A growing legacy is taking root in the Rural Municipality of Woodlands as Park150 prepares to host two ceremonial tree planting events in September in celebration of National Tree Planting Week.
The first event will take place on Sunday, Sept. 14 at 1:30 p.m. when Adrienne Clarkson, former governor general of Canada, will plant a ceremonial tree at the future site of Park150, a landmark project developed in anticipation of the RM of Woodlands’ 150th anniversary in 2030.
As a first-of-its-kind initiative in Canada, Park150 celebrates both the land and the people who have shaped the municipality’s past, present and future. The park will be located across from the municipal office at 57 Railway Ave. in Woodlands.
Then on Saturday, Sept. 20, Park150 will welcome a distinguished group of former provincial and federal leaders, including Janice Filmon, former lieutenant-governor of Manitoba; Gary Filmon, former Manitoba premier; and former members of Parliament Jon Gerrard, Felix Holtmann and Howard Hilstrom.
These guests will join this year’s Honorary Tree Planting recipients to recognize their contributions to the community and to help shape the landscape of a park designed for future generations. The RM accepted nominations for the Honorary Tree Planting recipients in the spring, and any unselected nominations will carry over for consideration for subsequent tree plantings.
The Sept. 20 event will recognize the 2025 Honorary Tree Planting recipients: Doris Hunter, Ed deLaroque, Eleanor Proctor, Elizabeth Stein, Elsie Brunger, Ethel Heaps, Jean Marshall, Jeanette Erickson, Meadow Lea United Church, Meadow Lea Women’s Institute, Reg and Aenone Studler, and Woodlands Church of the Annunciation. Since some of the recipients have passed away, family members will plant the trees in their honour.
All are welcome to attend the Sept. 20 celebration, which will also feature a vendor and farmers’ market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Park 150 site. Dignitary remarks will start at 1 p.m., followed by the tree plantings at 2 p.m. Attendees should plan to bring their own chair. In case of rain, activities will move indoors at the Woodlands Community Hall.
Representatives from the landscape architecture firm Scatliff+Miller+Murray will be on hand to present early design plans and gather community feedback on the park’s future features. Since breaking ground in 2024, the initiative has honoured prominent Manitobans such as Edward Schreyer, Yvon Dumont, Greg Selinger and Ralph Eichler.
Looking ahead, the park will eventually feature a tall grass prairie, pollinator gardens, a community recreation pad and a walking trail connecting to the local museum. Tree plantings by dignitaries and local heroes will continue annually, culminating in the official park opening during the RM’s sesquicentennial weekend in July 2030. Each year, up to 20 trees will be planted, adding up to 100 trees over five years.
For more information or to get involved, community members are encouraged to attend the events and share their ideas for Park150. They can also reach out to office administrator Brooklyn Lauwerysen at admin@rmwoodlands.ca or 204-383-5679.
Park150 Tree Planting Events
Sunday, Sept. 14 – 1:30 p.m.
• Ceremonial tree planting with Adrienne Clarkson at future Park150 site (57 Railway Ave., Woodlands).
Saturday, Sept. 20
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Vendor & farmers’ market
• 1 p.m. – Dignitary remarks
• 2 p.m. – Tree planting ceremony with honorary recipients and distinguished guests
(Rain location: Woodlands Community Hall)
