A new park and play structure in Peony Farm is already proving to be a popular addition to the community, according to R.M. of Portage la Prairie councillor Doug McAuley. “It’s a beautiful facility there now. Every time I go by, there are always kids playing on it if they’re not in school,” says McAuley. “They’ve got the playground, pickleball courts, and even a hockey rink, so it’s a facility you can use 12 months of the year.” The project came together through a mix of local fundraising and outside support. McAuley notes that the Government of Manitoba’s Grow Fund played a key role in accelerating the timeline. “Without that Grow Fund, it was originally going to be a three-year deal, but with this financing it became a one-year deal,” he says. “The Hextall Fund, the Community Foundation, and local businesses like McCain, Simplot, and Cobbes also contributed, along with the community itself through fundraising.” He adds that the project went before council early on and was well prepared from the start. “What you see there was the exact presentation that came to us. It was well planned and the group did a great job,” continues McAuley. Residents share positive feedback Local resident Greg Jordan says the transformation has been significant. “There’s been a playground structure here for years, but it was old and antiquated. The community got together and made this happen, and it’s great. You can see people here all the time now, even from outside the community,” says Jordan. He adds that the amenities have broadened the neighbourhood’s appeal. “There’s ice skating in the winter and pickleball. I’m not a pickleball person myself, but a lot of people have taken it up. It gives the kids something to go to, and I’ve heard nothing but great feedback. It’s just all positive,” notes Jordan. Neighbour Seth Garrett says the upgrade has been a welcome change for young families living nearby. “It’s pretty great. We’re just probably five homes down, so it’s a short little walk for us to come, so we’re here usually once, sometimes twice a day,” says Garrett. He points out how much the new facilities have improved the space. “They had a little slide and a swing set and a little jungle gym kind of thing, not nothing much. But now we’ve got the two play structures, swing set, the pickleball basketball court at the back, and then the picnic shelter here,” adds Garrett. He says the park is well-used in the evenings. “I think all the kids here, you usually see after supper and stuff, there’s usually a few families here. So, yeah, it’s a great thing to have,” continues Garrett. Looking ahead McAuley concludes that the project is an example of how thoughtful planning adds long-term value. “It could have been a house built there, but instead it’s a green space that will be a great place for kids, families, and future residents,” he adds. . McAuley concludes that the project is an example of how thoughtful planning adds long-term value. “It could have been a house built there, but instead it’s a green space that will be a great place for kids, families, and future residents,” he adds. Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon. Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@portageonline.com. PortageOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the PortageOnline app.