It is nearly camping season, and 2011 is sure to be an exciting year in Saskatchewan's provincial parks. This year is the 80th anniversary of the Saskatchewan Provincial Park System and celebrations are planned throughout the summer.
Those celebrations, in addition to upgrades the Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport has done in the past few years, will help provide an excellent visitor experience.
"Our provincial parks continue to be some of the most beautiful places to visit in Saskatchewan," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Bill Hutchinson said. "This year we are celebrating the 80th anniversary of the provincial park system, and by fall of this year we will meet, and slightly exceed, our promise to add electrical service to 1,000 campsites over four years."
In preparation for the May long weekend, there are some things campers need to know:
- Most campground offices across Saskatchewan's provincial parks and recreation sites will open on May 19, 2011. Park visitors are encouraged to visit www.saskparks.net to see what services are available and to determine whether the water system is functioning, if ice is off the lake, if the docks are in and the hours of operation.
- The Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport is again instituting a special campsite allocation draw to accommodate the first initial rush of campers wishing to spend the May long weekend in Emma Lake Recreation Site and Makwa Lake Provincial Park. Information on the draw process can be found on the parks website.
- Campers are reminded there is a ban on alcohol in campgrounds and picnic areas within provincial parks and recreation sites during the May long weekend (from Thursday, May 19 until 11 p.m. Monday, May 23, inclusive). Cottages and commercial businesses in provincial parks will not be affected by the ban. The ban will be in effect in 20 Regional Parks as well.
- Flooding continues to affect several provincial parks. Rowan's Ravine and Katepwa Point Provincial Parks and Regina Beach Recreation site will open some time in June. Buffalo Pound, Crooked Lake and Echo Valley Provincial Parks will open May 19, 2011 but with reduced services. Campers with reservations and seasonal campers who may be impacted by this will be contacted.
Information and updates about Saskatchewan's provincial parks are always available at www.saskparks.net.
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For more information, contact:
Jennifer Johnson
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0619
Email: jennifer.johnson@gov.sk.ca
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