Proposed Project
Narrows Playground
The Narrows day use area is a popular place for people to gather to use the camp kitchen, fire ring, swim beach and picnic tables. The nearby Narrows Campground hosts 85 campsites and sees a steady stream of campers during the spring, summer and fall seasons. Currently, a traditional swing set is the only equipment in the area for kids at play.
After a pile of research including consultation with Parks Canada, we're thrilled to announce plans for a new playground at the Narrows to accommodate three needs: accessibility, activities suitable for toddlers ages 2-5 and activities for kids ages 5-12. Building the new playground is conditional on receiving $30,000 in donations from the community by August 15, 2023. Read on or donate now!
Why the Narrows?
We consulted with Parks Canada about an additional playground location in the Waskesiu townsite. It was determined that the Bears on the Beach and toddler playgrounds on the main beach provided adequate playground capacity in the townsite. Currently, there are no playground facilities along the south shore of the lake.
View #1: Narrows Playground
View the 10ft & 6ft slides, sand castle activity and leaf climber plus accessible ramp with rails, Canadian wildlife memory game, alphabet & number maze and crawl tube
View #2: Narrows Playground
Check out the spring mounted wobbly step, ring ladder, wheel & twirl overhead wheels, double climber with planks, firefighter's pole and molecule climber
Explore the Narrows playground in 3D!
Click here to explore the Narrows playground in 3D!
Current Projects
Ball Diamond Improvements
It was brought to our attention that the ball diamond in the Day Use Area is in need of some improvements and we're happy to tackle that along with the Waskesiu Recreation Association. Under consideration is refurbishing the infield by sizing and leveling the baselines. Portions of the outfield likely require some additional soil and reseeding of grass. We'll also repair the backstop and install new bases. This project is expected to take place in spring of 2023.
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!
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:
- Repairing and renovating the existing recreation building (located near the tennis courts)
- 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.