Released on July 25, 2013
Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport Kevin Doherty officially opened upgrades at Rowan’s Ravine and Buffalo Pound Provincial Parks this week.
Rowan’s Ravine Provincial Park received electrical upgrades and expansion to 177 campground sites.
Buffalo Pound has opened a new service centre building in Maple Vale Campground and a new service centre at the day use area near the swimming pool.
“This work was completed as part of the government’s four year commitment to improving electrical sites and parks facilities,” Doherty said. “These upgrades help grow our parks and guarantee a more enjoyable park experience for visitors.”
Doherty will also officially kick off the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Buffalo Pound Provincial Park. This park was established in 1963, but even before it became a park it was an important place for First Nations for hunting bison. In 1972, a small herd of bison were established in the park to commemorate the importance of the animals in their natural environment and their importance to First Nations history and can be seen in a pasture in the southeast corner of the park. Buffalo Pound Lake is a part of the Qu’Appelle River system and it provides drinking water to the cities of Moose Jaw and Regina.
Buffalo Pound Provincial Park has 296 campsites, a beautiful beach, swimming pool, boat launch, hiking and mountain biking trails. Visitors can fish for pike and walleye and tour the Nicolle Flats Interpretive Centre, home to many bird species which can be explored on several walking trails.
Buffalo Pound Provincial Park will be celebrating all weekend with three days of events. Visit www.saskparks.net for a detailed list.
The government is continuing to improve Saskatchewan’s provincial parks and in 2012 committed an additional $10 million over four years to supplement the previously-enhanced provincial parks capital budget. Since 2008, government has invested almost $44 million to improve Saskatchewan’s provincial parks.
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For more information, contact:
Crystal Froese
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-7828
Email: crystal.froese@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-4087