Did you know that Red Feather Farm housed a military battalion? Or that streetcars from Winnipeg brought visitors to Selkirk Park for summer outings? Now you can uncover the history of the City of Selkirk’s vibrant parks, virtually!
From a failed lakeside cottage development to an ecologically protected treasure, Little Lake Park has a fascinating history of resilience. This exhibit explores how ice jams and Red River flooding accidentally saved this unique landscape from developers, paving the way for a historic golf course and creating one of the last remaining river bottom forests in Manitoba.
From a bustling 1950s neighborhood playground built by local volunteers to a permanent symbol of reconciliation, this park holds a deeply inspiring story. This exhibit highlights the site’s evolution from the old Kinsmen North Playground into a space dedicated to the lasting legacy of the Honorable Murray Sinclair, celebrating his historic path from local resident to national leader.
Established in 1966 just as the surrounding neighborhood began to grow, Penwarden Park stands as a tribute to community dedication. This exhibit explores the park’s history—from its early development and subsequent modern expansions to the legacy of William “Bill” Penwarden, an engineer who spent his life championing local youth sports and recreation.
Sitting at a historic junction that once served as a busy ferry crossing, Queen’s Park tells a story of community pride and royal celebration. This exhibit explores how the local Odd Fellows lodge worked to beautify the vacant lot, and how the site was officially transformed into a lasting tribute for Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 Coronation Day.
From a premier 1910s poultry ranch to a wartime military barracks, Red Feather Farm holds a fascinating place in Selkirk’s history. This exhibit uncovers how its massive chicken barns were transformed into quarters for the 108th Battalion—affectionately nicknamed “The Roosters”—before they deployed to the front lines of the First World War.
From a bold 1953 fundraising vision to a massive man-made lake with a sandy beach, explore how the Rotary Club of Selkirk overcame inflation and floods to build the jewel of Selkirk Park.
From a bustling 1920s tourism hotspot where day-trippers arrived by steamboat to dance the night away, Selkirk Park has always been the heart of the community’s recreation. This exhibit explores the rich history of this crown jewel on the Red River—from its early days hosting grand company picnics and open-air concerts to its modern role welcoming campers and housing the historic Marine Museum of Manitoba.
Long before it held a monument to the fallen, this historic riverbank site was home to Western Canada’s largest national fish hatchery. This exhibit uncovers the transformation of the grounds—from its 1892 industrial roots to a hard-fought battle by local veterans to protect the prime real estate from developers, securing it as a lasting sanctuary of remembrance.