Tennis Courts and Lawn Bowling
In the early Depression era, tennis courts were constructed for the enjoyment of visitors. They had a packed clay playing surface.
The tennis clubhouse was one of the few buildings to have coin operated, hot water showers available in the 1950s.
Until recent times, it was considered proper to wear all white clothing to play tennis. Tennis was extremely popular and it was necessary to book ahead if you wanted court time in the morning. Tournaments were held here annually attracting players from all over the province.
In 1934, at one tournament, 232 people competed in open and novice events. (Bill Waiser in Saskatchewan’s Playground: A history of Prince Albert National Park Page 91)
Lawn bowling
Another very popular activity was lawn bowling. On a specially prepared surface of very short grass, competitors rolled small, weighted balls. Summer residents organized leagues and tournaments.
Billie Rawlinson contributed this information about organizing lawn bowling for ladies at Waskesiu. Waskesiu Memories Volume II, edited by Dorell Taylor.
“I knew there were many others like myself who lived at the lake all summer and had kids, so would enjoy getting away from them for a while and meeting other women to have some conversation and fun.
We were not golfers, as we would have to be away all day and just didn’t have the time and energy for that sport. …ladies interested in the idea should come down to the tennis club-house Tuesday morning at ten o’clock. We thought we would bowl until noon and then have a coffee and a piece of pie in the clubhouse. We’d be finished in time to go home, feed the kids, and later on head for the beach for the afternoon.
We had a good turnout and all of us enjoyed it so much that we met again Thursday morning, the year would be 1961. From then on it was twice a week in our shorts and bare feet and big hats.”
"I remember one day on the bowling greens when I was dressed in shorts and a bra top, which was fastened in the back with a button. I was delivering my ball with a nice long stretch when the button on my top popped off and my top flew out about four feet in front of me onto the grass. I was partially naked for a second or two but I stepped forward, picked up my top, held it to my chest and ran for the clubhouse."
She noted that the other players were looking at her ball and never noticed her predicament. The situation was fixed by a large safety pin from Mrs. Codling who, along with her husband, ran an excellent tea house in the Clubhouse.
Recent Renovations
Gordie Howe Memorial Fitness Park
Gordie Howe Memorial Fitness Park
Gordie Howe Memorial Fitness Park
Through a partnership between the Waskesiu Foundation and the Waskesiu Recreation Association and the generous contributions of Parks Canada and individual donors, the Recreation area has been renewed over the past few years.
Gordie Howe was a regular visitor and seasonal employee in Prince Albert National Park in the 1950s and 60s. Read more here. The Fitness Park was opened in 2017.
Johnny Bower Sport Court
Gordie Howe Memorial Fitness Park
Gordie Howe Memorial Fitness Park
The Multi Sport Court opened in 2022. Johnny Bower was a business owner in Waskesiu for many years.
Other improvements to the Recreation area include resurfacing of the tennis courts, the Christopher Ridsdale Memorial Children's Ninja Park, the Norma McConaghy Shuffleboard Court, outdoor ping pong, foosball and chess & checkers.
Stanley Thompson Lawn Bowling Green
Stanley Thompson Lawn Bowling Green
Stanley Thompson Lawn Bowling Green
The refurbished lawn bowling opened in 2022. Stanley Thompson designed the Waskesiu Golf Course.
The Recreation area has been further enhanced with new benches, pathways, wood carvings and a picnic shelter sponsored by the Reel Rave Film Festival. Please visit the Waskesiu Recreation Association website for more details.
Little Al's Mini Golf
Stanley Thompson Lawn Bowling Green
Stanley Thompson Lawn Bowling Green
Opened in July 2018, this amazing mini golf is sponsored by the Logue family in memory of Alan Logue.