Construction of new group pavilions at day-use areas in Pike Lake and Blackstrap Provincial Parks are on the horizon this summer.
The upgrades are among several capital investments amounting to more than $18.1 million earmarked by the province for provincial parks this year.
Approximately $7.7 million is being invested in facility and infrastructure improvements in central and northern provincial parks in 2021-22.
“Our provincial parks continue to be popular vacation destinations for generations of Saskatchewan families,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. “Maintaining and improving our parks has been an ongoing priority for this government. Since 2007, nearly $141 million has been invested in our park facilities and infrastructure, and planned improvements for 2021-22 will further increase the total investment to nearly $160 million.”
Along with ongoing improvements to washrooms, docks, day-use facilities and signage, upgrades scheduled for completion prior to the 2022 camping season in central and northern Saskatchewan provincial parks include:
* New group pavilion developments in day-use areas of Pike Lake and Blackstrap Provincial Parks;
* A campground service centre replacement for The Battlefords Provincial Park and a service centre upgrade in Lac La Ronge Park;
* A new boat launch development at Lac La Ronge Provincial Park and refurbishing of the historic Holy Trinity Church near Stanley Mission;
* Natural playground structures with accessible components at Great Blue Heron and Duck Mountain Provincial Parks;
* Accessible campsite and picnic site improvements at Great Blue Heron, Buffalo Pound Echo Valley and Duck Mountain Provincial Parks;
* Potable water system improvements for Lac la Ronge, Candle Lake and Meadow Lake Provincial Parks; and
* Replacement of park maintenance buildings at Great Blue Heron and Makwa Provincial Parks.
Upgrades that began in 2020-21 and are now complete in central and northern Saskatchewan provincial parks include:
* A campground service centre replacement at Pike Lake Provincial Park;
* Water system upgrades at Flotten Lake, Meadow Lake Provincial Park;
* Boat launch upgrades at Great Blue Heron and Meadow Lake Provincial Parks;
* Accessible paths and picnic sites at Rowan’s Ravine and The Battlefords Provincial Parks;
* Road improvements and electrical upgrades at Candle Lake Provincial Park; and
* Upgrade and expansion of the sewage lagoon at Duck Mountain Provincial Park.
Saskatchewan’s provincial parks continue to be an important destination, attracting visitors to enjoy and preserve the natural beauty of Saskatchewan.