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City of Brandon Media Release
Brandon, MB – The City of Brandon and the Downtown Wellness and Safety Task Force is introducing a new outdoor pop-up park pilot project that is focused on serving the vulnerable population in Downtown Brandon.
The pop-up park pilot project is in the 800-block of Pacific Avenue and contains two picnic tables and two portable washrooms, with one of the washrooms being accessible. The portable washrooms are cleaned daily.
Large natural rocks have been put in place to create a boundary and make the space feel welcoming and purposeful. Weather permitting, the pop-up park will be available until late fall.
"We are pleased to be able to bring this project together so quickly," notes Shannon Saltarelli, City of Brandon Community Housing and Wellness Coordinator. "This project was brought forward as a recommendation from the Downtown Wellness and Safety Task Force to City Council earlier this year. We have consistently heard from the community that there is a need for more public washrooms downtown. Several city departments, the business community, and people with lived experience all contributed to the initial vision and implementation of this space."
Saltarelli also noted that plans are underway to expand the pilot project if the pop-up park is not misused or vandalized, and the pilot project is well received by the community.
Depending on the feedback received during the pilot project, the pop-up park could be expanded next spring with additional washrooms, more picnic tables, overhead shelter from sun and rain, light fixtures, and greenspace added to enhance the pop-up park.
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