Winnipeg, MB – Today, the Government of Canada, Province of Manitoba, and City of Winnipeg, along with local community leaders and members of the Centennial neighbourhood, celebrated the grand opening of Giizhigooweyaabikwe Park (242 Lizzie St.).
The park has undergone a major redevelopment and added features that include a new half-court basketball court, community water fountain, and upgraded lighting across the park. Other additions include new chain link fencing, wood post bollards, asphalt pathways, seating areas with benches, picnic table, bike rack, and newly laid sod.
Giizhigooweyaabikwe Park was renamed in July 2018 to honour community member, Leslie Spillet. The name Giizhigooweyaabikwe translates to “Painted Sky Woman” in Anishinaabemowin. A land blessing ceremony was held in May 2023 with Councillor Vivian Santos, Leslie Spillett, and local community leaders ahead of the redevelopment project.
“Today’s grand opening demonstrates our shared commitment to creating more inclusive and vibrant Indigenous communities,” said Ben Carr, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
“Giizhigooweyaabikwe Park is the heart of this neighbourhood, much like its namesake Leslie Spillet, who is well-known as one of the community’s kookums,” said Bernadette Smith, Manitoba’s Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness. “Leslie is a long-time community advocate who has been a tireless champion for inner city communities, and the Manitoba government is pleased to support this important project which will benefit this community for years to come.”
“Wherever kids and families can gather and play safely, that becomes the heart of any community,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “That couldn’t be more true than here in Centennial, where improvements at Giizhigooweyaabikwe Park will offer families the chance to play, connect, and celebrate with each other for many years to come.”
“The redevelopment of Giizhigooweyaabikwe Park is a testament to the strength of our partnerships and the dedication of the Centennial neighbourhood,” said Councillor Vivian Santos, Point Douglas. “This revitalized space, named in honour of Leslie Spillet, reflects the vibrant spirit of this community and creates a welcoming environment for everyone. With new amenities like the basketball court and community water fountain, Giizhigooweyaabikwe Park will serve as a gathering place for generations to come, fostering connections and supporting a sense of belonging for all residents.”
“During the renaming ceremony in 2018, many community members shared their connections to the space and spoke of fond memories of playing in the park as children and visiting with families,” said Leslie Spillett. “The redevelopment of Giizhigooweyaabikwe Park will continue to bring children and families together to play, celebrate one another, find peace and safety in the land, and make good and happy memories. For me, it is also restoring Indigenous identity and connection to the original language of this land.”
The budget for all project costs was approximately $355,500. The community water fountain ($101,000) was funded through the Canada Community-Building Fund. The basketball court, fencing, seating, and landscaping ($177,500) was funded through the City’s 2021 and 2022 Parks and Recreation Enhancement Program. The park lighting upgrades ($40,000) were funded through the City’s Land Dedication Reserve.
As part of the redevelopment, there was also $37,000 from the Parks and Recreation Enhancement Program spent on demolition of the closed wading pool at the park.