Olds

Olds is a small town within Central Alberta, Canada. It is located 61 km south of Red Deer and north of Calgary. Its closest neighbors are the towns of Didsbury and Sundre. The history of this town could be marked in the year 1890, when settlers started coming within the area. The number of travelers on trail was increasing, and there were a lot who were in need of places to lodge in for an overnight stay. When the rail line reached the town of Olds, David Shannon, a foreman arrived on an open handcar. Shannon was from Ireland, and he provided living accommodations for his people and family who needed to squat for some time. The town location was named for a CPR traffic manager, named George Olds, who came from England and worked for the Canadian Pacific as a General Traffic Manager. The period around the turn of the century was flourishing for Olds, as a lot of homesteaders stayed in the region, which significantly hastened the growth of the economy.

In the early days, Olds was called "Hay City" due to its abundant hay crops which were harvested yearly. The city has paid tribute to this by naming their trail the "Hay City Trails." Other parks within the town of Olds consist of: New Line Skatepark and Centennial Park. Centennial Park is a good place to have business gatherings, weddings, or other events. It is also a wonderful venue for family picnics, and the Cookhouse and Gazebo are available for private functions. Those who would love to let their kids roam all-around the playgrounds could go to Beech Cres, Hartman Green, Neil Leatherdale, Ralph Maybank Memorial, Frank Wong Memorial and Herb Samis Park. Outdoor Skating Rinks are also available at Neil Leatherdale Park and Centennial Park.

Golf-lovers who like a challenge can go to Olds Central Highlands Golf Course. The course is situated four kilometers east of Olds, and amongst its amenities include a driving range, an 18-hole golf course, a licensed dining room along with sun deck and lounge, and a pro-shop along with power or pull cart and equipment rental. Those who are into Baseball can go to Imperial Drive and its 2 diamonds, O.R. Hedges Park with 5 ball diamonds, Olds College with 1 diamond, and Deer Meadow School with 2 diamonds. The Olds Municipal Library is an information resource for every community member. It also loans print and non-print materials for educational, recreational, and cultural purposes. The internet access is likewise free, and the library offers numerous programs for youths and adults, story programs for pre-schools, and summer reading programs. Olds Evergreen Hall is for senior citizens, and they gather for activities like exercises, day bus trips, walking, shuffleboard, carpet bowling, pool, square dancing, bingo, and card games.