SASKATCHEWAN PARKS WRAP UP SUCCESSFUL SUMMER

One More Long Weekend to Enjoy Our Provincial Parks

Saskatchewan provincial parks experienced steady visitation levels and implemented millions in capital upgrades this summer.

Government has committed more than $13 million to parks capital projects for the 2012-13 fiscal year. The funding is being used to expand campsite electrical service, upgrade potable water systems, as well as build or upgrade service centres across the province.

"The Government of Saskatchewan and the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport recognize how important our parks are to Saskatchewan residents and visitors," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Kevin Doherty said. "They provide significant recreational opportunities enhancing our quality of life and give people a chance to discover our province's natural landscape. One of the advantages of Saskatchewan's growth is the ability to invest in our provincial parks."

Government recently approved several upgrades set to begin this fall, which should be ready for the opening of the 2013 parks season.

The Visitor Centre at Danielson Provincial Park will also see the original mechanical system upgraded. The existing heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is old, has not been operating properly and will be replaced with new, modern equipment that is more energy efficient. This will ensure the centre continues to be a comfortable environment for park visitors.

The current ground water supply at Blackstrap Provincial Park will be replaced with potable water supplied from the City of Saskatoon to guarantee that park visitors are provided with the highest quality drinking water. The two water pump houses will be renovated and the existing piping and treatment equipment will be replaced.

New equipment and material storage buildings in both Greenwater Lake Provincial Park and Rowan's Ravine Provincial Park will be built. The new storage buildings will provide a secure environment for the equipment and material that is required in the day-to-day operation of the park. Removing these important assets from the elements, when they are not in use, will reduce maintenance costs and help ensure they reach their life expectancy.

Government is investing nearly $757,000 in these three projects in an effort to continually enhance the parks experience for visitors.

Government has invested $33 million in park improvements over the last four years and is committing an additional $10 million over the next four years. Government will invest nearly $54 million in parks capital projects over the next four years.

Saskatchewan parks have been well-attended this summer. While total visits are not yet calculated, our parks are reporting steady campsite and day use. Provincial parks set a new visitation record in 2011 - 3.37 million visits.

The public is encouraged to explore Saskatchewan parks this Labour Day long weekend and to continue enjoying them this fall. Campsite reservation services close Labour Day, but great camping can be experienced during the fall on a drive-up basis. For more information visit www.saskparks.net.

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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