Visitors to Saskatchewan's provincial parks will be picnicking in style this summer with the addition of a number of new picnic tables and barbeques.
The Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport has issued a contract totalling more than $387,000 to Preferred Piping & Mechanical Ltd. of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to build and deliver 639 steel-framed picnic tables and 627 steel barbeques to various provincial parks and recreation sites within the province.
"People visiting our provincial parks and recreation sites use the picnic tables and barbeques in the public areas and campsites as part of the overall park experience," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Dustin Duncan said. "Picnic tables and barbeques that are in good shape help create the opportunity for campers and other park users to experience a memorable visit."
Replacing worn-out picnic tables and barbeques is part of a yearly maintenance program that helps ensure they are safe to use, reduces maintenance costs and maintains a balance between old and new facilities.
Provincial parks have approximately 6,500 picnic tables and 6,000 barbeques at various locations throughout the park system. About 325 picnic tables and 400 barbeques will be installed over the summer of 2010. The rest will be installed in spring of 2011.
The new picnic tables and barbeques are among the many investments visitors to our provincial parks will see. Electrical service has been added to more than 600 campsites, service centres and entry kiosks have been upgraded and some new boat docks have been installed.