The Province has proclaimed June as Parks and Recreation Month, and Executive Director with Weyburn Tourism, Monica Osborn, said Weyburn has much to celebrate in that area, with so much to offer locals and tourists.
"Parks and rec is a huge aspect of tourism in any part of the world, but we do have some great features here in Weyburn."
She pointed out the two local campgrounds, River Park Campground and the numerous options out at Nickle Lake Regional Park, just 10 minutes away from the city.
Weyburn's Tatagwa Trails system boasts 8.5 kilometres of paved trails throughout the city, with three sections enabling access from anyone in any part of the city to enjoy for running, walking, cycling, and even roller-blading. Within the trails system, wildlife can often be spotted also enjoying the wooded areas. Find out more about Weyburn's parks HERE.
Osborn said the rugged trails system south of River Park, created in recent years by the Weyburn Trails Association, are also expanding from year to year.
"You don't have to necessarily always ride mountain bikes," she noted. "It is open to people that are interested in hiking or running. They actually really encourage that because the more people that are using those trails, the more they can get beaten down and maybe easier for the people that are mountain biking."
"The Weyburn Trails Association has really expanded and I've been working super hard, as it is all volunteers. So I highly encourage anyone that wants to help out with volunteering, reach out to that group. They're doing a great job of giving people other activities to do and broaden your horizons and try something new. They're creating new trails all the time, so it's fun to be out there. I've been out there personally lots and I never take the same trail twice, so it's great."
She said Weyburn also has plenty of play parks for kids of all ages to enjoy, especially in summer.
"There's a couple of spray parks in town, as well as just [parks] where people can go and have slides and swing on the swings and play some basketball and that kind of stuff. It's just a great part of our community, and it's really well used and we're just encouraging our residents and people that are from out of town to check out our local spots."
Weyburn Tourism takes advantage of the trails behind the Weyburn Community Dog Park every October for their event, "Pumpkin Lane'.
"It is to highlight the trail system that we do have over by the Dog Park and lots of people didn't realize that those trails are over there, but we want to encourage people to go and check it out. Even if you don't have a dog or maybe if you don't like dogs or if you're scared of dogs, just know that there are dogs over in that area, but usually they are within the fenced area, so you don't have to worry about that."
She added, "Weyburn can definitely take great pride in the green spaces that we have. The city has been working really hard at beautifying our city with the trees."
Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport, Alana Ross, said, "Recreation areas and activities are at the heart of our communities and easily accessible to everyone. They provide social connections and activities that are essential for our physical and mental health, improve our wellbeing, and help us live longer, healthier lives. We are excited to join the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association in encouraging residents from all walks of life to connect with their families and friends in parks and recreation spaces throughout the province."
This year's theme is once again, "Connect on Common Ground." The focus is celebrating the inclusiveness and diversity of our province's parks and outdoor recreation spaces.
The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) invites everyone to take advantage of the benefits parks and recreation spaces have to offer. The SPRA is a provincial, non-profit organization dedicated to connecting, educating and inspiring recreation and parks providers.
"Saskatchewan's parks and outdoor recreation environments are as diverse as the people who enjoy them," Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association President Darcy McLeod said. "This June, we encourage people from all walks of life to connect on common ground and enjoy the benefits of parks and the outdoors. Everyone belongs in parks and recreation."
The Sask Lotteries-funded parks and recreation delivery system provides thousands of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
Sask Lotteries benefits more than 12,000 sport, culture and recreation groups in communities across Saskatchewan. Proceeds from Sask Lotteries support a wide range of sport, culture and recreation programs, services and initiatives throughout the province.
To learn more about Parks and Recreation Month or "Connect on Common Ground", visit their website.