Saskatchewan regional parks: A study of the economic benefits, camper and community resident characteristics and community involvement

There are 101 Regional Parks organised under the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association. In 1997 provincial funding was withdrawn from Regional Parks. Since then Regional Parks have struggled to maintain facilities and services and meet the needs of park users. Suggestions for meeting the funding shortfall include, reinstatement of provincial funding, increased park admission fees, adding value to the Regional Park experience, and increased use of volunteers in park administration and labour. This study examines the viability of these suggestions by: (1) estimating the economic benefits of Regional Parks to local communities; (2) estimating camper and local residents willingness to pay increased park entrance fees; (3) examining the recreation behaviour and preferences of Regional Park users and; (4) estimating the extent of community involvement and potential for volunteerism in Regional Parks. The study used two questionnaires; a camper questionnaire distributed at 16 selected Regional Parks and a resident questionnaire distributed to 8 communities immediately adjacent to Regional Parks. Data collection was completed during the summer of 2000. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...