CELEBRATING RECREATION AND PARKS MONTH IN SASKATCHEWAN

June is Recreation and Parks Month and all this month, Saskatchewan is celebrating the benefits derived from parks and recreation opportunities, with a special nod to those who work delivering programs and services in these sectors.

"I'm very pleased to declare that June is Recreation and Parks Month in Saskatchewan," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said. "I hope the entire province will join me in recognizing the efforts made by both volunteers and professionals in our recreation and parks sectors.

"These efforts provide economic, social, personal and environmental benefits to our citizens, and make our province an even better place to live."

In conjunction with Minister Beatty's declaration, the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (S.P.R.A.) is launching a new strategy called June is Parks and Recreation Month – Live it Every Day. As part of the strategy, the S.P.R.A. is implementing measures to encourage awareness and a better understanding of the benefits recreation and parks provide, promote the importance of the recreation and parks sectors as contributing to our quality of life, and provide ideas on ways to deliver and participate in recreational opportunities.

"S.P.R.A. is pleased to have launched the June is Recreation and Parks Month – Live it Every Day strategy," S.P.R.A. president Blair Hoffman said. "Saskatchewan's Centennial year provides a great opportunity to acknowledge the impact that volunteers and practitioners within the recreation, parks and leisure services sectors provide to our province's quality of life."

"During our Centennial year, our focus is on our citizens and celebrating those things that have made and continue to make Saskatchewan a wonderful place to live," Beatty said. "It is appropriate we recognize the efforts of those who work to deliver the recreation and parks programs and services that enhance our lives so much."

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Peters Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-0355

John Firnesz S.P.R.A. Regina Phone: 1-800-563-2555