MANITOUWADGE--It’s been a busy summer for the Manitouwadge Municipal Works department, and there’s still much to be done.
Along with the regular work of filling in potholes, mowing and trimming the grass in public areas, and repairing and placing new culverts and sidewalks, a couple of projects are nearing completion.
Prospectors Park has seen many improvements since the spring. The dock has undergone some much needed repairs. The foundation remains the same, but the wooden planks have been replaced, and the new platform was put into place last week. One change that should be noted is the new ‘No Diving’ signs at the end of the dock. Darren MacKenzie, Director of Public Works and Facilities, explains that this is a temporary safety measure until they can get a diver to get an up-close look at the bottom of the lake.
“We’re taking every precaution to make sure no-one’s going to get hurt. Right now, we don’t know what’s down there.”
Other changes at the park include the asphalting of the boat ramp and new picnic tables and benches. New garbage cans and other features may be added later this summer.
Another project that the Public Works department is putting the final touches on is the Barnett Street playground. This park was in poor shape, and was closed for some time, but now, with new equipment, fencing and a fresh base of wood chips, it’s ready for the neighbourhood children to enjoy for the rest of the summer. Work is still ongoing in the back area of the park, where they hope to put a picnic table and a sandbox.
A big thank you goes out to Darren and his team, who are working hard to make Manitouwadge a safer, more enjoyable town to live in.