CELEBRATE SASKATCHEWAN RECREATION & PARKS MONTH!

Released on May 26, 2006

Recreation facilities and parks across the province will once again use June to celebrate the kick-off of summer programming, recognize volunteers, get residents involved in fun outdoor physical activities, and gain support for the parks and recreation sector.

The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA), with the support of national and provincial park/recreation associations, is pleased to be leading the Recreation & Parks Month celebration in the province.

The Government of Saskatchewan, for the second year in a row, has officially declared June as Recreation & Parks Month in Saskatchewan.

"We have so much to be proud of when it comes to our parks and recreation sectors and the positive impact they have on the quality of life of Saskatchewan citizens," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Glenn Hagel said. "I urge everyone to celebrate Recreation & Parks Month in Saskatchewan by enjoying our beautiful parks and joining in one of many recreation opportunities in our communities."

The public is invited to attend the official presentation of the Recreation & Parks Month Proclamation on May 26th, at 1:30 p.m. at the Crescent Park Playground in Moose Jaw. Cake and beverages will follow the presentation.

The City of Moose Jaw has been actively preparing for June's celebration by co-ordinating a variety of fun Recreation and Parks activities for their community. June's events include:

• Grand Opening of Phyllis Dewar Outdoor Pool and Paddling Pool – June 10th.

• Grand Opening of Crescent Park Water Park – June 17th.

• Father's Day Swim at Phyllis Dewar Outdoor Pool – June 18th.

• Playground Programs and much more – Throughout the summer months

"SPRA is pleased to have the opportunity to promote June is Recreation & Parks Month in the province," SPRA President Shauna Bourassa said. "There are so many benefits to participating in recreation and parks pursuits. Recreation and parks are a means to achieve active living and to invest in the health and well-being of the community and the province as a whole!"

As part of the Recreation & Parks Month celebration, SPRA has made several resources available for local agencies and park and recreation supporters to utilize in promoting Recreation & Parks Month in their own communities. Resources and tools include a Community Tool Kit which provides ideas on how to get involved, templates, promotional materials and much more.

For more information on Recreation & Parks Month or to access Recreation & Parks Month tools and resources, visit www.spra.sk.ca/rec_park_month.htm.

SPRA is a non-profit volunteer organization whose purpose is to promote, develop and facilitate parks and recreation opportunities throughout the province. SPRA is recognized as the provincial umbrella organization representing parks and recreation in Saskatchewan and manages the Recreation Section of the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture and Recreation. The SPRA network represents a large cross section of parks and recreation service providers from across the province, committed to providing quality leisure and parks services.

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Peters Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306)787-4967

Lori Ross Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association Regina Phone: (306) 780-9370