While Citizens On Patrol Portage (COPP) usually work to keep the city's streets clear, they were serving up hot dogs with the goal of making an addition to Island Park.

The Co-op Gas Bar parking lot on River Road was home to a barbecue on June 8th, with the proceeds going to adding a wheelchair-accessible swing to Island Park. Rose from COPP says they sold hot dogs to anyone who came by and did some delivery jobs. 

crowd at the bbq.

"We've had lots of support from Arthur Meighen School," says Rose. "We took their hot dogs over to them, which was probably around 157 hot dogs. Lots from the RCMP detachment have been here, City Council’s been here and lots of other people too."

 The idea for the swing set began in November when Kim Wikdahl attended a city council meeting to see if it was a possibility. Wikdhal says she has no family confined to a wheelchair, but simply believed that there was a need for it in the community. 

"There's quite a few people that are in wheelchairs that would love to be able to go back to their childhood or try it for the first time if they're young," explains Wikdahl. 

Kim Wikdahl.Kim Wikdahl

She adds that the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation and the City of Portage la Prairie have been helping her apply for grants for this swing, and the money raised from the barbecue will help get closer to the approximately $100,000 needed for the swing set. 

The swing set locks the wheelchair's wheels onto one side of the swing, with a bench on the other side for a parent or caregiver.

COPP will present a cheque with the proceeds from the event shortly.