The social centre of Waskasoo Park, Bower Ponds is a series of landscaped ponds in the river valley with a playground, picnic areas, and walking paths along the Red Deer River. In summer you can rent paddle boats and kayaks; in winter the ponds are flooded and groomed for skating, with a warming shelter and hot chocolate on hand. The surrounding park is excellent for cycling and running year-round.
The location at the confluence of the ponds and the river valley makes it one of the most scenic spots in the city. On a warm summer evening there will be families, cyclists, dog walkers, and people just sitting by the water — it's where Red Deer residents come to breathe. The playground here is one of the better ones in the region and draws families from across the city.