rubber safety surface – a huge upgrade from wood chips. There is even a bench to rest on or watch from. Most of the funding for the project was provided by the City of Winnipeg through the Land Dedication Reserve Fund – a grant system designed to encourage the construction of facilities for sports, recreation, gardens, green spaces and the enjoyment of the outdoors. Check out some of the pictures of the demonstration put on by Nino and his crew of calisthenics athletes.
This is world class, multi-functional fitness equipment from the accessible calisthenics line by Kenguru Professional, right here in Whyte Ridge. There is instructional signage for beginners and we intend to offer classes in the future. Come by for a workout and bring your friends and family!
Please spread the word to anyone you know who enjoys outdoor fitness activities (especially if they have accessibility challenges). We hope this is just the start of many more such installations in Winnipeg designed to improve access to fitness for all.
Special thanks to all those who helped/supported this project:
- Pablo Szajt – for suggesting it
- Councillors Marty Morantz and Janice Lukes for supporting the project
- Nino Maric of Movement Generation for supplying the equipment and providing tons of helpful advice all along
- Christina Harris – Property Planning and Development
- Murray Lord of Colcat Enterprises for the fantastic installation services
- Dave – Prairie Rubber Paving
- David McInnes – our graphic designer
- Lightvisions – who printed the sign
- Society for Manitobans with Disabilities and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority for supporting the concept
If you like this addition to the community centre and want to see more projects happen at the club – be they for fitness, programs, green-spaces, etc., come down and volunteer. We need you! It is amazing what you can accomplish with a little persistence. Hope to see you at the community centre soon.
Chris Magura
Director at Large
