Parks and Rec

Note from Emma: WoMH guest-blogger Ian is back, this time with the scoop on Assiniboine Park!

When I first moved to Winnipeg last year, I was already familiar with some of the more popular/interesting outdoors hangouts. I had been to the Forks, explored the Exchange, shopped at Polo Park and ventured all the way down to the University of Manitoba (which is about as far south as I’ve been since I’ve moved here). However, one place I had never been too, or even really heard of for that matter, was Assiniboine Park. I stumbled upon the park last spring, when I went there for a work-related bbq lunch. Since then, I’ve been back numerous times with friends, visiting family, and solo. I tend to be fond of urban parks.  I love Stanley and Queen Elizabeth parks in Vancouver. I was impressed by the Toronto Islands Park. I’ve experienced Central Park, Hyde Park, and many more in Europe; but I have to say, Winnipeg has a pretty nice park in Assiniboine and here are some reasons why (in no particular order):

Number one: It’s larger than Stanley Park in Vancouver. Not by much mind you, but it is (I looked it up). Plus, unlike Stanley Park, it doesn’t have a major traffic artery bisecting the park in two.

Number two: Assiniboine Park has some pretty cool gardens. The formal English garden was very nice stroll through last summer, but I was most impressed with the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden. I had never heard of Leo Mol before I moved here, so I was surprised to find an entire garden filled with his creations. However, I was quickly impressed with how nicely it was all laid out, and quite entertained by the variety of creative sculptures. The small display building and courtyard area in the middle of the garden is a wonderful spot, which was made even better when I discovered the (free) live Sunday jazz series in the garden last summer. You don’t get that in Vancouver!

Number three: All the trails through the gardens, forests and fields, around the duck pond and along the river make the park a great place to walk. It’s so nice to get a walk through the forest without leaving the convenience (and mosquito controlled confines) of the city. Plus, you get a great walking bridge over the river that leads directly to a delicious ice cream stand. Bingo!

Number four: Trains, planes and automobiles. Assiniboine has a miniature railway which, even though I haven’t experienced yet, I always appreciate. Also, there’s the cool old CN steam engine near the south gate. As for planes, with the airport just across the river, the park fields are a great place for plane spotting. It’s pretty cool, and a bit unnerving to see A320s and 737s flying that low right above you. Sometimes I get the urge to wave, thinking someone might actually see me and wave back! And of course, the park also has one key feature that would endear itself to any Winnipegger: abundant free parking!

Finally, number five: The Lyric Theatre at the Pavilion. I have been to the Lyric twice now, camped out with my folding chair on a prime piece of real estate, to see the WSO perform a free show on a gorgeous summer evening. This is a perfect combination and the best bang for my entertainment dollar (even after the well-deserved donation). This year, I will endeavour to experiment and try out more free performances at the Lyric; the Big Band Series looks promising, and I’ve heard that I need to see Moses Mayes, so I will have to make the trip a few times this summer. That’s not too difficult since even the drive to the park all the way down Corydon is rather pleasant (though I’m always tempted to pull over and have a beer or cappuccino on a bustling patio.)

There are many other things to enjoy in Assiniboine Park that I didn’t mention in my list. The conservatory is nice and I expect this is especially so in the winter. There’s the zoo, which I’ve enjoyed as well, though I have mixed feelings about zoos. I have yet to sample the park in winter mode, but I’m looking forward to taking my skis out there next winter.

What’s your favourite place/thing/aspect of Assiniboine Park? Do you have other favourite parks in the city or places you like to go for a quick nature getaway? I know I’m curious to try out FortWhyte Alive. I’d like to hear some of your suggestions too!

-Ian