The province says it is on track to meet its $2.4 million dollar commitment to support Saskatchewan's Regional Parks.
This year the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association is receiving a grant of $515,000.
"Our regional parks are an important part of our province's high-quality recreation system," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Bill Hutchinson says.
"They often attract local people and tourists from out of the area who contribute to the regional economy. By supporting regional parks, we help make Saskatchewan a great place to live and visit."
The Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association will use up to $125,000 of the $515,000 grant to assist with the operation of its office and to administer the grant program. The Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association will distribute the remaining funds, as grants, to qualifying member regional parks. Regional parks must match or exceed the grant money and use those funds to upgrade services such as campsites and buildings.
"These funds will be used by our parks for capital improvements to things such as their campgrounds, playgrounds and golf courses as well as providing potable water and assisting with equipment purchases," Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association President John Froese adds.
"With this funding and the matching dollars from the regional parks, many capital projects will be carried out in the regional parks. These improvements will help to improve the quality of camping and will support the lifestyle of the people of Saskatchewan."
Saskatchewan currently has 100 regional parks. They were developed by people in local communities who saw a need for local recreation areas. The parks are managed by local board members and financed through donations, fundraising and fees. Volunteer workers often play a role in operating the parks.
The $515,000 grant is part of a government commitment to provide regional parks with $2.4 million years over four years.
The Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association received $600,000 in 2008-2009 and $1,015,000 in 2009-2010.
