Headed into Edmonton for a morning appointment, we opted to fit in a short walk in William Hawrelak Park, tucked into a sweeping bend of the North Saskatchewan River. The location would provide views of the river, while offering better chances for physical distancing on both trails and roads.
The area was initially going to be developed as a 500 lot subdivision, but, when the Strathcona Land Syndicate forfeited their taxes, the city obtained the land in 1922. It sat unused until 1954, when then mayor William Hawrelak proposed a 350 acre riverfront park in the area.
Digging of the manmade lakes began in 1959 and was completed in 1964, but the area still had few facilities. Mayfair Park officially opened on Dominion Day (now Canada Day), July 1, 1967 (Canada’s centennial year). It was renamed Hawrelak Park in 1982, after mayor William Hawrelak, who died in 1975, while serving as mayor of Edmonton.
(Source: Wikipedia)
The park has long held a special place in our hearts, as my first date with Patty happened at my office Christmas party at nearby Mayfair Golf and Country Club in December 1975. Since that time, we have walked here many times, brought our kids here for walks and attended many Edmonton Heritage Day festivals, which have been running here every August long weekend since 1976. Due to Covid-19, it did not run this year.
We were a bit anxious about what condition the trails would be in, due to the incessant rain, so dressed appropriately with waterproof footwear and rain jackets. We managed a short 50 minute stroll before heading off to our appointment. The park was pretty deserted on this rainy day, except for a few runners and seniors walking.
Here are the photos from that day (July 8, 2020).
very wet muddy river bank below the former mansion home of Peter Pocklington, who used to own the NHL, Edmonton Oilers NHL hockey teambrush and other debris piled up against the pedestrian bridge pilings near shoremy Birds of Alberta books says this is a Ruddy Ducktrying to catch the drips falling from this bridge scupper proved difficultwet vegetation and a swollen river, looking West from Hawrelak Parkno absence of moisture herewe tramped along the riverside, until this muddy downhill section suggested it could be a slippery slope from hereOne last lookthe make up of the river banks leads to many land slips and mud slides during wet weathera field of cloverlooking for a four leaf clover to change our luckstill a few Alberta wild roses aboutall the rain makes for e very green scenethe river was about 2.5 m (8 feet) above normal this dayno paddle boats out on the man made lake this dayHawrelak Park is a great place for young families to play on a rainy dayrain spotted puddlenot the reflections, we were hoping for
After working for 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I waited my entire career for……retirement.
I have been exploring this new career for the past 3+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wanted me to do has been rewarding.
While I still miss the social aspect of working with a team of great people, I have managed to keep in touch with many from my former team and I have many friends and family members who now fulfill this part of my life. Now that my Patty has retired, we are able to spend more time in pursuits and with people who are near and dear to us.
I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may not become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
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4 thoughts on “The Current Normal – William Hawrelak Park”
Looks like a lovely place to go on your first date, Allan. I always loved exploring parks and green spaces when we used to live in Dublin. It was very beneficial for my health and wellness. Thanks for sharing and have a good day. The sun is shining in Sligo, and we are just back from swimming; the ocean was a little bit choppy, but we were brave enough to go for a dip. Aiva
Even though we live 30 minutes away, we still stop back for the walks and memories. Our parks here are limited, so Edmonton makes us feel less shut in. Glad the sun is shining for you and you managed a swim. We drove into Edmonton today for a walk and the weather was sunny and mild, but there was a cool edge to the breeze. Hotter for the next few days. Thanks for reading and stay well, Aiva. Allan
That was definitely a wet one!
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We managed to get our walk in between showers, but the puddles were everywhere. Thanks for reading Lynette. Allan
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Looks like a lovely place to go on your first date, Allan. I always loved exploring parks and green spaces when we used to live in Dublin. It was very beneficial for my health and wellness. Thanks for sharing and have a good day. The sun is shining in Sligo, and we are just back from swimming; the ocean was a little bit choppy, but we were brave enough to go for a dip. Aiva
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Even though we live 30 minutes away, we still stop back for the walks and memories. Our parks here are limited, so Edmonton makes us feel less shut in. Glad the sun is shining for you and you managed a swim. We drove into Edmonton today for a walk and the weather was sunny and mild, but there was a cool edge to the breeze. Hotter for the next few days. Thanks for reading and stay well, Aiva. Allan
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