Winnipeggers are once again being invited to adopt a piece of one of Winnipeg’s most popular skating destinations to help keep it open and safe this winter.
The Nestaweya River Trail is one of Manitoba’s most iconic winter attractions, and a $50 gift through The Forks Foundation’s Trail Together campaign will help support the winter attraction and keep it open for everyone.
The trail, which stretches over the frozen Red and Assiniboine Rivers, allows people a place to ski, walk, bike or glide across throughout the winter months.
Typically, the trail runs adjacent to many different neighbourhoods, including the West End, Crescentwood, Osborne Village, Downtown, Riverview, St. Boniface and Norwood, with skates available to rent at the Forks Market.
“Our team spends hundreds of hours preparing the trail long before anyone laces a skate,” said Sara Stasiuk, president and CEO of The Forks. “Support from the community helps us invest in the work needed to open the trail and give people a special reason to go outdoors during the frostiest months.”
To help keep the trail open, a team spends hours augering holes to test the ice, clearing snow and flooding and smoothing ice surfaces.
“Every donation makes a difference,” said The Forks. “When winter conditions limit river access, donations are redirected to other winter public activities and gathering spaces around the site to ensure residents can still connect and enjoy the season.”
Last year, over 200,000 people used the Nestaweya River Trail.
Anyone can adopt a metre in their own name or as a gift. Information and donations are available here.
