Released on November 13, 2014
Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Mark Docherty today confirmed that Saskatchewan Regional Parks will receive a grant for $1.023 million for the 2014-15 fiscal year.In 2008, the government committed $2.4 million over four years to Saskatchewan Regional Parks. This commitment was exceeded with $3.15 million being granted over the four-year period. The government has continued its investment in the regional park system and the total investment since 2008 is now $6.22 million.
“Regional parks reflect community pride and contribute to the strong quality of life we enjoy in Saskatchewan,” Docherty said. “Our government is proud to support the great work that regional park volunteers do on behalf of their members.”
The Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association will distribute grant funds to member parks for capital improvements on a cost-matching basis. Regional park capital grants have enabled parks to complete valuable work on their facilities and infrastructure to ensure visitor safety and offer improved services.
“With the announcement of this year’s grant, the Saskatchewan Regional Parks are proud to further develop the infrastructure within the participating parks,” Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association President John Froese said. “Recent reports indicate a dramatic increase in attendance with travellers experiencing the new and better image of our parks, due largely to the popular Government of Saskatchewan Parks, Culture and Sport grant program. Saskatchewan Regional Parks are building bigger and better camping and RV facilities. It is when you realize the aggregate amounts of this grant by the Government of Saskatchewan that you actually see the tremendous amount of growth and experience within the participating regional parks and for this we are forever grateful.”
The Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association distributes the money to member parks for the cost sharing of capital improvements. Grants are available to member parks to a maximum of $25,000 per park and are cost shared to a maximum of 50 per cent of project costs. This in effect doubles the amount being invested into regional parks. By tying this funding to capital works, and to cost-shared programs, government is ensuring the regional parks have sustainable development for future years, for residents and visitors.
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For more information, contact:
Karen Webb
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-7828
Email: karen.webb@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-4087