In the 30 years James Kostuchuk has lived in Portage la Prairie, Island Park has changed a lot.'

The chair of the Heritage Advisory Committee for Portage has been studying the history of our city and says the Island started as an idea more than a century ago.

"Island Park was something that the municipal politicians of the time envisioned, and they created it. They built it," says Kostuchuk. "At the time they first met in the 1890's, it was that they wanted to create a water feature because at that time, farmers were using it as hayland. They had this idea to flood it and then create something that would take it from being what they considered an eyesore to being something people would want to visit."

Some of the things that were major attractions at the time, are no more. Kostuchuk says there was once a pit with a live bear and a bird sanctuary along with the current deer pen. When Kostuchuk first moved here, there was a Grandstand and a greenhouse. While the Island used to be a focus for large fair events and harness racing, it's changed from serenity, and nature in the wild, to more of an urban vision with a tourism focus.

"There's a subdivision now of homes that have been built. We also have Stride Place and Splash Island. That is a huge change from a park," says Kostuchuk. "If you're walking around the park in the summer, you're going to hear a lot of music, sounds of children running around, and swimming at Splash Island. So, that's a different vision."

Back in the 70s, Kostuchuk says kids could buy cotton candy and other things on the Island. There were boat houses where canoes could be stored, and people could land their airplanes. Kostuchuk notes nostalgia is always a strong feeling, and although there are some people who may not like how it has changed, the Island still has a big impact on the community. Families still picnic, there is still great music being played at the updated bandstands, pickle ball and tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course, a campground, large playground, canoe and kayak docking area and there is always a lot of fun being had. It is not only a hub of activity for local residents but it is visited by thousands of tourists from outside of the community each year.