Pinawa and Lac du Bonnet residents and visitors enjoyed the outdoors and connected with nature this summer. Funded in part by the CPRA’s Summer Work Experience Green Jobs Initiative, and with support from the Government of Canada’s Summer Work Experience program, the Winnipeg River Recreation District was able to hire a green space play ambassador to promote and organize outdoor recreational activities for these two Manitoba communities.
“This job promotes getting outdoors and appreciating what nature has to offer,” says Marissa Buell, who was hired for the job and is currently studying athletic therapy at the University of Winnipeg. “I have always had a great appreciation for nature, and having this job provided me with more opportunity to get outside.”
“This job promotes getting outdoors and appreciating what nature has to offer,” says Marissa Buell, who was hired for the job and is currently studying athletic therapy at the University of Winnipeg. “I have always had a great appreciation for nature, and having this job provided me with more opportunity to get outside.”
In her role, Buell planned weekly events for the communities, which brought families outside, and encouraged them to explore the areas’ parks and green spaces – things like hikes, bike rides, walks, outdoor activities and games.
She says the summer job helped her get hands-on experience in athletics, but also helped her appreciate nature more.
Most of all, she says she loved the diversity of the job and felt she made a difference in the communities.
“Every day looks different,” she says. “I am able to plan a wide range of events. I enjoy being outside and sharing this passion and promoting involvement in the community.”
Kristen Meads, administrative assistant with the Winnipeg River District, says the organization would not have been able to hire Marissa if not for the Green Jobs Initiative.
The job helped connect people and nature, she says, adding that it had a positive impact on both the Pinawa and Lac du Bonnet communities.- Marissa Buell, Student
The job helped connect people and nature, she says, adding that it had a positive impact on both the Pinawa and Lac du Bonnet communities.
“Having this student running programs and activities in the green spaces has encouraged people to participate in outdoor play, in a safe and no-cost environment,” Kristen says.
“Having this student running programs and activities in the green spaces has encouraged people to participate in outdoor play, in a safe and no-cost environment,” Kristen says. “It has also helped to create an awareness of the different parks and green spaces in our communities, how accessible they are, and what they have to offer.”
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