Current Projects

Recreation Area Benches & Chairs

A total of 17 memorial benches and 8 memorial chairs will be installed this summer on the recreation grounds in partnership with the Waskesiu Recreation Association. A similar memorial bench program with Parks Canada has been sold out for years, resulting in a waiting list. Thanks to those on the memorial bench waiting list who sponsored the new recreation area's benches and chairs. New portable benches will be added to the tennis courts as well.

If you would like you name placed on the memorial bench waiting list, please contact us.

Ball Diamond Improvements

It was brought to our attention that the ball diamond 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, staking and levelling it, while grading it for consistency and drainage. Portions of the outfield likely require some additional soil and reseeding of grass. We're also considering repairing the backstop and possibly adding player benches. This project is expected to take place in fall of 2022.

Namekus Camp Kitchen Refurbishment

Namekus Lake is located just 10 km south of Waskesiu off of Highway #263. This small, peaceful lake is closed to motorized watercraft, making it a popular destination for campers looking for a quiet experience in nature. We're partnering with Parks Canada to refurbish the Namekus camp kitchen, similar to camp kitchen refurbishments at other areas outlying Waskesiu (example shown). Work is expected to be complete during the 2022 season and arrangements with a sponsor are underway.

Theatre in The Park - WÂHKÔHTOWIN

We’re proud sponsors of this event along with the Waskesiu Recreation Association. Theatre in the Park took place June 18, 2022 at 2 pm & 4 pm in the day use area near the main beach. The free, family friendly play highlighted the importance of community by drawing on the Cree teaching of wâhkôhtowin, which refers to the kinship between all things.

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 2022]

Objectives to be completed in 2022:

New portable benches added to the tennis courts
A total of 17 memorial benches and 8 memorial chairs installed on the recreation area grounds

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.

Donate Now