Campers hoping to use the spring to get over social isolation from COVID-19 should expect further delays as regional parks wait to make a decision and provincial parks have officially postponed the season's start. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Josh Ryan

Parks still closed

Sask. Parks facing lost spring from coronavirus

Apr 6, 2020 | 4:09 PM

The delay of camping season in Saskatchewan Provincial Parks has resulted in more cancelled weekend plans in the spring, but regional parks face the same obstacle.

According to last week’s statement from the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, there’s no date in place for the reservations system for provincial parks and campsites to open. Assistant Deputy Minister Jennifer Johnson said the decision is to protect employees and patrons amid the fluidity of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Instead of choosing a new date, we thought we’d monitor the situation,” Johnson said. “As things progress, we’ll hopefully announce new dates.”

Regional parks and their campgrounds also face barriers to open this spring. While they don’t fall under the jurisdiction of the provincial parks system, these parks still follow any mandates set by the Saskatchewan Government. This means campground areas like public washrooms and most connected businesses, such as golf courses, remain shut down as non-essential services. So far, the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association and all affiliates are waiting to make an official decision on a potential return for campers.

“We’re six weeks away from opening, so we’ll know closer to the day on what each individual park is going to be doing,” Executive Director for Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association Katrina Irving said.

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Conner McGill, manager for Valley Regional Park, hopes close proximity to health care services in Rosthern would be an advantage for sites like his to have a shot of opening. With the forecast looking more doubtful after the past week, losing the first few months is going to be a challenge.

“Our spring is heavily relied on by our seasonal campers coming for May,” McGill said. “If we can’t have that, it would be difficult for sure.”

Until major changes occur, Johnson wants Saskatchewan residents to keep following the mandates set by the province, adding they expect to salvage a portion of 2020.

“We’re hopeful that we’ll still have some sort of season this year,” she said. “It’s too soon to give up all hope.”

McGill said if they are unable to open for most of the season, they will have to be very careful with spending and utilize SaskPower waiving penalties from late fees.

“We’re going to run it as bare bones for staff as we can,” he said. “Try to keep the golf course playable for potentially next year if it doesn’t open and try to survive this year.”

If a portion of the season is saved, McGill said protocols will still differ drastically from previous years.

“The in-person contact would be kept to a minimum,” he said.

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports