The career of local lacrosse legend Bobby Allan was recognized Thursday afternoon as the community celebrated the completion of the Bobby Allan Legacy Bowl at Knights of Columbus Park.
The celebration included remarks from city officials and gave residents an opportunity to explore several improvements to the park at 5 Park Street North.
Allan grew up near Knights of Columbus Park and spent much of his youth playing lacrosse in the area. His career included playing on four Mann Cup championship teams, coaching the Peterborough Lakers to a Mann Cup championship in 1973 and leading the Canadian National Field Lacrosse Team to a world championship in 1978.
He was inducted into the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame, the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame and became the first lacrosse player inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame.
“To be recognized for my participation in a game that I truly love, by a city that I truly love, is indeed an honour,” Allan said.
Peterborough City Council voted in June 2026 to rename the Legacy Bowl in his honour, recognizing his contributions to the sport and the community.
Mayor Jeff Leal called the naming a fitting tribute, noting Allan’s journey from playing lacrosse as a young boy in Peterborough to becoming one of the sport’s most celebrated players and coaches.
Improvements to the park began in October 2025. The Legacy Bowl was resurfaced, surrounding boards were replaced and new lighting and line markings for lacrosse, hockey and basketball were installed. Basketball nets and players’ benches were also replaced. Other upgrades included four lit tennis courts, a new washroom building, an off-leash dog park, splashpad, shade areas, landscaping, accessibility features and an enhanced playground.
The dog park and playground are complete and open to the public. The Legacy Bowl, tennis courts, washrooms and splashpad are expected to open in spring 2027.
