Three parks within eastern Winnipeg are receiving upgrades that will improve safety and recreational activities for members of the communities.

On August 25, an announcement was made in one of Transcona's parks that Southland Park (175 Royal Mint Dr.), Kildonan Meadows Park (1120 Devonshire Dr. West) and Kern Park (14 Kern Dr.) will receive funding to renew the spaces and make them safer.

"Recreational infrastructure investments ensure families and visitors have welcoming and safe places to gather, maintain healthy lifestyles, and build a sense of community," said the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Member of Parliament for Saint-Boniface-Saint-Vital on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. "Our government is investing in these three park improvement projects here in Winnipeg to enhance the quality of life and welcome families back to improved public spaces."

"Southland Park will benefit from enhanced lighting, Kildonan Park Meadows Park will receive a new playground and site furniture, and Kern Park will see renewed play equipment, pathways and other important features, giving access to improved space to gather, have fun and forge lasting bonds with this nearly $500,000 investment from our government increased access to safe, high-quality recreational infrastructure contributes to healthy, welcoming and sustainable communities," says Shawn Nason, Councillor for Transcona who spoke on behalf of Minister Vandal who could not attend the in-person announcement.

The project at Southland park is expected to begin in June 2023 and be completed in August 2023. The projects at Kildonan Meadows Park and Kern Park will begin in September 2022 and be completed in June 2023. 

"Our Manitoba Government is committed to public safety," says Audrey Gordon, Minister of Health and MLA of Southdale. "The improvements we're announcing this morning for these three parks in East Winnipeg will enhance facilities and opportunities for fitness, recreation and fun, and are designed for the well-being of those who use them."

The media release indicated that the "Council approved funding for the project through the COVID-19 Economic Response and Recovery Plan, which focuses on enhancing active transportation, improving regional park infrastructure, and adding accessible recreational amenities in underserved areas of the city. The combined budget for these projects is anticipated to be approximately $500,000, with total funding from the Canada Community-Building Fund to be $494,000 and the remaining funded by the City of Winnipeg."