The greenspace in front of the Red River College on Saskatchewan Avenue East in Portage la Prairie is getting a facelift.

Larry Mcleod working on removal of fencingRegional campus manager Guy Moffat says the work will be done in phases over the next few years

"We're going to be seeing a little bit of activity in the field -- the greenspace in front of the college. I'm having all the chain-link fencing and ball diamond backdrop removed just to open up the space to the community, with the physical barrier of the fence there. I think it's kept people from enjoying that space for what it can be."

He explains some details of their plans.

Portion of vintage chain link fence in process of removal"It's going to be done in phases, because unfortunately everything costs a lot of money. So, right now the first step is to have all the chain-link fence removed. I'm having the ball diamond dug out so we can put some backfill in, some loam, to actually grow some grass. The end-state, the dream state, is to have a centrepiece garden area. I'd like to put in some walking paths once we learn how people like to traverse that area. There's going to be some new benches coming for it. And I'd also like to do some raised gardens for some community gardening."

Fencing removed and rolled up for transportMoffat adds the material won't go to waste.

"All of the chain link fence that's going to be removed is going to be repurposed. It's going to be donated to community clubs within the city of Winnipeg. Apparently with the chain link fence of that vintage, it's hard to come by the parts for those fences. So, as much of the material as possible is going to be donated back so they can repair and upgrade fencing."

Work will be done by the end of the week, and the goal is to ultimately make it a community park for students and everyone else.