Grand opening set for July 26 with lunch, kids’ activities, vendors and town-wide garage sale
After three years of construction, Moosehorn’s Wayside Park will officially open with a grand celebration on July 26.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors are invited to the new park—located next to Highway 6 between 1 Street North and Main Street—for a day of free family-friendly activities, vendor booths and a complimentary lunch.
“This park was built in the spirit of creating beautiful public spaces for our residents to enjoy,” said Devan McCoubrey, assistant chief administrative officer for the RM of Grahamdale. “there is no better sign of a thriving community than a local government investing in outdoor spaces for families.”
The $516,000 park has been in development since 2019, with HTFC Planning and Design leading the process. The site now includes a walking trail, six camping sites, a new electrical system, canteen, public washrooms and showers, playground, benches and a pavilion with picnic tables.
McCoubrey said the park has already proven to be a popular community space and is helping bring visitors into Moosehorn.
“Every little bit helps,” she said. “parks like this give people another reason to stop in Moosehorn.”
Wayside Park was made possible in part by the Province of Manitoba’s Building Sustainable Communities Program, which provided $165,000 in funding. Additional support came from a $5,000 grant from Community Futures West Interlake. The Municipality’s share was funded through the Federal Gas Tax Reserve and the Development Reserve.
“We want community members to know this is something we want everyone to be able to see, celebrate and know is available to use,” said Jacqueline Kiesman, economic development officer for the RM of Grahamdale.
Some features are already in regular use, such as the playground and campground, which opened last year.
“It is just one more place families can feel safe to let their little ones run around,” Kiesman added.
The canteen—complete with running water, electricity, a fridge, barbecue, microwave, cupboards, stove and oven—has also become a popular venue for food sales during events. It’s available to rent through the municipal booking website or by calling the RM office. The rental fee is waived for Grahamdale taxpayers and non-profit groups.
During the grand opening, visitors can enjoy a free hot dog or hamburger lunch, complete with a drink and a bag of chips, to showcase what the canteen can offer.
A variety of vendors will also be set up at the park with information tables and items for sale, alongside a community-wide garage sale involving multiple families and businesses.
One participant is the Moosehorn Heritage Museum, which will host its annual book and media sale at 15 Railway Ave. The fundraiser includes new and gently used books, CDs, puzzles, board games and movies donated by residents. Proceeds go toward museum operations and maintenance.
“Access Credit Union will be enticing museum visitors by providing treats,” said museum representative Dianne Bitner.
Donations for the museum sale are being accepted until July 18. To donate, contact volunteer Ryan Metner at 204-768-0015 or moosehornheritagemuseum@gmail.com.
A map of participating garage sale locations will be posted closer to the event on Facebook and on flyers around town. Anyone interested in hosting a sale or having a vendor table is asked to call the RM office at 204-768-2858 or email edo@grahamdale.ca by July 18.
Additional activities planned for the day include free face painting, lawn games, bouncy castles and miniature train rides for kids. The Moosehorn Fire Department will also be on site with a firetruck and its interactive fire safety house.
“We are looking forward to the community coming together to celebrate the long-awaited opening of Wayside Park,” Kiesman said. “We can’t wait to see you there.”
