St. Luke’s park is located just beyond Elgin Street between Frank Street and Gladstone Avenue. The park was once home to St. Luke’s hospital, which was demolished in the 1930s. The land was later developed into St. Luke’s park.
A community centre was built in the park, where in 1958; a hockey league was established by Lloyd Bethel, Ernie Crowe and Jack Purcell. Within a few years, the league had a membership of over 300 boys. A hockey rink, where they played during winter months, was located just behind the community centre by Cartier Street.
During the summer, softball and football were the sports of choice at the park, and were played behind the centre. Weekly dances were also held year round at the community centre for local teenagers, chaperoned by the three men and their wives.
The community centre has since been named after the Bethel’s, who put much time and effort into the park.
Lloyd Bethel was hired by the city to work part time at St. Luke’s, but apparently all of his earnings were put right back towards St. Luke’s park projects.
Today, the busy park is surrounded by a chain link fence and holds a wading pool in the centre. Around it are large trees, benches, a basketball court, a row of swing sets, and play equipment within sandy areas.
Behind the Bethel field house is a grassy area, and tennis courts have replaced where the hockey rink once was, lined by a tall chain link fence.
In the park, people can be seen sitting on benches reading, playing lively or leisurely game of tennis, or pushing children on the swings. The Bethel Field house has been established as a heritage building.