The Government of Saskatchewan continues to invest in park infrastructure projects that include barrier-free enhancements for all visitors to enjoy.
"Provincial parks are for people of all ages and abilities," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. "By identifying and removing barriers throughout the parks system, we are ensuring that all families have the opportunity to get out in nature to explore, play and relax."
This year, the government is investing $18.1 million into Saskatchewan Provincial Parks. Recent improvements include more accessible trails and pathways, wheelchair accessible picnic sites and campsites within campgrounds, as well as public facilities with accessible washrooms, showers, front desk reception areas and ramps. A new standard service centre design has also been developed that includes universally-accessible family change rooms and washrooms to accommodate visitors with limited mobility and their caregivers.
In addition, new play structure installations that are barrier-free and provide sensory experiences for children of all abilities will be integrated into some playgrounds. The addition of natural playgrounds in parks will include some accessible routes and grading that will allow play experiences to be reached by wheelchair.
Sask Parks offers fourteen beach wheelchairs across the province that can be reserved in advance at any provincial park and borrowed by visitors free of charge. The beach wheelchairs help improve the beach experience of park visitors with reduced mobility.
The Government of Saskatchewan is fulfilling its commitment to make Saskatchewan a more inclusive province by introducing new legislation aimed at removing and preventing accessibility barriers that people with disabilities experience every day.
To learn more about what the government is doing to implement this legislation and better support people living with disabilities, please visit www.saskatchewan.ca/accessiblesk.
