1966 – Metro Plaza, Winnipeg, Canada

Metro Plaza was often referred to as “The Bear Pit”, affectionally or not, was built at Osborne Junction, in 1966 on the previous site of Gladstone School. Probably so nicknamed as it was perceived as not entirely dissimilar to the actual Bear Pit of 1957 at Assiniboine Zoo by Smith Carter Katelnikoff.

Developed as a concrete playground, including vertical slabs and a recessed sitting and play area. Sadly it was torn down in 1987, and the site is now home to the River Osborne Community Centre. Hard landscaping projects like this rarely last long, and this was an interesting addition to Winnipeg. Only a remanent remains, repurposed as a sign for the small community centre.

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