A photo of the site preparation for lawn bowling and beach volleyball court. (Submitted photo/Waskesiu Foundation)

By Nigel Maxwell

Community support

New attractions ready to open at Waskesiu

Apr 21, 2022 | 12:00 PM

Visitors to Waskesiu this summer will notice a big change when they pass by the recreation grounds in the heart of the townsite.

Three separate recreation projects are in the final stages of development, including the refurbishment of the lawn bowling green, a new beach volleyball court, and the installation of memorial benches on the recreation area grounds.

Over $56,000 in funding was provided by the Government of Canada. In a statement provided to paNOW, Gary Bender, president of the Waskesiu Recreation Association, said recreation is one of the cornerstones of the Waskesiu experience.

“We’re so excited to launch these projects in our community for the benefit of residents and visitors of all ages. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families, friends, and neighbours to connect and have fun while enjoying the great outdoors,” he said. “Waskesiu is a special place and we’re so grateful for this federal funding support that will improve the Waskesiu experience now and for generations to come.”

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Federal funding for this initiative is provided through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF), which is administered in Saskatchewan by PrairiesCan.

“Our government is working together with communities across Canada to revitalize public gathering spaces, benefitting the well-being of local residents,” The Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan explained. “This support for Waskesiu, through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, will help refresh and expand public areas providing residents with opportunities for active, healthy living, while attracting visitors to this incredible national park community.”

The Projects

Refurbishment of the lawn bowling green involved preparing the playing surface with a mixture of sand and peat, installing irrigation, and seeding the grass, then taking great care to develop and manage the new turf.

Chain link fencing protects the area, which contains four lawn bowling rinks. An official grand opening celebration is planned for June 30, which will include a lawn bowling demonstration and the opportunity for the public to participate at no cost.

The lawn bowling green will be dedicated in honour of the famous designer of the Waskesiu Golf Course, Stanley Thompson, whose mastery of turf management was called upon in 1948 when the lawn bowling green was first constructed in Waskesiu.

(Submitted/Waskesiu Foundation)

The area adjacent to the refurbished lawn bowling green now hosts a newly constructed beach volleyball court. The sheltered playing area is surrounded by towering spruce trees.

It includes a structure below ground which holds the court’s sand in place – over which special fabric and tile were installed to allow for proper drainage and weed control. The volleyball poles and net are removable and can be stored out of the elements during the winter months. The new beach volleyball court is scheduled to open this spring on the May long weekend.

In addition, a total of 17 memorial benches are planned for installation on the recreation area grounds this summer.

The new maintenance-free steel benches will include an engraved memorial plaque honouring friends and loved ones.

“Waskesiu is a place families come to time and time again. Often, these families have been returning for decades and want a way to remember their loved ones, a designated place to rest, reflect, or take in the sights and sounds around them,” Derwin Arnstead, chair of the Waskesiu Foundation said.

About the Canada Community Revitalization Fund

The Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) helps communities rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund assists non-profit organizations, municipalities, community groups, and Indigenous communities across Canada to build and improve community infrastructure projects. The CCRF is a two-year, $500-million national infrastructure program to revitalize communities across Canada.

Project Partners

The Waskesiu Foundation and Waskesiu Recreation Association have a successful history of partnering together to build, renew, and refresh recreation facilities in the Waskesiu community.

In 2021, a multi-use sport court, shuffleboard court, and picnic shelter were opened to the public while outdoor giant chess and checkers, table tennis, and a children’s ninja park were added throughout the summer season. These amenities complement the ever-popular Little Al’s Mini Golf — a fantastic nature-themed mini golf course that reflects the unique character of Waskesiu and Prince Albert National Park. Little Al’s Mini Golf opened in July of 2018.

Future plans to the townsite include improvements to the recreation facility and potentially a memorial forest.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell