Business View Civil and Municipal | Volume 3, Issue 3

187 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 RURAL MUNI C I PAL I TY OF SPR INGF I ELD , MANI TOBA park. On the same site, Springfield Council is continuing with plans for a recreation centre, to include a gymnasium, an indoor track, an indoor playground, a community kitchen, and other multi-purpose rooms. Free recreational programs such as snowshoeing for kids, and guided nature walks are offered throughout the municipality, encouraging outdoor adventure for all ages. In December of 2021, upgrades to a 7000 square foot firehall in Springfield’s industrial area were completed, adding a new training room, which serves as a both an onsite classroom for staff, and an incident command centre, with six independent phone lines built in. A bunker room, equipped with showers, washrooms, and an industrial washing machine was also added, along with a third large overhead door, and a large parking area for responders. To protect against long term health effects from exposure to emissions, a vehicle exhaust protection system was added to all firefighting vehicles. The system, which is connected to each vehicle’s safe water source throughout the municipality. A lagoon expansion has also been completed to meet the needs of the growing community up to 2032. There is continued effort to secure high-speed internet throughout Springfield, an ongoing challenge which is necessary for future resident and business attraction. There is also intention to increase the housing inventory in Springfield, diversifying to include additional single family detached residences, townhouses, condo, and apartment buildings. Updating and adding recreational opportunities are an ongoing priority for the municipality, ensuring that residents have access to quality amenities such as the Springfield Community Splash Pad which was opened in July, 2021. This 3000 square foot splash pad, located in the community of Oakbank, is equipped with 25 different spray features, and is accessible to fun seekers of all abilities. In a second phase of this project, a picnic shelter and playground will be added to this area, which also has a skate