WAWANESA, MB – A well-loved but worn-out playground in Riverbend Park received a long-overdue upgrade thanks to support from the Brandon Area Community Foundation (BACF) and the continued efforts of the RM of Oakland-Wawanesa and the Souris River Recreation Commission (SRRC).
The Riverbend Park Playground Upgrade Project is Phase 2 of a multi-year revitalization plan to improve recreation in the park area. This phase replaced an aging, potentially unsafe structure with a modern, inclusive playground that meets the needs of children of all abilities. Whether families are camping at the park, attending ball games, or visiting from surrounding areas like Brandon, South-Cypress, and Glenboro, the upgraded play space will be a central hub for active, outdoor fun.
The new structure will offer an accessible place for children to learn, socialize, and stay active. Its design is guided by a commitment to accessibility, so kids with mobility or developmental challenges can participate fully on the structure.
The playground upgrade follows the successful completion of Phase 1 in 2024, which was also supported by BACF. That phase included new dugouts, portable pitching mounds, a shade structure, and fresh red shale for the diamonds, which brought new life to the ballfield and walking track area.
The RM of Oakland-Wawanesa and the SRRC operate numerous recreation spaces and programs throughout the region, serving residents and visitors from multiple rural municipalities across Westman. From yoga and pickleball to summer camps and babysitting courses, the SRRC provides year-round opportunities for all ages and abilities.
Through community partnerships and targeted investment, projects like the Riverbend Park Playground Upgrade are helping shape a future where rural families can thrive, right in their own communities.
Learn more about the RM of Oakland-Wawanesa at https://oakland-wawanesa.ca/
With support from BACF and community partners, the Riverbend Park in Wawanesa brand new, fully accessible playground! This upgrade replaces the aging structure and ensures kids of all abilities can safely play, explore, and connect.