09/03/2026
Summer ends with a party in Shellbrook
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By JORDAN TWISS
Shellbrook Chronicle Reporter
Shellbrook’s season of sunshine, outdoor play, and swimming ended with a big splash on Friday, Aug. 28, as the Shellbrook Swimming Pool and Kinsmen Park played host to the annual Party in the Park.
The afternoon was blessed with plenty of sun and warmth, making kids eager to dive right into the swimming pool and all the activities organized by the pool’s lifeguards, including inflatables provided by Diskotek Entertainment, face painting, mini putt, and more.
With so much to do, the park and swimming pool were abuzz with activity from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. And as afternoon bled into evening, the Parkland Pool Project Committee kept everyone fed with a canteen and BBQ to raise vital funds for the Parkland Pool Project.
As of Monday, the total raised through the canteen and BBQ hadn’t been finalized.
Despite the less-than-summery conditions that persisted through much of the summer, Town of Shellbrook CAO Sigourney O’Halligan says it was another strong season for the swimming pool and the town’s S-CAPE Program.
“The S-CAPE Program had new leaders this year who brought some new ideas to the program, like field trip Fridays — something we had offered before, but looking to diversify the field trips,” she said.
This summer, the S-CAPE Program hosted 262 kids over the course of eight weeks for an average of 32 kids per week.
Aimed at children aged 6 to 12, and made possible by Community Initiative Fund and Sask. Lotteries funding, the S-CAPE Program runs on weekly registrations.
Each week has a unique theme, with program leaders providing activities, games, and field trip opportunities related to the given theme.
Given the number of young families in the community, O’Halligan says it’s a vital service, helping to fill in childcare gaps.
“The S-Cape Program provides children with a safe, structured, and active place to spend their summer while parents are working or managing busy schedules,” she said.
“I feel it is more than just keeping kids busy; it creates opportunities for friendships and mental well-being, all while letting them experience what Shellbrook has to offer.”
The Shellbrook Swimming Pool was no less busy over the summer, with 535 people registered for swimming lessons.
While obviously a positive for the facility and the community, O’Halligan notes that the swimming pool did experience some challenges at the beginning of the season, due to its age.
“The area where the liner meets the pool deck will require attention, and we will have a qualified pool company assess the facility now that the season has ended so we can proactively address any issues before next season,” she said.
“Given the age of the facility, we need to balance necessary maintenance with the remaining lifespan of the pool while continuing to work with the Parkland Pool Committee toward the long-term goal of a new pool.”
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