The Lake
The sandy-bottomed water of Oro Lake, north of Ormiston, was used by pioneers of the region to cool off during the hot summer.
It was not until the 1930s that an organized attempt was made to improve the lake area for picnics and gatherings. It became customary to have one or two sports days each year. Rodeos became popular in 1932. This era saw many large gatherings are Oro Lake. In the 1940s and 50s, the lake lost its popularity as resident promoters left the district. It was not until the 1960s that a regional park was formed. The municipalities of Terrol and Excel, together with the villages of Ormiston, Crane Valley, Spring Valley, Viceroy and, later, Kayville helped fund fencing, tree planting, change rooms, concessions, boat piers and a golf course. On June 10, 1967, Canada’s Centennial, the new park officially opened.
Since then, we have all had the opportunity to enjoy this little gem of a lake. Not many southern Saskatchewan communities had such a refreshing gathering place.
The sheltered lake in the rolling hills gave us a chance to play ball, water ski, take swimming lessons and party hearty. See you there on July 16th at the Ormiston and Friends Reunion. Register at ormistonreunion.com.
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