This summer, the Exchange District welcomed a new way to get moving outdoors: a fitness trail that turns the park into a riverside gym you can use anytime, for free. The RiverRun Fitness Trail at Stephen Juba Park is an innovative fitness experience that invites people to get moving, explore, and enjoy fresh air along the scenic riverfront pathways. An exciting addition to Wellness in the Exchange, the project is a collaboration between the City of Winnipeg, the Exchange District Biz, and the Exchange District’s very own ft3 Architecture Landscape Interior Design and Sport Manitoba, who imagined a route where people could jog, stretch, lift, and climb right in the heart of the Exchange.
For those wondering what exactly a fitness trail is, imagine a series of spots scattered along your regular walk or run, each offering a different way to stretch, strengthen, or challenge your body. There’s no gym membership or intimidating machines required, just accessible equipment and spaces encouraging movement in the open air.
Kristen Struthers, a landscape architect at multidisciplinary firm ft3 Architecture Landscape Interior Design, brought the vision to life. She specializes in health-focused environments, so the Fitness Trail was in expert hands. “For every project, I like to come at it with a goal of creating a space that’s welcoming, accessible, and meaningful to the people that use it, and I’m always trying to figure out how to add a touch of whimsy,” she shares. We certainly see those touches in the fitness trail, which is inspired by how people already use Stephen Juba Park — think running trails, scenic lunch breaks, and casual gatherings.
“We didn’t want to overhaul the park, just add a subtle layer of activity that feels natural,” Kristen explains. The trail works with the park, creating a harmonious yet intentional environment. The colour choices are carefully curated to be bright yet restrained, and spaces are designed to be multi-functional. Everything is intentional, like the high-five signage at each stop, which boasts a metal drum that allows you to really give yourself a solid high-five.
Sport Manitoba brought its expertise to the project, ensuring the fitness trail included elements traditionally used in fitness programming. They helped identify how existing park features like the stairs and field could become part of the trail, ensuring a well-rounded circuit combining agility, strength, and cardio. Sport Manitoba made sure the stations are adaptable to all fitness levels, whether someone wants to try one station or work through them all.
The RiverRun Fitness Trail starts near the riverside path and winds through six stations:
Stop 1: Climbing Wall/Cargo Net, Vertical Ladder, Chin-Up Bar
Located near the Mere Hotel across from ft3’s office, this station combines a multi-sided climbing wall – featuring rope net climbs, traditional panels, and ladder-style grips – with a sturdy chin-up bar.
Stop 2: March Sprint, Walking Lunge, Inch-Worm
Utilizing the existing park/field, this stop incorporates open green space for freeform exercises, warm-ups, or cool-downs.
Stop 3: Overhead Ladder, Pylometric Box, Parallel Bars, Hydration Station
This station offers an overhead ladder (think adult monkey bars), parallel bars, and plyometric boxes of two sizes for jump training and strength building. It’s geared toward more intensive workouts, perfect for those looking to boost agility and power.
Stop 4: Agility Ladder, Lateral Push-Up, Switching Lunge Jumps
Nestled under the shade of mature trees by the river, a rubber surface is designed with colourful agility ladder patterns. It’s a versatile spot for yoga, stretching, floor exercises, or quick cardio drills, and a summer favourite for its pop of colour and shade.
Stop 5: Stair Climb, Side Step Stairs, Incline Push-Up
Just across from Lombard Street, the park’s existing stair set serves as a natural cardio and agility station, inviting users to run, jump, sprint up and down, or utilize it for push-ups.
Stop 6: Rope Climb, Inverted Row, Hill Climb
Located near the baseball diamond, the rope climb adds an element of fun and challenge to the trail. It’s the perfect way to test upper-body strength and coordination.
Each station includes signage labelling the different exercises alongside QR codes that lead to instructional videos. These were created by Sport Manitoba and intended to ensure people can safely and effectively use the equipment. The team hopes to see these resources evolve, introducing new exercises to keep workouts fresh and engaging.
While the equipment is new, the idea of public spaces that invite people to move, linger, and connect is timeless. “Spaces like these remove barriers like cost and location or even lack of experience and give people an easy way to build movement into their daily lives,” shares Kristen. Even seeing others engage, laugh, and try something new on the fitness trail can inspire someone to try it out themselves. The idea of the trail moves beyond fitness to moments of connection, like bumping into a neighbour, sharing a laugh with a colleague over lunch, and feeling like the park belongs to everyone.
The RiverRun Fitness Trail is just getting started. Future plans include the possibility of even more stations along the river pathways, inviting people to move in new and active ways. Soon, a water-filling station will be installed, which will include two water fountains and a spot at the base to fill pet dishes. Sport Manitoba is also preparing free sessions to help the public learn how to use the equipment, and will be bringing their members to participate in activities along the trail.
The next time you’re walking by the river in the Exchange, look for the bright signs and give the trail a try. You might just find your new favourite workout spot, with the added bonus of fresh air, city views, and maybe even a high five.