St. Vital Park toboggan slide receives two international architecture awards

Fully accessible Manitoboggan opened in 2017

November 06, 2019

Credit: Jacqueline Young / Stationpoint Photographic

Manitoboggan, the toboggan slide and shelter in St. Vital Park, is a fun place for people of all abilities to embrace winter in Winnipeg. The structure’s accessible design has recently won two international architecture prizes for sports and leisure facilities.

During a ceremony in Germany on November 5, 2019, The International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), and the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) handed out 25 awards in various categories.

The awards were presented in Germany on November 5, 2019.

Designed by Public City Architecture, Manitoboggan received the IOC IAKS Bronze Award and the OPC IAKS Distinction Award.

“Receiving this international recognition highlights the wonderful collaborative work that went into Manitoboggan,” said Jason Bell, Project Manager with the City’s Parks and Open Spaces Division.

“Everyone involved in this project wanted to ensure this facility is truly accessible for everyone.”

Manitoboggan opened in 2017 and features a treetop lookout, two toboggan slides, an accessibility ramp, and a four-season shelter. Beams from the former duck pond pavilion were incorporated into the design.

Manitoboggan features a viewing deck on top of a warming shelter with panoramic views of the St. Vital Park.

According to the association, the IOC Award is for structures that integrate sensible sustainability and legacy considerations, strong functional planning, and exceptional architectural design. The OPC Distinction Award highlights projects that aim to increase the accessibility of all sports and leisure facilities so people have the opportunity to practice and view sport freely and without barriers.

A total of 98 projects were submitted for consideration with the winning projects located in 14 countries. The awards are given out every two years.