Nature Playground
THE NATURE PLAYGROUND IS OPEN FOR THE SEASON.
From your first steps down the tree-lined path toward the Nature Playground, you will be transported into a world of wonder that encourages children to run, jump, climb and explore!
Explore the sand and water play area, slithering slides, a sky-high crow’s nest, willow tree tunnels, basket swings, a giant robin’s nest, colourful rubber mountains, net bridges, and the Streuber Family Children's Garden.
A new wheelchair-accessible swing features a spacious entry deck and ramp for easy roll-on access and offers plenty of room for caregivers or other children to join in on the fun and enjoy a ride. Handlebars that lower easily into place help move the swing, so users can actively contribute to the motion. Unlike some other models, this user-friendly swing does not require an attendant for supervised operation. Made possible with support from The Winnipeg Foundation.
Playground Rules
- No smoking
- No dogs
- No skateboards
- No roller blades
- No bicycles
- Adult supervision required
Picnic Shelter
The picnic shelter cannot be reserved for private use. When using the shelter, we ask that large groups be respectful of other visitors. If you want to reserve a designated spot for your gathering, please book a picnic site in the Park. Cooking is not allowed under the shelter but is allowed in the fire pits located in the Hummocks area just beyond the shelter.
Winnie the Bear Statue
Formerly located in Assiniboine Park Zoo, the statue of Lt. Harry Colebourn and Winnie the Bear is now located in the Nature Playground. Originally unveiled on August 6, 1992, the bronze statue and plaque were donated by the Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg. Crafted by artist William Epp, the piece was created as a way to permanently commemorate the story of Lt. Colebourn and Winnie the Bear, the bear that inspired the children’s storybook character, Winnie the Pooh.
Streuber Family Children's Garden
Located in the Nature Playground, the Streuber Family Children's Garden is a bright, whimsical garden inspired by the classic childhood board game of Snakes and Ladders. A friendly snake made of woven branches watches over a tree-lined path that leads visitors to a checkboard patchwork of raised beds overflowing with flowers and foliage.
The DO RE MI FA SOL LA SI sculpture, created by acclaimed Canadian artist Joe Fafard, is a combination of scenes, objects, and fragments that together form the shape of seven running horses. Fafard used laser-cut steel off-cuts saved from his previous works to create the herd now on display in the Streuber Family Children’s Garden. Larger sets of the same sculpture can be found in Calgary and Quebec City. Fafard (1942-2019) was one of Canada’s leading professional visual artists. Born in the small agricultural community of Ste. Marthe, Saskatchewan, Fafard had deep prairie roots and attended the University of Manitoba (BFA 1966) here in Winnipeg. With thanks to Michael Nesbitt for his generous support. To learn more about Joe Fafard, visit joefafard.com.
