Woodlawn Regional Park has some big plans for this year, according to park business manager Joanne Schulte.
More than 40 people attended the park’s annual general meeting on March 8 at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course’s clubhouse. Not only did they hear about the park’s plans for the upcoming year, but they offered some thoughts on the park’s direction.
One of the biggest additions for the park this year, according to Schulte, is the addition of a lifejacket loaner station at Boundary Dam. The concept was very well-received by those at the meeting, she said.
Woodlawn is one of two regional parks in the province to have such a kiosk, she said.
“It’s an area where people can borrow, free of charge, a lifejacket for themselves or children to use, and then they return it,” said Schulte.
The life jacket kiosk will be run in conjunction with the Lifesaving Society.
“They provide the signage that illustrates to people, in writing as well as pictographs, how to fit a lifejacket for yourself or a child, and what size you should be wearing,” said Schulte.
The kiosk will be unmanned, and gatehouse staff will ensure that the kiosk is closed at night, and that none of the lifejackets have been damaged.
People will be on the honour system to return the lifejackets, but the Lifesaving Society reports they have not had any thefts at other kiosks in provincial parks.
Other changes for this year include gazebos for the Boundary Dam and Souris River campgrounds; a filleting shack, a hot water wash station, washrooms and an outdoor shower for the Boundary Dam site; and canoe, kayak and paddleboat rentals for both the Boundary Dam and Souris River sites.
Nine more seasonal sites have been developed, creating more room for seasonal campers. Schulte is looking forward seeing lots of seasonal and short-term campers for this year.
“The amenities to the park are being increased, and we’re hoping that it will draw more usage to the facilities, because they’re beautiful facilities for Estevan,” said Schulte.
People can start booking short-term camping sites on March 15, while the park will start taking applications for the seasonal draw on March 31.
Not only did the park offer camping at its Souris River and Boundary Dam campgrounds last year, but it also held a Christmas in the Park celebration and the inaugural Festival of Lights Christmas light display, which both proved to be popular events.
Saskatchewan Express also made an appearance in August.
Schulte said some concerns were raised at the annual meeting. One of them was the rising cost of electrical services, and how that affects the park and its users.
“This is one of the costs that keeps going up that the park is facing,” said Schulte.
The higher costs reflect an increase in electricity rates from SaskPower, she said.
People also had concerns about maintenance during the meeting. The park wants people to know their concerns have been heard and will be discussed.
“Where we can fix things, we’re definitely going to fix things,” said Schulte.
Schulte also filed a report on the decision not to have Beach Bash, and replace it with a Family Fun Day on July 29. There was no further discussion on that particular report.
“We understand that people still like to have activities out at Boundary,” said Schulte.
The park would also like to see more usage for the stage at Boundary Dam. A return visit from Saskatchewan Express is among the events planned for the stage.
A lottery has replaced Beach Bash as a fundraiser for the park, and tickets are now on sale.
The park also elected its executive for 2018. Larry Preddy is the chairperson, Myron Daoust is the vice-chair and Greg Hoffort is the past chair. Todd Fichter, Lorne Jahn, Dwight Monteyne, Mike Halirewich, Ward Tuttle, Jordan Laich and Dennis Moore round out the board of directors.
