Bakers Narrows Provincial Park is going to get a boost for next summer through an increase in provincial accessibility funding.
The main fixes at Bakers Narrows will be seen at the park’s main beach and in the yurt area, located not far from the aforementioned beach. Exact dollar figures for the work have not been released.
Part of the upgrades to yurts at Bakers Narrows will include making them wheelchair-accessible. While some yurts at the park have access ramps that allow wheelchair users to gain access easily, others only allow access with a flight of stairs.
Other changes include adding accessible picnic tables at parks across the province, including at Bakers Narrows. Those tables are similar to typical tables, but with either a longer overhang on one side or a shorter frame, allowing for people in wheelchairs to wheel up close to the table.
In a statement from provincial conservation and climate minister Sarah Guillemard, the minister said funds would be made available for other accessibility-based projects, but did not say which projects would be approved and where they would be located.
“We are committed to the ongoing maintenance and improvement of provincial parks as places of relaxation, adventure, recreation and tranquility,” said Guillemard.
“Through the Provincial Parks Endowment Fund, we will ensure funding is available in perpetuity for important projects that will enhance these experiences.”
Other approved projects include a mobility mat - a non-slip mat that runs between sand and water at a beach that allows people in wheelchairs or with other mobility issues to enter and leave the water safely - and yurt upgrades at Clearwater Lake Provincial Park, as well as new signage at Pisew Falls and more changes for yurts at Paint Lake, Asessippi and Spruce Woods provincial parks.
Funding for the projects will come from the province’s Provincial Parks Endowment Fund, which contains about $20 million to be spent on upkeep and improvements for Manitoba parks.
