Woodlands Park150 is in the running for a cash prize through an online competition — and they need your votes to make it a reality.
The local organization was chosen as a Manitoba finalist with the Growing Home with BASF Canada program. This national community giving program aims to celebrate and support organizations making a meaningful impact in rural Canada.
Each year, local growers and agricultural retailers across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario are invited to nominate organizations that matter most in their communities for a chance to win a portion of the $160,000 prize fund. In each province, three prizes will be awarded: $25,000 for first place, $10,000 for second place and $5,000 for third place.
A grower or retailer in the area nominated Park150 for the initiative. Following a review process, Park150 was selected as one of the top three finalists in Manitoba.
Park150 is a community-led initiative that involves transforming abandoned rail land into the first public green space in the hamlet of Woodlands in celebration of the Rural Municipality of Woodlands’ 150th anniversary in 2030.
The eco-historical park will feature accessible walking paths, a central gathering space, tall grass prairie restoration, edible gardens and honorary trees recognizing community volunteers and organizations. The project aims to reflect local history, environmental stewardship and inclusive design, ensuring meaningful access for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.
On behalf of Park150, board president Bryan Myskiw expressed gratitude to the community member who submitted the nomination.
“Your nomination helped bring our story forward, and we are excited to have been selected as a finalist,” he said.
“We hope residents and surrounding communities will take this opportunity to vote and show their support for this project and the lasting impact it will have.”
Funding from the Growing Home program would help to advance Park150’s accessible walking paths, central gathering space and tall grass prairie development. As a result, it would strengthen a project that is already bringing together youth, seniors, families, local businesses and volunteers.
Myskiw encourages residents across Manitoba and Canada to participate in the voting process and help bring this community project one step closer to realization.
Public voting is open March 31 to April 17. During this time, anyone in Canada can place one vote for an organization in each province for a total of four votes. A valid email address is required, and any duplicate or fraudulent votes won’t be counted.
To vote, visit https://agro.basf.ca/growinghome/voting.html and scroll down to the provincial tabs. Select an organization within each province by clicking the orange “Vote” button. When prompted, selected “Continue to next province” to ensure you vote in all four provinces. After selecting an organization in each province, enter your email address and click “Submit” to register your votes.
