After extensive flooding this spring and following a hailstorm that pounded portions of it last Monday, Crooked Lake finally got a blast of good news Friday.
Crooked Lake Provincial Park is slated for $1.2 million in upgrades in the upcoming year, ranging from the construction of a new campground service centre through to upgrades to the potable water system.
Saskatchewan Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports announced Friday the project at Crooked Lake where the park had been designated a provincial park more than 20 years ago, and named the contractors that'll perform the work.
For nearby communities which enjoy economic benefits related Crooked Lake and tourism in general, the announcement is welcome indeed, says Grayson Mayor Neil Ottenbreit who's a past chairman of South Parkland Regional Economic Development Authority as former board member with Enterprise Saskatchewan.
"It's a good announcement for the region and the community of Grayson, both the village and surrounding area.
We get a lot of economic spinoff in the village and area from the tourist traffic at Crooked Lake," says Ottenbreit.
The plan by the province to spend a significant amount of money is particularly welcome following the devastating flooding the past spring which has definitely slowed traffic associated with the lake, Ottenbreit says.
"It'll be good for the region and sends a clear message to tourists and people who frequent the campgrounds and use the provincial park on a regular basis that they're open for business and be up and running and be back better than ever."
Like Ottenbreit, Melville tourism and economic development manager Jeniffer Mann welcomes the announcement.
"Melville is probably one of the closest centres so a lot of people do come in. If they're out for a week or two, they need groceries, gas... Melville will definitely benefit from more tourists coming into the area," Mann says.
Crooked Lake is celebrating its 25th anniversary as a provincial park. Prior to that it had been declared a recreation site known as Greenspot in 1960.
Crooked Lake has been a popular destination. Mary-Anne Wihak, manager of visitor experience with the Ministry's Saskatchewan Park's Service, says an average year would see abut 4,800 nights of camping, although with this year's flooding, park usage has been reduced about 50 per cent.
According to the Ministry Weber Construction Ltd. of Yorkton has been awarded the contract to construct a new campground service centre building. Campground service centres house flush toilets, sinks and showers.
The existing facility was initially constructed in 1976 and is ready for an upgrade.
In addition to a campground service centre, Crooked Lake will also be getting new and upgraded electrical campsites and a new water system.
