About Us
Meet Henry.
Rotary Park sits perched above the Bow River, one of Calgary's most iconic waterways. And, the natural habitat for the great blue heron. It felt only right that one of the river's most elegant (and unhurried) residents has become the new face of our club.
Like our members, Henry knows that the best things in life happen outdoors, beside the water, with good company nearby. He takes his time, he holds his ground, and he never misses a shot.
Keep an eye out for him around the site. He gets around.
Our Story
Lawn bowling has been an athletic and social tradition in Calgary since it was first played locally as an organized sport in 1904. It was and is accessible to city residents of all income levels and social strata.Our Club, now officially known as Rotary Park Lawn Bowls Club, is one of only four historic lawn bowling greens extant in Calgary. The vibrant tapestry of our Club's origins is woven from the threads of several notable and historic organizations in our city, including the Royal Canadian Legion, Army and Navy Club, and the Rotary Club of Calgary.
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Hornby, George. "History of the RCL #1 Lawn Bowling Club." n.d.
"Old Country Lawn Bowlers are Here." Calgary Daily Herald 29 Aug. 1927.
"Lawn Bowling Has Been Played For 28 Years in City." Calgary Albertan 16 Apr. 1932.
"Fun, Recreation in a Garden Setting." Albertan 10 Aug. 1957: 15.
McLennan, William M. Sport in Early Calgary. Calgary: Fort Brisebois Publishing, 1983.
Insurance Plan of the City of Calgary. Underwriters' Survey Bureau Ltd., Aug. 1954, sheet 165.
City of Calgary, Corporate Records, Archives, Acc. 2001-032-023, Box 22.
Glenbow Archives, Rotary Club of Calgary fonds, M1700/103.
Alberta Land Titles - Historical Search.
Peter Gubitz, interview with author, 10 Feb. 2009.
Calgary.ca. "Historic Sites." City of Calgary, https://www.calgary.ca/arts-culture/heritage-sites/scripts/historic-sites.html?dhcResourceId=82.
Alberta Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women. "Alberta Register of Historic Places." Alberta Heritage Survey Program, https://hermis.alberta.ca/ARHP/Details.aspx?DeptID=1&ObjectID=4665-0555.
A Tribute to Peter and Mary Gubitz:
Some members become part of the club. Peter and Mary Gubitz became part of its soul.
Mary Gubitz (May 12th, 1938 – January 6th, 2020)
Peter Gubitz (October 10, 1931 – May 8, 2023)
Our Club Pledge is dedicated in loving memory of Peter and Mary Gubitz, two cherished pillars of our Rotary Park Lawn Bowling Club community.
Mary’s unwavering dedication and steadfast commitment as Past Club President, has left an indelible mark on our club's history. Together, Peter and Mary epitomized the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship that define our club's values.
As we honour their legacy, let us reaffirm our pledge to uphold the principles of inclusivity, friendship, and passion for the sport that Peter and Mary held dear.
The Rotary Park
Club Pledge
We, the members of the Rotary Park Lawn Bowls Club, pledge to uphold the spirit of our beloved sport and honour the legacy of Peter and Mary Gubitz, who have shaped our Club into what it is today. With humility and gratitude, we commit ourselves to the following principles:
Respect for the Game
We acknowledge the rich history and traditions of lawn bowling. We will play the game with integrity, fairness, and respect for our opponents. We embrace the camaraderie that comes from competition and recognize that victory is only meaningful when achieved with honour.
Adherence to Club Rules
We recognize that rules provide structure and fairness. We will familiarize ourselves with the rules of our Club and faithfully abide by them. By doing so, we ensure a harmonious environment where all members can enjoy their time on the greens.
Stewardship of Club and Property
We understand that our Club is more than just a place to play. It is a home to the memories and aspirations of countless members before us, including Peter and Mary. We will treat our Clubhouse and its property with care, maintaining cleanliness and orderliness. We will also contribute our time and resources to its upkeep, ensuring its longevity for future generations.
Honouring Peter and Mary
We hold deep reverence for Peter and Mary, whose dedication and tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on our Club. We will cherish their contributions and ensure that their legacy lives on. We will honour their memory by fostering an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, supporting each other, and embodying the values they held dear.
In pledging to these principles, we reaffirm our commitment to the spirit of lawn bowling, to the success and growth of our Club, and to each other as fellow members. Together, we shall build upon the foundation laid by Peter and Mary, forging a bright future for our beloved Rotary Park Lawn Bowls Club.