While there are still a couple of weeks left to enjoy the amenities at Nickle Lake Regional Park, the end of the camping season is just around the corner.
Park Manager Darren Wheeler said there will be no more bookings as of September 15th, when the park closes for the season.
"We had a very busy summer. Park attendance was way up this year and it's just like the new activities and the new stuff in the park, everybody came out. Summer was just actually cool but it was a good summer, like it wasn't too hot, it was just nice to enjoy on the beach and enjoy the water."
While the water is currently under a swimming advisory from the SHA's Healthy Beaches program, the beach was busy throughout the summer prior to the long weekend.
He said they had a great turnout on Nickle Lake Day, on August 2nd, and between 300 and 400 attended their Halloween in the Park on August 16th.
The campgrounds were fully booked throughout August, noted Wheeler. "It's like we closed our eyes and woke up and we're at the end of August. I don't even know where August went," he shared.
Anyone hoping to get a seasonal campsite at Nickle Lake must enter the draw by September 15th. The draw will be made by the end of September, with seasonal campers clearing out by the 25th when the water and power are shut off for the season. All washrooms will be closed by September 19th.
With only 10 to 12 seasonal sites available most years, Wheeler said that has to do with seasonal campers not wanting to give up their little slice of paradise.
"It's a little oasis from home and it's just different out here. It's just nice and relaxing," he said.
"We had lots of American travelers this year and they can't believe the park and they come up and say they're just amazed by how nice it is, how clean it is, well-groomed and the maintenance staff is doing a great job. We heard lots of really good compliments this year about the park."
The Sask Libraries Regional Park Passes were a huge hit this year as well, with 20 available at the Weyburn Public Library.
"We've seen them on a daily basis going through here, so like it's really nice to see and it's opening the door for a lot of people that maybe wouldn't come out, they come out now. They go to the library, get their pass for up to seven days and come out and enjoy the park."
Read more: Regional Park Pass lending program making Nickle Lake more accessible to all
The fundraising efforts this season were a success, with more than $20,000 raised so far for a water feature to be constructed next season.
"A good shout out to all our volunteers, they've done a tremendous job this year, like Heather Manko and her crew up out there with the Bingos and the 50/50s, just a great job on everybody's part," Wheeler commented.
Read more: Bingo nights, raffles part of ongoing fundraiser for upgrades at Nickle Lake Regional Park
