There's some changes coming for Rotary Republic Park in Portage la Prairie.

Portage Regional Recreation Authority (PRRA) general manager David Sattler told Portage Rotary Club at its meeting Tuesday at Canad Inns in addition to ongoing work to upgrade baseball diamonds, there's plans to move the beach volleyball courts and de-commission the playground structure.

"The playground at Republic Park is actually quite old and it's at the point where, unfortunately, at the end of this season we're going to have to have it removed due to safety reasons," explains Sattler. "With changes in requirements there's a lot of work that has to be done to make it safe and it's just not reasonable to do that."

Sattler says a replacement playground structure will likely be installed in the next few years -- budgeted at a cost of $40,000 -- as the PRRA recognizes the high usage demand at Republic Park.

"We do get thousands of kids out every week. If their brothers and sisters are playing soccer or baseball it's a great spot. And we know the school division goes over there and uses it on a regular basis," he notes. "So we do want to make sure that spot is maintained in the future."

As for the beach volleyball courts, Sattler says they don't get a high amount of usage because of the current location. The courts are situated in the northwest corner of the park and aren't easily accessible from designated parking areas, aren't close to washrooms or the park's picnic area. The plan is to move the beach volleyball courts closer to the main access road at an expected cost of $15,000.

"We think by moving them to a more prominent location along the entrance road it will gain more traction," Sattler explains. "Along with that, we're looking at increasing our co-ed rec (beach volleyball league) as well as trying to expand with youth league."

Funding for these upgrades is thanks to, in part, Portage Rotary Club. Sattler accepted a $10,000 contribution Tuesday from the club as part of the local community organization's $50,000 commitment over a 10-year period for naming rights to Rotary Republic Park for 20 years. Sattler says PRRA had used $14,480 of the Rotary funds by the end of 2016 with plans to spend $10,000 in 2017. The remaining Rotary commitment is $25,000.

Portage Regional Recreation Authority general manager David Sattler, left, accepting a $10,000 contribution from Portage Rotary Club's Travis Foster on June 20, 2017. (photo by Matt Hermiz)

"Portage Rotary has been a huge supporter of Rotary Republic Park. Their contribution of $50,000 over 10 years has allowed us to do quite a few different and new projects we wouldn't have been able too," Sattler adds, noting Rotary funds have been used to build a picnic shelter, install new park entrance signs and supply water to the baseball diamonds.

"Their contribution is greatly appreciated. We wouldn't be able to do these things without it."