CELEBRATE THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF SASKATCHEWAN PARKS WEEK

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Parks Week. Every summer, a week is set aside to recognize our province's parks. This week helps promote our parks both nationally and within Saskatchewan.

Special events will occur at parks around the province to help celebrate Parks Week.

Today, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Kevin Doherty will cut the ribbon at Meadows Campground in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park to celebrate the 98 new, electric sites that opened June 28.

Tonight, the annual Saskatchewan Express Parks Tour kicks off at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.

For the first time in Parks Week history, activities will also take place at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum. These activities are meant to bring our parks to the City of Regina. Each day will feature activities highlighting the day's theme, which are birding (Sunday), water recreation (Monday), outdoor activities (Tuesday), story of settlement (Wednesday), fur trade and First Nations (Thursday), Astronomy (Friday) and Celebration of Parks (Saturday).

Doherty proclaimed July 15 to 21 Saskatchewan Parks Week. By proclaiming parks week annually, government helps celebrate and build pride in not only our parks, but our province.

"Saskatchewan's parks grow stronger every year," Doherty said. "They are valuable tourist attractions that help move our economy forward and create a vibrant quality of life for residents and visitors. The fact that this is the 30th anniversary of our annual Parks Week reflects how important parks are to residents and visitors. Saskatchewan parks are beautiful places where people can unwind, socialize and explore the outdoors. They preserve our natural and cultural spaces so people can enjoy them for generations."

Minister Doherty partnered with parks ministers across Canada to designate Saturday, July 21 as Canada's Parks Day. Canada's Parks Day, an annual event, recognizes and celebrates our country's national, provincial and territorial parks. Parks protect our natural environment and improve our quality of life, which is why the day is proclaimed Canada-wide.

Over the past four years, government has invested $33 million to improve Saskatchewan's provincial parks. Government is committed to providing an additional $10 million for capital improvements over the next four years. This year, government is committing over $13 million to parks capital projects. To learn more about Saskatchewan Parks Week events, please visit www.saskparks.net or www.royalsaskmuseum.ca. The RSM is open every day from 9:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Admission is by donation.

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For more information, contact:

Chelsea Coupal
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5781
Email: chelsea.coupal@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-8152