Horseshoe club looking for home

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

After starting a horseshoe pitching club, a local resident has asked town council for help to find a place to play.

Resident Wes Walker was introduced to the game of horseshoe pitching (horseshoes) after joining a club in British Columbia. 

“I got the bug,” he said. “So I’ve been pitching ever since.”

After moving to Strathmore, he formed a club complete with a president, secretary and treasurer, that now boasts 16 members. But they need a place to play.

Walker addressed the Town of Strathmore’s Committee of the Whole on Sept. 9, to ask whether the town would be willing to provide a site for eight horseshoe courts, which would occupy a 50- by 60-metre area, and would have to be oriented north-to-south. He asked the committee if the town could provide the land and a few permanent courts to start, as some portable courts could be used to start.

Council moved that Walker discuss costs and possible locations with town staff. Councillor Denise Peterson recommended the club seek non-profit status, to be able to seek grant funding.

The group is looking for members of all kinds, said Walker. “It’s a very good exercise, from juniors up to seniors.”