An Abundance of Attractions

To be successful, any public park needs an attraction. In its 100 years of existence, Chippewa Park has had a multitude of them, making it a wonderland of opportunities for residents to enjoy.

 When the park opened in 1921, its initial attractions were the beach and the picnic areas being carved out of the bush along the picturesque shoreline.

 By the end of that decade, permanent buildings were constructed, including a dining hall, a dance hall, a bathhouse, and a refreshment booth. A tourist camp was established with cabins and a lodge to host guests from afar. The Twenties also saw the beginning of Chippewa’s wildlife exhibit which remained a big attraction for generations of park visitors.

 Then came the carousels! The first one began operation in 1927. It was unique in that the floor moved up and down while the horses remained stationary. Kids could get three rides for a nickel.

 In 1934, it was replaced by a second carousel, a C.W. Parker model in which the horses moved up and down. It remained the only permanent amusement ride in the region for decades, and has been the central attraction at Chippewa Park ever since. It’s now being recognized as a heritage treasure and is being lovingly restored by teams of local residents.

 For many, a trip to Chippewa meant a day at the beach. Rowboats and other watercraft were available to rent, and an array of playground equipment gave kids a multitude of ways to burn off excess energy.

 In the 1960’s, the baby boom population was exploding, and so too did the number of amusement rides at Chippewa.

 The Lakeshore Express, a miniature train in the style of the grand railways, caused a wave of excitement when it opened on June 4, 1960. The train followed a circular route around the park, through a tunnel and across a scale model railway crossing designated by jangling bells and flashing. The train was owned and operated by Fritz Altman and his family who went on to add boat swings, and a ferris wheel.

 To further expand the rides, in 1967 the Parks Board purchased a roller coaster, rocket swing, tilt-a whirl, airplane rides, boats, tanks, and bumping cars from the Winnipeg Beach Recreation Area. All except the roller coaster and rocket swing continue to operate today.

Chippewa had indoor activities too. The pavilion hosted the largest pinball arcade in the city, affording kids and adults alike the chance to test their skill in search of that elusive free game. It also had the longest candy counter in town. The ever-popular juke box was in constant use, filling the pavilion with the sounds of the latest hits.

 And the park’s attractions weren’t just confined to the summer. In 1963, a toboggan slide was constructed, and long line-ups became the norm on busy winter weekends, as thousands enjoyed the chance to race down the chutes onto the lake ice below. Visitors could rent toboggans at the chalet, which had been purchased from the Fort William Yacht Club, or skate on a rink that had been maintained on the ice.

 What attracted people to Chippewa Park for so many years was that it had a multitude of attractions to offer. In recent years, the number of these attractions has declined so in 2001 local citizens formed The Friends of Chippewa Park to revitalize the park. They have secured millions in federal, provincial, municipal and donated funding to upgrade the facilities and create new activities and events to entice people back to this, our city’s longest-serving playground. To follow the progress, go to www.chippewapark.ca and www.saveourcarousel.com.

 Next week: The People’s Place