From Collapse to Community Strength: The Building of the Recreation Complex
The modern Gull Lake Recreation Complex began with a crisis. On May 27, 1982, a freak late‑spring snowfall caused roughly 60 percent of the roof of the 1957 skating rink to collapse. The building stood on the east side of Queens Avenue—where the east side of Little Green on the Prairie Park sits today, in the middle of the block north of the curling rink. An engineer’s report estimated repairs at $150,000 to $170,000, and with insurance uncertain, the community faced a difficult reality.
Public meetings held soon after the collapse showed strong support for building a new facility. A nonprofit group—the Gull Lake and District Recreation Complex Committee — was formed to lobby municipal and rural councils and coordinate early planning. As the project advanced, a 22‑member construction committee was created, chaired by Oscar Spagrud with Ray Holowaty as secretary, to oversee the building phase and manage contractors, site preparation, and structural work.
Early estimates showed that constructing a brand‑new rink locally would cost around $300,000. With insurance uncertainty following the collapse, the committees turned to a more practical option—purchasing a steel building from Brooks, Alberta, for $96,300. The 150‑foot by 291‑foot steel structure, with an attached annex measuring 20 feet by 80 feet, met required wind and snow‑load ratings. It was placed at 7275 Lake Avenue, where the rink sits today.
Site preparation began in February 1983, with 3‑D Earthmoving completing the work free of charge. Three feet of gravel were donated, and local contractors handled the remaining groundwork. The project advanced steadily, supported by strong community involvement.
By fall 1983, the community launched a major fundraising campaign known as the Canvass Fund, led by Ted Sells and Blaine Kirwan. The canvass raised approximately $230,000, a remarkable achievement for a rural community and a key factor in moving construction forward.
As fundraising progressed, the committee approached Town Council and the surrounding RMs. Town Council gave both moral and financial support. Meetings with the rural municipalities revealed the need for a public vote of their taxpayers. The votes produced favourable results from two of the three RMs—Webb and Gull Lake voted yes for additional funding, while Carmichael voted no. Thus, the committee’s wish to have ice for the 1984–85 winter season was achieved on December 10, 1984.
In April 1984, Frank Andres of Swift Current was hired as the on‑site foreman, responsible for overseeing interior completion. Work progressed through a combination of hired contractors and daily volunteer work parties.
By July 1984, the project had advanced so favourably that the committee decided to move the ice plant to the new site. Volunteer work parties—along with additional sagging of the rafters in the old arena—were major reasons for relocating the plant. The committee hoped to rely heavily on volunteers to conserve limited funds for materials rather than labour, a plan that kept costs down considerably. However, it soon became clear that additional funds were still needed if the complex was to be ready for winter use.
The first phase of construction was completed in the fall and early winter of 1984, marking a major milestone toward opening the new facility.
Key Milestones
December 8, 1984 — first ice made
December 10, 1984 — first skaters: Bob Nyen and Blaine Kirwan
December 13, 1984 — first hockey game: Red Army vs. Tompkins
February 15, 1985 — official grand opening with Bobby Hull
Through decades of volunteer effort and community support, those original facilities have grown into today’s hockey rink, bowling alley, small meeting hall, and large Community Hall at 7275 Lake Avenue—spaces that provide year‑round recreation, host community events and gatherings, support local organizations, and remain a central hub for the social and recreational life of Gull Lake.
Gull Lake Events
Source: Centennial Chronicles, Gull Lake 100 Years of Progress
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