On Saturday, July 20, 2013, Mayor Naheed Nenshi, John Hextall’s grandson Len Watt, MLA Alana DeLong and Alderman Dale Hodges joined directors of the Bowness Historical Society to celebrate the official naming of John Hextall Park and the unveiling of the park’s new sign. Many Bowness residents and supporters attended the event.
The Bowness Historical Society has worked diligently with the City of Calgary to accord official recognition of the previously un-named parkland at the corner of Bowness Road and Bow Crescent as “John Hextall Park,” named after the founder of Bowness, who died almost 100 years ago.
John Hextall was a local landowner and developer who founded the community of Bowness. Bowness Park is located on land donated to the City of Calgary in 1911 by John Hextall before the First World War. Bowness Park was built in the town of Bowness as a weekend retreat for nearby Calgarians and has been enjoyed by thousands for many decades since.
If you haven’t been to this wonderful public park, head to northwest Calgary when you want to simply enjoy some peace of mind. In summer, you can go boating in the lagoon, fish in the river, have a picnic, enjoy a stroll along the river, while the kids enjoy a train ride at the playground or play mini golf. In the winter the stroll along the river is just as captivating and of course skating is one of the all-time family favourites!
The unveiling of the park’s new sign was the culmination of efforts on the part of the Bowness Historical Society to see the park officially named and the signage erected.
Congratulations from Team Ken Richter!
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