New bridge closing the gap at Akokiniskway

Times Contributor

 

The Akokiniskway Golf Course is proudly sporting a new bridge across the Rosebud River on their course.

Last year’s winter run-off was so violent in Rosebud that the Akokiniskway wooden bridge was completely wiped out under its pilings. 

Owner Albert Clark bought and moved on the pretty piece of the Rosebud river property in 1962 where he and his wife raised their family of three girls.

After grooming the land, Clark opened the golf course of nine holes in 1991. The Akokiniskway (“by the river of many roses”) course has been gaining popularity over the years and is often associated with the School of the Arts located in town. The valley itself used to be a meeting place for the different First Nations tribes to come together in a peaceful location. The name became well known in the 70’s and is the official name of the Rosebud history book.

Clark, along with his daughter Lois Klassen (operator of the course), knew the bridge needed to be reconstructed, as the ninth hole plays on both sides of the river.

Construction started on August 15 of last year because they could not start until after July due to sustainable resource mandate of fish and fowl in the area. 

The old bridge was wooden and narrow while the new bridge is concrete and “flood proof.” 

Clark said that there is “nothing as pretty or as ugly as a river,” as he recalled the flooding of last year. The new bridge is wide enough to allow for two-way traffic of the golf carts to pass each other on the course.

Clark and Klassen are pleased to be up and running again for the season with all nine holes which they officially opened on April 21. They are hoping to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony in the near future and plan to make a party out of the day.

The club offers many amenities for those travelling from far and wide to play the course. They have a pro-shop run by local Gary Storrs. They have a licensed cafeteria-style restaurant, a concession, 30 power carts and 12 pull carts, rental clubs and tournament facilities.

Once again they will be holding a flexible junior program in the summer and lessons for all ages will be available through their pro, Phil McCluskey.

For more information about their camping facilities, programming or booking events please refer to their website http://www.rosebudgolf.caor check out their Facebook page.