Released on November 25, 2015
Saskatchewan’s provincial parks and recreation sites hit a new attendance record of nearly 3.9 million visits in 2015. This is an increase of nearly 125,000 visits over the previous record, which was set in 2013, and is an increase of more than 860,000 visits since 2007.“We are pleased to see a record number of vacationers utilizing our parks in the province,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Mark Docherty said. “The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes the importance of our provincial parks in relation to the quality of life here. We are committed to investing in park infrastructure to support the current demand and future growth of visitation.”
Strong visitation can be attributed in part to the province continuing to provide excellent visitor services and the enhanced capital infrastructure investment.
Since 2007, nearly $92 million has been invested in capital projects, including upgrades and maintenance. These projects have provided enhanced services such as new campgrounds, upgraded washroom and shower facilities and expanded electricity to more campsites. In addition to capital improvements, the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport continues to expand program offerings.
The Saskatchewan Provincial Park system continues to enhance its customer service program, adding express check-in for campers at several locations, an online seasonal camping application process and better supported self-registration stations. These changes have helped to increase the opportunity for as many people as possible to enjoy a camping experience in a Saskatchewan provincial park.
Applications for the always-popular seasonal camping program will be available in early January of 2016 and the nightly camping reservation launch will occur in spring of 2016.
Details on each of these programs will be available on www.saskparks.net early next year.
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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