Forrest Community Park

Forrest is a very small community north of Brandon, Manitoba, which makes volunteerism so fundamental to sustaining a community that flourishes and thrives. The community has been using the undeveloped greenspace to host community events for several years. There have been Easter Egg Hunts, Hot Dog Roasts, and most recently Forrest Frost Fest was held at the greenspace. Last year, they were able to add a toboggan hill to the space which generated a lot of excitement.

Forrest does have a community centre (rink), but it is only operational in the winter months, and the only playground available is at the elementary school across a busy highway and is inaccessible to the vast majority of children in Forrest.

We are currently working to develop the space further to include natural playground elements including a rock climbing wall, a balance beam, logs, a slide, zipline, monkey bars and a swing set. There will also be a picnic area with a pergola and firepit, and a multisport court that will appeal to all ages. The landscape design for the project includes a beautification component where trees, shrubs and grass will be planted. Signage, waste and recycling bins, and lighting are also to be added.

“By introducing an outdoor community space that could be utilized all year round it would allow community members to interact, play, exercise, and socialize and help instill a sense of community pride and ownership amongst residents.”