Amidst the announcements of the remaining businesses reopening in phase four of Saskatchewan's Reopen Saskatchewan Plan, a separate, but no less welcome bit of news flew seemingly under the radar.

The government of Saskatchewan sent out a press release later in the afternoon after their daily press conference announcing that outdoor pools would be reopening in Saskatchewan provincial parks effective immediately.

Both Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park and Pike Lake Provincial Park benefit from the announcement.

Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Gene Makowsky called the pools a "huge part" of both parks, and said he was happy to see them reopening.  He went on to explain the changes to the pools schedules and their operating routine in order to both stay safe and to accommodate as many people as possible.

  • Capacity in the pools will be significantly reduced.  In order to ensure fair access, the facilities will implement a turnover system that will require all pool users to leave after a set block of time to allow for cleaning and disinfecting.  Users can then choose to leave, or re-enter the line-up to be admitted once again free of charge.
  • Swimming lessons or programming; such as lane swimming and special events will not be returning as yet in order to make more time available for public swimming times.
  • Physical distancing will remain in effect at all times by utilizing markers on floors and barriers to protect pool staff and visitors.
  • Specific entry and exit points will be in effect.
  • Pool staff will be on hand to monitor and remind visitors about physical distancing throughout the day.
  • Wherever possible, visitors should enter and exit the facility in their swim clothes in order to minimize crowding in the change room areas.

Because of the changing nature of COVID-19, visitors are being encouraged to contact the park before visiting in order to ensure that the pools are open on the day of their visit.

Cypress Hills Provincial Park - 306-662-5411

Pike Lake Provincial Park - 306-933-6966