Released on May 11, 2012
Saskatchewan provincial parks and recreation sites are once again gearing up for a busy camping season, opening on Thursday, May 17. Visitors to parks will notice numerous upgrades and improvements and some changes to the camping program. As well, the parks and campgrounds that were affected by flooding last spring, including Fort Carlton, Crooked Lake and Rowan's Ravine are repaired and will open this May long weekend.
An alcohol ban will also once again be in effect in all campgrounds and picnic areas within all provincial parks and recreation sites during May long weekend (from Thursday, May 17 through to 11 p.m. Monday, May 21). Cottages and commercial businesses in provincial parks will not be affected by the ban. The ban will also be in effect in 25 Regional Parks.
"A visit to a Saskatchewan provincial park is the perfect early start to summer," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Bill Hutchinson said. "Our provincial parks are great places to enjoy nature, spend time with family and friends and create memories that last a lifetime. We want to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable weekend."
Visitors are encouraged to use the new online reservation system at www.saskparks.net to check campsite availability or make, change or cancel a reservation. Visitors can also make their reservation, or see what's going on at the park, en-route on their mobile device by using the new mobile website (http://m.saskparks.net). Other changes to the camping program include the expansion of the 14-night maximum stay program to include more campsites and the addition of five parks to the reservation service.
"Our provincial parks continue to be popular tourist attractions for Saskatchewan residents and visitors alike, welcoming a record breaking 3.37 million visits in 2011," Hutchinson said. "We are hopeful that 2012 will be another great year as our government continues to invest in the services and amenities that make our parks better."
Over the past four years the government has invested $33 million to improve Saskatchewan's provincial parks. This camping season marks the first year that all 1,100 newly electrified sites will be available to the public. Other upgrades and improvements made in the last four years include a number of new or upgraded service centres, change houses, boat launches, entry kiosks, picnic tables, barbeques and more. The government will continue to invest in our parks, committing to add another $10 million over the next four years.
Those planning on visiting a park on May long weekend are reminded to call ahead or visit www.saskparks.net to check site availability, information on the camping program and what services are available at each park. Anderson Point Campground in Anglin Lake Recreation Site is closed until June 1, 2012, due to road construction.
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For more information, contact:
Tiffany Stephenson
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3506
Email: tiffany.stephenson@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-550-5927