Celebrating the Bobby Allan Legacy Bowl

Peterborough, ON – The remarkable career of local lacrosse legend Bobby Allan was recognized Thursday, November 5, during a community celebration marking the completion of the Bobby Allan Legacy Bowl at Knights of Columbus Park, 5 Park St. N.  

Bobby Allan is widely recognized as one of the finest lacrosse players in Canada. His accomplishments include playing on four Mann Cup championship teams, coaching the Peterborough Lakers to a Mann Cup Championship in 1973 and the Canadian National Field Lacrosse Team to a world championship in 1978.  He has been inducted in the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame, the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame and was 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," Bobby Allan said. 

Bobby Allan grew up near Knights of Columbus Park and spent much of his time as a youth playing lacrosse in the area.  

Peterborough City Council voted to change the name of the Legacy Bowl in Knights of Columbus Park to the Bobby Allan Legacy Bowl in June 2026, recognizing the contributions Bobby Allan has made to the sport of lacrosse.  

“From his early days playing lacrosse near Knights of Columbus Park as a young boy to becoming one of the sport’s most celebrated players and coaches, Bobby Allan’s story is deeply connected to this community," Mayor Jeff Leal said. "Naming the Bobby Allan Legacy Bowl in his honour is a fitting tribute to his remarkable contributions to lacrosse and to Peterborough."  

Improvements to Knights of Columbus Park began in October 2025. The Bobby Allan Legacy Bowl was resurfaced and the surrounding boards were replaced. New lighting was installed along with new line markings for lacrosse, hockey and basketball. Basketball nets and players' benches were replaced.   

Other enhancements to the park include four new tennis courts with lighting, a new washroom building, off-leash dog park, a splashpad, shade areas, new landscaping, enhanced accessibility features and upgrades to the playground.  

Construction on the dog park and playground is complete and open for use. Dog park users are asked to follow the posted rules and regulations.  

The Bobby Allan Legacy Bowl, tennis courts, washrooms and splashpad will open for use in Spring 2027.