News & Updates from the park

Kilcona Park Dog Club is pleased to announce that 8 new park benches have just been installed along trails in the off-leash and on-leash areas. Taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather, park staff anchored the last five benches into the ground this morning. Thanks to the installation team and all of the other City of Winnipeg Parks East staff who were involved in the project!

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The new benches are the latest initiative of KPDC Stewardship Program’s to fund park improvements and enhance Kilcona’s green space. The club purchased the first 8 benches for Kilcona’s off-leash area in 2013/14.

Kilcona Park Dog Club and Parks East staff selected the sites for the new benches based on KPDC members’ recommendations and on the intrinsic character of each location – peaceful places with shade/shelter that offer nice views of the ponds, the wildlife, and in spots where people and dogs might like to rest and relax.

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Three benches are on the North Pond Trail, overlook the northwest pond; two are on the Forest Trail, offering views of the South Canal and the southwest pond. One is located on the berm near the Perfect Circle Flying Club, offering a different view the southwest pond and the beaver lodge. The last one, at the entrance to the paved paths, will be a convenient resting spot for people using the new drinking fountain and rinse station.

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The new benches were purchased at a cost of $16,000, including construction, delivery, installation and a 10-year maintenance agreement. The project was made possible through a public-private partnership involving KPDC’s own fundraising efforts; a generous donation from the club’s Platinum Sponsor, Birchwood Ford Parks; and the support of City Councillors Russ Wyatt, Jeff Browaty and Jason Schreyer through a Land Dedication Reserve Fund grant.

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The benches, constructed by the City of Winnipeg, are made of high density polyethylene. Consisting of 90% post-consumer waste, they are environmentally friendly. The benches are attractive and easy to maintain since they resist fading and do not need staining.

Kilcona Park Dog Cub, with the collaboration of generous sponsors like Birchwood Ford and Royal Lepage Prime, has donated $40,000 worth of furnishings to the park over the past four years.