There's no shortage of activities in Portage la Prairie this spring and summer. That's from Councillor Brent Froese, who recently took over the Community Services Committee Chair Position. He says there's always lots to do within the city, noting the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation's starting things off by getting the city ready for the summer.

"They're declaring next week, May 24th to 28th Beautification Days. The main focus is a massive spring clean-up, scrubbing it until it shines. They're encouraging citizens, wherever they are, to get on board even if it's just picking up litter on the side of the street. They're issuing a challenge to businesses to clean up their back lanes and their street space."

Froese notes Portage Regional Economic Development also has a number of community initiatives taking place this summer.

"They're doing a fruit share program, so if you have an apple tree that's producing too much for you. They will get you a volunteer fruit picker and hopefully get those apples to someone that can use them. They're also expecting to move the farmers market into the space we know as Convention Corner."

For those looking to stay active this summer without spending any money, Froese notes there are also many things taking place in the city's parks.

"There are ball tournaments going on at Republic Park just about every weekend. Active Transportation is busy developing more paths, and there are now lights on the Fisher Avenue walking path. Parks in general, our Island Park has a bandstand you can rent, and on Thursday night there is the Concerts in the Park."

Froese describes these types of initiatives as 'social infrastructure' and says they're vital to keeping Portage a great place to live.