Wascana Centre is a 930 hectare area in the heart of Regina, established by an act of the Saskatchewan Legislature, The Wascana Centre Act, in 1962.
The Act united the Province of Saskatchewan, the City of Regina and the University of Regina to form a separate corporate body, The Wascana Centre Authority.
Wascana Centre Authority, consists of an eleven-member Board representing the three participating parties. Five Members are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, three by the City of Regina and three by the University of Regina. This Board sets the policies for Wascana Centre Authority in accordance with the purposes for which it was established.
The current Members of the Board appointed by the Government of Saskatchewan are Reid Pattison, Jason Rotelick and Nora Barker. Board Members appointed by the City of Regina are Mayor Pat Fiacco, Jocelyn Hutchinson and Louis Browne. The University of Regina has appointed President Jim Tomkins, Dale Schoffer and Nelson Wagner.
The Purposes of Wascana Centre Authority is to ensure that an area surrounding Wascana Lake in the City of Regina, known as Wascana Centre, be devoted to the
- development of the seat of government
- enlargement of educational opportunities
- advancement of cultural arts
- improvement of recreational facilities
- conservation of the environment
Wascana Centre includes the following parks;
- Candy Cane Park - This park, originally named Family Amusement Park, was constructed in 1979 during the International Year of the Child. This is a popular children's park with many climbing opportunities and is located east of the Saskatchewan Science Centre along Wascana Drive. The slide, which resembles a goose was designed and fabricated by Russ Yuristy of Silton, Saskatchewan. The rolling log with its colourful candy cane striped supports was designed by Brian Newman. There are also a number of picnic sites in this area.
- Douglas Park - This area was first developed in August 1964. Douglas Park is bounded by residential homes to the north, Park Street to the east, Assiniboine Avenue to the south, and McDonald Street to the west. It is the home of tennis courts, cricket pitches, baseball and softball diamonds, football, lacrosse and soccer fields, and a running track.
- Goose Hill Park - In July, 1964, 35 acres located north of Wascana Lake and east of Broad Street was designated as the site for Goose Hill Park. Soil for Goose Hill was supplied by the excavation of the sunken parking lot behind the University of Regina College Avenue Campus. This is another popular family picnic area. Winter activity in this area includes tobogganing and cross-country skiing.
- Lakeshore Park - In August 1964 four experimental barbecues were constructed in this area. Because of their popularity, additional picnic spots were developed complete with charcoal barbecues, two to three picnic tables and benches at each site. A central point in Lakeshore Park and an identifying feature is the totem pole. A short stroll further east in this area you will find the Boy Scout Monument. Following the gravel pathway to its eastern end will bring you to Surveyor's Monument.
- Wascana Park - Located on the north shore of Wascana Lake, this 44 acres of land is the first park developed along the creek and became known as Wascana Park. On May 2nd, 1906 title was transferred to the City of Regina. Situated within this park are other well known features, namely the: Royal Saskatchewan Museum, Wascana Bandstand, Wascana Pool, and Speakers' Corner.
- Waterfowl Park - The Wascana Waterfowl Park is a 223 hectare thriving marshland within Regina's city limits. Its existence dates back to 1913 when a planner had the foresight to establish the Wascana Game Preserve. Part of the preserve later become the Wascana Bird Sanctuary and the Regina Waterfowl Park.
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