ANOTHER RECORD YEAR FOR SASKATCHEWAN PROVINCIAL PARKS

Released on December 3, 2009

The numbers are in and this past summer there were 3.3 million visits to our parks, which is an increase of two per cent over 2008 and 10 per cent over 2007.

Camper nights went up by five per cent, online Reserve-a-Site requests jumped by 69 per cent and entry permits are also up, with annual entry permit sales increasing by nine per cent.

The new, 2009 record was set in spite of a summer that was the coolest recorded.

"Our provincial parks continue to be prime destinations of choice for people to spend their holiday time," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Dustin Duncan said. "This is a strong indication of the popularity of our provincial parks. It is also a reflection of the fact that our parks offer visitors some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in Canada. Parks are also places to learn about our history, the environment and to relax and spend time with family and friends."

The ministry is working hard to make sure interest in our parks continues to grow, that the needs of our visitors are being met and that their visit is memorable. As a result, the ministry is continually evaluating its programs and if needed, changing them.

Some of the changes park visitors will notice this year include:

• The ministry has targeted approximately 10 per cent of provincial park electric campsites as part of a maximum 14-consecutive-night stay program at 19 of the busiest provincial parks during the peak camping season of June 24 to August 15. This will help ensure that more people have their camping needs met, yet still leaves plenty of opportunities for those who wish to camp for longer periods of time. For example, a very successful pilot project last year, which used just 54 sites at Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park, enabled us to serve 560 campers as compared to the historical 150 to 200. 
• Moving the date of the seasonal camping draw to the last Tuesday in February, which provides people with earlier notice and makes it easier to plan their holidays. The draw had previously been held in late April.
• Enhancements to our Reserve-a-Site process include a new secure online credit card payment option that will allow customers to confirm their reservations over the internet. This will make it more timely and convenient for our customers.

Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport will continue its very successful Seniors Free Park Entry program; the Spring Park Entry Promotion that offers free park entry Monday through Thursday during the May-June camping season; and the Shoulder-Season Camping Rate which offers 30 consecutive nights of camping for the price of 21.

"I am confident the changes that are being made this year, along with our ongoing programs, will make our provincial parks even better places to visit," Duncan said

Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport has been working hard on park improvements. They include upgrading or replacing entry kiosks, service centres, boat launches and other park infrastructure. The most ambitious project is adding electricity to 1,000 campsites. The ministry expects close to 600 of these sites will be available in time for the peak 2010 camping season.

Those wishing to use the Reserve-a-Site program are reminded that the window for reservations opens January 1, 2010.

More information about the Reserve-a-Site program and Saskatchewan's provincial parks can be found at www.tpcs.gov.sk.ca.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Art Jones
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3506
Email: art.jones@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-550-5927