It may not be top of mind when considering how COVID-19 is effecting Saskatchewan, but the province's parks could be looking sparse this summer.

As part of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan set to be enacted early next month, Saskatchewan provincial parks will be taking a hit in terms of attendance.

The Government of Saskatchewan said that they will be only allowing a maximum of 50 per cent of total campsite capacity. In addition, expanded sanitation will take place on ‘high-touch’ surfaces.

This is said to be enforced by leaving every other campsite vacant to promote social distancing.

Reservations for the parks will begin online on May 4. They will also open their gates for daytime traffic on that date.

The Provincial Government says the overnight camping season begins on June 1.

Between May 4 to June 1, activities deemed acceptable to take place include access to boat launches, shoreline fishing, hiking and mountain biking.

During that time, anglers must maintain a two-metre distance from each other, public docks, marinas, and jetties can not be fished from, bathrooms will only be allowed to be used during the day, no access to shower facilities, and passengers in boats must be from the same household.

In terms of campground regulations as of June 1, reservations must be made in advance, there will be no group campsites or double sites.

Bathroom restrictions will also stay in place. The government encourages that only one household at a time can use a bathroom, use of recreational vehicle bathrooms is also encouraged, and enhanced bathroom sanitation will take place if the park bathrooms are needed.

Shower and laundry facilities will remain closed as well.

Also taking the COVID-19 hit are park activities. Beaches, playgrounds, swimming pools, shared shoreline access, community events, and food and beverage services are all scheduled to be off-limits at the June 1 opening date.

Campers who show symptoms of the virus will not be permitted to enter parks, and rental of tents and yurts won't be available. All employees at parks will also have to have access to gloves and sanitizing wipes and will be told to stay home if they are sick or symptomatic.

Swift Current MLA Everett Hindley said that as some people feel the urge to get outdoors, they should remember to stay vigilant in their efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“The important part is these overarching rules with respect to physical distancing, and the regular washing of hands, and cleaning surfaces, and all that sort of stuff, so you have to think that applies to everything in your daily life. That’s the best way to approach things right now.”

He stressed that those regulations should go for private campgrounds as well.

“That’s the biggest danger here, is if not everybody is abiding by the new rules and regulations this doesn't work. That’s why we need to take this seriously, make sure that we’re doing everything we can to prevent the spread of this.”

“Think about your neighbours, think about your loved ones, think about your parents, and those that are susceptible and at risk and the potential danger that they could be in because of your actions that could be careless.”

“This only works if we’re all in it together and all following the rules at the same time.”

To read all of the proposed restrictions, click here.