The three hundred and twenty acres that constitute the Mabel Lake Provincial Park, situated at the southern tip of the lake, was first owned by Reginald Sadler. He was a young Englishman of good family who came to Canada at the turn of the century. In 1904 he married a cousin of Gerry Sigalet, Mary. They lived on the J. A. Utas property on what is now Sigalet Road (W. J. Deuling). T. A. Norris, Lumby's first school teacher, bought the lake land and enjoyed many happy times there.

About 1930 Norris wanted to sell the property and as he owed Will Shields some money, offered him the half section for his depth plus $700. Will got in touch with Henry and offered him a partnership in the lake land for $350. Henry did not have the cash at the time, but agreed to the deal and would pay what he owned in time.

When the Sigalet Mill was working in Squaw Valley, the first lumber to be milled was sent down the lake where Shields and Sigalet each had a comfortable summer home constructed. Over the years each family spent their summers at the lake and allowed the beach area to be used by the public.

As these men grew older, they went to the lake less and less, but the beach was used more and more. In 1971, Shields was approached by the provincial government who wanted to buy the land for park purposes. Many offers had been received previously, But Will and Henry wanted that land to be public park. Will phoned henry to ask how he felt about the sale.

Henry had always felt that the land belonged to Shields more than to himself, so said, "Whatever you want ,Will." The negotiations were completed and work on the park commenced a few years later.