With 20 Regional Park Passes available for library card holders to borrow from the Weyburn Public Library, getting into the gate at Nickle Lake Regional Park or any other Saskatchewan Regional Park is easy for anyone, regardless of their budget.
Park Manager Darren Wheeler said the passes look different, so they've been able to track how well-utilized they are over the past few seasons.
"It always helps bring people out, and the ones that maybe don't have an extra 20 bucks or 30 bucks, they can go to library and get a free pass for up to seven days to come out to the park, and enjoy all the parks. We've seen lots of them come through the gate here over the past couple of years and it's a great program. I'm glad to Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association picked it up this year and kept it going."
Library card holders must go in person to borrow a pass, available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no holds able to be placed, or renewals.
The pass also only gets borrowers into the gates, with additional amenities not included, such as camping.
Wheeler said there is one feature at Nickle Lake those on a tight budget may enjoy taking advantage of this year.
"The mini golf this year is actually by donation only. So that the gates are open during the daytime and then clubs are there and the balls are there, and then we just ask [users] to make a like a $2 per head donation."
He said this is because this is the last year for the old mini golf course, as a new one should be in place for next season.
"This way, I thought, well, it'll just be nice for everybody to just go use it."
Wheeler added those using the mini golf course should be respectful to the facility.