Regional parks in the province will have now access to a grant for expansion of their campground with the announcement of a one-million-dollar investment from the Saskatchewan government.
The Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association (SRPA) will run the new program and distribute grants to successful projects.
An official announcement was held at McNab Park near Watson on Friday.
Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross says there are several reasons why the Saskatchewan government wanted to invest in the regional parks.
“You look at the beauty and the opportunities for physical health, for mental health, for communities, for families, and it's just a good investment to have in it.”
Ross added, “It also helps our communities and helps tourism and helps the economy of the local communities as well.”
Interest in staying at regional parks in Saskatchewan has spiked recently. According to the SPRA, nearly 250,000 people visited regional parks in the province last year. With the looming threat of tariffs from the United States, more people are electing to stay closer to home with their summer travelling plans.
Ross noted places like McNab Park are hidden gems located in Saskatchewan.
“I look at what McNab (Park) has done here, the board has done, and it's got the pool, it's got the beautiful clubhouse and those are all great assets for the community and for the surrounding area.”
Applications for up to 200 qualifying campsites will be accepted in 2025. The grant will be used for seasonal campsites.
Park Manager for McNab Park, Kim Mitchell noted they are planning on expanding their campground with the addition of 17 campsites.
She noted that over the last three years the campground has been near full capacity.
“Road workers and campers that want to stay. Year round and campers that are just using us for their swimming lessons. We've been absolutely full all the time.”
Mitchell was also pleased to host the announcement that will impact parks throughout the entire province.
“We have a whole campsite map, and everything figured out and we are shovel ready and it was great that they chose us mainly because first of all we are a very small community and we're a very small park when it comes to parks. But secondly because we love to showcase the beauty that we have within our park.”
Nearly 80 accredited Regional Parks are eligible for funding and can begin applying for funding as of today.
Full program details are available at saskregionalparks.ca/new-seasonal-sites.