A sub-committee in the City of Moose Jaw Parks and Recreation department is acting on requests to rename the Moose Jaw Wild Animal Park and Memorial Field, and is now accepting public commentary before the topic is presented to City Council for deliberation.
Currently, Wild Animal Park is suggested to become Tatawaw Park, which is a Cree word meaning “there is room for everyone, welcome.” The park closed in 1995 but remains an archaeological site and the home to many burial sites of the First Nations people, which City Councillor Crystal Froese says is important to have preserved.
“One of the reasons the group [who proposed the name] wanted a First Nations name is because everything in the south end, in the park area of the city, all have representations of First Nations ancestry,” said Froese. “It really kind of encompasses everything; it looks at the past, the present and the future, and just expresses that there’s room for everyone and that a park should be welcoming.”
The recommendation for Memorial Field is to rename the park Lyle Helland Field, as Lyle Helland operated the park from 1991 until 2018, when he passed away at the age of 84. Helland was well-known for being committed to the ballpark, keeping the diamond and stadium in great condition for the enjoyment of spectators, officials, and players alike.
Both proposed names attempt to honour and make known the importance of history in Moose Jaw and in the community.
Before the sub-committee takes these suggestions to City Council, they are opening their inbox to the public for any feedback that might help inform the discussion.
“We’re really hoping that everyone who is looking at [the name Tatawaw Park] will take a look at that name and think that fits, that’s a good name, that’s a good fit for our city,” said Froese. “It's always good to see what the community has and their ideas, and what their thoughts are.”
Questions or comments on the park renamings can be emailed to recreation@moosejaw.ca until Tuesday, March 5 at 5:00pm.
