Whether you’re looking for a rest stop or kid-friendly playground, there are unique parks in many Sunrise Corner communities.
Woodridge Provincial Park
In the 1960s the Manitoba government set out to establish campgrounds and picnic rest stops along the province’s highways. The intent was to encourage people to travel across Canada. Woodridge Provincial Park, designated in 1974 as a wayside park, is situated within the Sandilands Provincial Forest, about one kilometre from the community of Woodridge in Sunrise Corner. It is a small park, only 0.81 hectares (0.01 square kilometres) in size, most commonly used as a staging area for the surrounding trails.
Gardenton Park
The Gardenton Park is a sprawling community park that features a hall, an outdoor stage, playground, baseball diamonds and the Ukrainian Heritage Museum. The park is home to events like the Gardenton Festival, fall suppers, bake sales, dances and more. The park also boasts the Gardenton Hill, a local landmark known for winter sledding.
Middlebro Park
The community of Middlebro has built and maintains a family-friendly park with unique play structures, like a “tree-house” with twisty slide, basketball court, covered picnic area and wide-open spaces for the kids to run around.
M.A. Querel Community Park
The M.A. Querel Community Park in Woodridge is peacefully surrounded by forest and features a baseball diamond, children’s play area and picnic shelter. It’s the perfect place to stop, stretch your legs and breathe deep of fresh evergreen – especially after a spring rain.
J.L. Sturk Memorial Park
The J.L. Sturk Memorial Park in South Junction is home to signature community events on Canada Day and the unique Family Slopitch Tournament in July. It features baseball diamonds, covered picnic area, kid’s play structures and a tennis court. If you’re driving through with the kids and need a rest stop, the park is a peaceful place to stop and enjoy the day.
Vassar Baseball Diamonds
Take a trip to the Vassar Baseball Diamonds and be surrounded by the beautiful Sandilands Provincial Forest while you camp, play or swim. The park features three baseball diamonds, an outdoor heated pool, kids play structure, covered picnic shelter, and a campground. Whether you want some old-fashioned fun or a camping trip with the kids, the Vassar Baseball Diamonds are a great place to go.
Vita Rest Stop Park
Located in the heart of Vita right on Provincial Hwy 201 as you drive in to town from either west or east, you can’t miss the Vita Rest Stop. It is a five-acre site that is anchored by a pole shed that houses the occasional farmer’s market and includes picnic tables, outdoor workout equipment, walking paths, planters and green space. The park is adjacent to amenities such as grocery and drug stores, restaurants and hotel.