PROVINCE GIVES REGIONAL PARKS A BOOST

Saskatchewan's regional parks are getting a $525,000 boost from the province.

The money comes in the form of an increased grant program aimed at helping the regional parks upgrade their facilities. The grant program has gone from $75,000 a year to $600,000.

"Saskatchewan has 100 regional parks that provide people with many fine opportunities for recreation," said Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Christine Tell. "The increase in funding to regional parks, along with changes made to our provincial parks system, is part of our renewed vision for the role of parks in Saskatchewan. We believe that our parks system can help to grow a tourism industry that showcases our natural and cultural heritage."

The money has been given to the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association which will manage the grants.

"Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association is very proud to partner with the Government of Saskatchewan in delivering these funds to regional parks," John Froese, President of the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association said. "Saskatchewan residents and visitors to our province are indeed fortunate to be able to benefit from this much need assistance."

A large majority of the grant money is earmarked for upgrading facilities at individual Regional Parks while some is being used to support the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association.

"Dunnet Regional Park has been able to expand the campground and upgrade the pool this year with the help of monies that we will be receiving from this grant," Carol Holland, Park Chairman said. "Dunnet Regional Park, as well as most Regional Parks, has become a popular recreation spot for families and with the announcement of this grant we are able to provide top notch services to our families in Saskatchewan as well as our neighbouring provinces and states."

Forty-seven regional parks have applied for and have been approved for funding. The money is being used for everything from buying equipment such as mowers, to upgrading campgrounds.

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For more information, contact:

Janice Wilby
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5781

Aidan Morgan
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9087