In a groundbreaking move, a park in Winnipeg’s Bridgwater neighbourhood has been named after a member of the city’s African community for the first time. The park, now known as Emeka Nnadi Park, honors an individual who played a significant role in shaping the area.
The official naming ceremony took place recently at 119 Bridgeland Dr., located in southwest Winnipeg. The park is named after Emeka Nnadi, an architect of Nigerian heritage, who is the CEO and founder of Nnadi Group, an architecture firm based in Winnipeg. Nnadi has also collaborated with the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation for nearly 20 years.
With roots in the Igbo community, Nnadi was instrumental in the development of Bridgwater. In 2006, he began transforming approximately 600 hectares (1,400 acres) of provincially owned farmland into thriving neighbourhoods filled with thousands of homes.
The recent ceremony saw a large turnout from the Igbo and broader Nigerian communities, including Nnadi himself.
“For me, this is a significant acknowledgment of hard, dedicated work,” Nnadi remarked. “But the true significance lies in what it represents for the wider community.”
Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham and Janice Lukes, the city’s deputy mayor and local councillor, were also in attendance.
“Bridgwater is a vibrant, multicultural community,” Lukes said. “Its rapid growth is a testament to its appeal. While we’re honoring an individual, we’re also celebrating the community and its diversity.”
This marks the first instance of a park in Winnipeg being named after a member of the African community. Lukes emphasized that this act serves as a small but meaningful way to highlight the city’s commitment to multiculturalism.
“This is a historic milestone, a permanent symbol that will instill pride in people of color and affirm their place in this city,” said Ayodele Odeyemi, the ceremony’s master of ceremonies. “Today, we prove our inclusiveness and diversity.”
Nnadi expressed his hope that this naming will inspire future generations who may feel underrepresented to realize their potential.
“To me, it signifies that I live in an extraordinary community, in a wonderful country, a wonderful province, and an exceptional city that values talent in all its forms,” he said.