Simply having a free Saskatchewan library card can also give you limited free access to all of Saskatchewan’s Regional Parks as of this summer.  

The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) has partnered with the Saskatchewan Libraries Association (SLA), and the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association (SRPA) for a pilot project called the Regional Park Pass Lending Program.  

“The Regional Park pass lending program allows a person to go into a library and if a park pass is available, borrow the park pass and it must be returned to the same library, and then they can go to any Regional Parks in the area,” says Jan Smith, Director of Moose Jaw Palliser Library.  

This program aims to educate Saskatchewan residents and increase the usage of Saskatchewan’s 100 Regional Parks.  

The SPRA spent $40,000 to buy 800 park passes for $50 each from the SRPA. The money will go towards the upkeep and maintenance of the regional parks.

“We are excited to launch this program as part of Recreation & Parks Month this June,” said SPRA President Jody Boulet, “With the rising cost of living, people have to make tough choices. Visiting regional parks shouldn’t be one of the activities that doesn’t make the cut.” 

The local Palliser Regional Library is participating in this program and is receiving 22 park passes. The passes will be given out on a first come first serve basis.  

They will be available to sign out for free for seven days from June 1st until September 15th.  

Residents only need to have a valid Saskatchewan library card or sign up for one for free in order to get a pass.  

The park passes must be returned within seven days or else large late fees will be issued. 

The late fee starts at $100 and increases by $25 each day it’s not returned after being a week late. 

This program has been successful in Ontario and it has branched out to offer other amenities such as museum and event passes. 

According to Smith, if this pilot project deems a success at the end of September, it will become an annual initiative and it will hopefully expand to offer other opportunities.