Project Details
Building 2 dedicated pickleball courts
Improving vegetation in the recreation area
Replacing the recreation office building
Pickleball has become hugely popular with a high demand for court time in Waskesiu. Phase 3 includes building two new dedicated pickleball courts on the recreation grounds. The courts require a gravel base, concrete pad, and the proper coating to create the pickleball surface. Fencing will be added too, plus new nets are required.
Replacing the recreation office building
Improving vegetation in the recreation area
Replacing the recreation office building
The existing recreation office building will be replaced with a new building which will be located further back from Montreal Drive. Nestled between the Ninja Park and Reel Rave picnic shelter, the new office building will better serve foot traffic from the diagonal path that enters the site from Montreal Drive. Parks Canada owns the existing building which was moved to its new home in the Park compound.
Improving vegetation in the recreation area
Improving vegetation in the recreation area
Improving vegetation in the recreation area
After construction is complete, vegetation in the recreation area will be improved. Plants will be chosen from Parks Canada's approved list of native species, with preference for species that are resistant to damage from deer and elk, minimize disruption to the operation of the recreation facilities, and take into account FireSmart principles. Upgraded vegetation will also be used to soften some of the fencing found onsite and increase the amount of greenery in the area.
Green Light
In the summer of 2024 we launched a $150,000 fundraising campaign to raise funds for two new dedicated pickleball courts by August 15. Generous supporters including Jim & Simone Kerby stepped forward with a matching gift challenge where every dollar donated up to $20,000 would be matched. The full matching gift was received and the fundraising goal was exceeded!
Thanks to the help of donors, supporters, volunteers and project partners like the Waskesiu Recreation Association, a total of $180,039.80 was donated. Thank you to everyone who supported so generously!
The total project cost for Phase 3 is estimated at $650,000 for the new building, pickleball courts, and vegetation. With $500,000 in place, the $180,039.80 fundraising response gives us the green light to go ahead! Construction began in mid-September 2024.
Next Steps
Special thanks to Kenzie Excavating (the Bender Family), Nagy Holdings Ltd. (Mark Nagy) and Saskatoon Fire and Flood (Brennen Mills & Chris Phaneuf) who have been instrumental in advancing the project on time and on budget.
Two New Pickleball Courts
Concrete has been poured and cut with backfilling to be done in spring. The specialized pickleball playing surface and lines will be completed in June 2025, as the surface material needs warm temperatures for application.
New Recreation Office Building
Electrical and plumbing have been roughed in. Insulation and drywall are installed. The interior will be completed once permanent power is available onsite. Exterior work begins in February, including metal roofing and log siding.
Vegetation
Sidewalks have been poured around the building, so landscaping can begin as soon as the weather allows.
Paul G. Horne Community Arena Refurbishment Project
New Community Project
Another recreation project was successfully completed this season with phase one of the refurbishment of the Paul G. Horne Community Arena.
With the Waskesiu Recreation Association as the lead on the project, we were proud to assist with $15,000 in funding to help with the refurbishment of the ice area and common area - including the kitchen, bathroom & dressing rooms - resulting in significant improvements to the appearance and public enjoyment of the facility.
Passes and entry to the Paul G. Horne Community Arena can be arranged through the Waskesiu Recreation Association. You can also learn more about how Waskesiu's rink got its name.
Donate Today
Though the first phase of the project is complete, your support is still needed!
Waskesiu Recreation Area Renewal
Multi-Year Project continues
Recreation facilities are one of the cornerstones of the Waskesiu experience. We've worked collaboratively with the Waskesiu Recreation Association, Parks Canada Agency and the Waskesiu Community Council to revitalize Waskesiu’s recreation facilities. Completing the Waskesiu Recreation Area Renewal was also identified by the community as a key project within Waskesiu's "Vision 2020 and Beyond" Community Action Plan.
The Waskesiu Recreation Association (WRA) is a volunteer driven, non-profit organization responsible for Waskesiu’s recreation facilities and activities, and also leads, or assists with, many of the prominent events that have made Waskesiu a popular destination for so many.
Short term objectives already completed:
- Resurfaced six tennis courts and converted two of them to multi-use as tennis and pickle ball courts [Completed in 2016]
- "Master Plan" for the area bounded by Montreal Drive and Waskesiu Drive, featuring a landscaping plan, new activities & related facilities [Completed in 2017]
- Community message board at the corner of Montreal Drive and Waskesiu Drive to better inform the community about events, programs and facilities [Completed in 2017]
- Gordie Howe Memorial Fitness Park [Completed in 2018]
- Athletic tile flooring for the Gordie Howe Memorial Fitness Park [Completed in 2019]
- Little Al's Mini Golf 18 hole course that reflects the unique character of Waskesiu and Prince Albert National Park [Completed in 2018]
- Tree carvings [Completed in 2018 and 2020]
- WRA kiosk/donor kiosk [Completed in 2018]
- Refurbished horseshoe pits in the Waskesiu Day Use Area [Completed in 2018]
- Johnny Bower Sport Court for basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, soccer/futsal, and dodgeball [Completed in 2020]
- Norma McConaghy Shuffleboard Court with specifically engineered shuffleboard tiles and benches on either end [Completed in 2020]
- New picnic shelter sponsored by the Reel Rave International Film Festival [Completed in 2020]
- FireSmart tree management [Completed in 2020]
- New and refurbished pathways [Completed in 2020]
- Outdoor (permanent) table tennis [Completed in 2021]
- Outdoor foosball [Completed in 2021]
- Outdoor giant chess/checkers [Completed in 2021]
- Christopher Ridsdale Children's Ninja Park [Completed in 2021]
- Stanley Thompson Lawn Bowling Green refurbishment sponsored by the Hesje family. Grand opening June 30, 2022. [Completed in 2022]
- New beach volleyball court on the recreation grounds [Completed in 2022]
- New portable benches added to the tennis courts [Completed in 2022]
- A total of 17 memorial benches and 8 memorial chairs installed on the recreation area grounds [Completed in 2022]
Mid to longer-term objectives:
- Building two dedicated pickleball courts
- Replacing the existing recreation office building
- Improving vegetation in the recreation area
- Constructing a decorative short fence around the adult fit park to deter children from accessing the adults only facility and enhance safety
- Repairing and upgrading the Paul Horne Arena for year round use
Why renew Waskesiu's aging recreation facilities?
- Improves the recreational offering, and reinforces Waskesiu as Saskatchewan's premiere family vacation destination
- Advances Waskesiu's Community Action Plan
- Provides an important new revenue stream. Revenue will be shared between donations to the Waskesiu Foundation and improved recreational programs/facilities by the Waskesiu Recreation Association, including the projects listed above
- Little Al's Mini Golf and upgraded facilities like the Johnny Bower Sport Court are a) visually appealing, safe and available to all ages & levels of fitness; b) provide activities that residents and visitors can enjoy anytime, including during evenings and on "non-beach/lake days"
- Improved recreation facilities help provide economic benefit to business operators within the Waskesiu townsite and supports Parks Canada’s mandate to increase visitation and revenue
Donate Today
You can support the Waskesiu Recreation Area Renewal today! Make your tax deductible donation by selecting "Recreation Renewal". Charitable receipts will be issued for donations of $25 or more.
Support today
Waskesiu is a special place and we’re proud to work with you to improve it now and for future generations. Thank you for making a difference!