As part of the Parks and Rec 2024 Master Plan, Town of Drumheller Manager of Recreation, Arts and Culture, Rick Ladouceur has begun moving forward with the main priority of safeguarding the ball diamonds in Newcastle.
“The ball diamonds need to be like every other ball diamond,” Ladouceur previously told the Mail, “Safety has to come first and it’s simple things… easy fixes we can do.”
So far, some of those easy fixes that have been completed are the new posts and shale added, and, for enhanced safety, yellow fence capping around all the diamonds. New backstops and portable mounds have also been added, and repairs have been done to the outfield on diamond #3. New dugouts for diamonds #1 and #2 are still being finished, and the bleachers are being sandblasted and repainted.
Other projects are also getting underway in Newcastle, all of which have been laid out in the town’s Master Plan. The beach is being dragged and leveled. There are certain regulations that must be met in order for the government to grant permission for such a project in close proximity to a waterway. A 150 ft by 150 ft area of new sand is being added, as per the requirements outlined in a letter from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas.
“For the beach, yes it’ll cost money, but it’ll be wonderful to see that area more developed. There’s history behind it. At one time it was the place to be, people went there all the time,” explains Ladouceur.
Shading areas and picnic tables are also being introduced to the upgraded Newcastle Beach area. After the $100,000 renovation is completed, hopefully, it will be the place to be again for residents and visitors during the upcoming anticipated hot/dry summer.
Newcastle Beach’s outdoor skating rink, which has fallen into disarray in recent years, will also be getting a refurbish, upgrade and revamp. The surface is going to be fully restored and painted. Pickleball and basketball courts are being added, creating a year round, multi use recreational area.
The old skate shack is being restored into an equipment storage shed for the public to rent sports equipment with their credit cards. This area will be under surveillance as it will be set up as a pay and unlock type access system.
Future users of the area's pets will not be left out as the dog park will see some life brought to it. There are plans to extend it, creating more room for dogs to play around and use the new fun obstacle courses and agility equipment being installed for them. There will also be disposal areas and picnic tables for owners to relax while their pets socialize and tire themselves out.
The entire budget approved by Council for the projects laid out in the Parks and Rec 2024 Master Plan is $180,000, and everything is right on budget.

If there is one thing Drumheller excels at, it is celebrating Canada’s birthday.
The theme of this year’s Canada Day Parade is “Dinosaur Capital of the World.”
And what’s not to celebrate? Drumheller is world renowned for the incredible specimens that have been unearthed in the valley, the prehistoric topography that attracts provincial, national and international visitors, and, of course, the Royal Tyrrell Museum, which attracts hundreds of thousands every year to explore the spectre of the prehistoric past.
Also, save for some technicalities from Guinness, the community was on the brink of setting the world record for the Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Dinosaurs.
The Canada Day parade is also recognizing the centennial of the Rotary Club in Drumheller. For the last 100 years, the club has been serving the community through various efforts. Indeed, a feat to be recognized.
The Canada Day parade goes at 10 a.m. on July 1. Those participating can begin to form up in the Riverside area as early as 7:30 a.m. Check-in is on 11th Street East near the old St. Anthony’s School.
The parade follows its well-established route, starting on Riverside Drive and then heading up 3rd Avenue East into Downtown Drumheller. It then heads south on 1st Street West to Railway Avenue and heads back east and wraps up near 7-11.
There will be volunteer marshals along the parade route to make sure everything runs smoothly. Please be aware and respect the route and volunteers. Parade entries are allowed to distribute candy and handouts, but please do not throw candy, hand it to the revelers to make sure everything runs safely.
As for all of those who attempted to break the Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Dinosaurs record, don’t put your suit away just yet. Organizers are inviting all those who participated to wear those fun costumes, flaunt them, and join the back of the parade.
After that, the celebrations continue throughout the day. See page 10 for a schedule of events throughout the community, culminating in Fireworks at 11 p.m.
Enjoy your Canada Day
be safe and have fun!