Regional Park Pass Lending Program: Important Update

The Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association, in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Library Association, is pleased to announce the Regional Parks Lending Program is back for 2025!

This program is geared towards families and individuals that may not be able to access the Regional Parks without the lending program.

The program will now be covered by Saskatchewan Regional Parks. The long-term sustainability of program funding options are being explored. 

Regional Park Pass Lending Program, Branch Libraries Frequently Asked Questions

Who is administering the program? The Saskatchewan Library Association (SLA) and the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association (SRPA). 

How long is the program? From June 15 to September 15, 2025.  

How many passes will we get? Each library region was asked to request passes based on demand and the number of branches in that region. Pass numbers were based on the available budget. Your library region will determine how many passes each branch receives. We are encouraging patrons to call ahead to ensure the library they want to visit has passes available.  

How many passes are there in total? 850 passes will be distributed to participating libraries throughout the province.  

How many libraries are participating in the program? All of them! Every Saskatchewan library branch in the regional library system has signed on to participate as well as the libraries at the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina.  

How can we promote the program? SPRA will make the following resources available to each region for distribution to their branches:   

• Social media posts/ads 
• FAQ for borrowers 
• Explainer one-sheet for borrowers 
• Posters 
• Other promotional assets as required 

How will we receive the passes and the promotional materials? They will be mailed or couriered to each library region and then distributed to the branches.  

How else will the program be promoted? Other than the assets listed above, we will promote the program using media (media release) and social media.
 

Borrowing Guidelines
 

What is the loan period? The loan period is seven days. 

Can patrons place a hold on a pass? No, passes cannot be held. They are first come, first served.  

Can patrons borrow two passes at once? No, there is a limit of one pass per household.  

Can patrons borrow a pass more than once? Yes, of course! There is no limit on the number of times a patron can borrow a pass, provided they come in and borrow it according to program guidelines.  

Can patrons renew their pass? No, passes cannot be renewed.  

Why can’t they book a pass online? To promote visitation to Saskatchewan’s libraries, the decision was made to require borrowers to physically go to their library to borrow passes.  

What if a pass is lost? There is a recommended replacement charge of $60 for a lost pass. Each library can do what works best for them to encourage pass returns to the library so people can continue to borrow passes throughout the summer.  

Is there a late fee if a patron returns the pass late? If a patron is late returning their pass, it is recommended that a $60 replacement fee be placed on their library account and will remain until the pass is returned or replaced. Again, each library can do what works best for them to encourage pass returns to the library so people can continue to borrow passes throughout the summer.  

Can a patron return their pass to a different library? No, passes must be returned to the library from which they were borrowed. 

What do the passes look like? Passes are in the form of custom rear-view mirror hang tags that are branded on one side with the Saskatchewan Regional Parks pass. Please remind patrons to hang the tag from their rear-view mirror with the park pass side facing out.  

What parks do they get access to? Parks passes provide access to all regional parks in Saskatchewan where admission fees are charged. There are nearly 100 regional parks in our province! 

Does the program include provincial parks? No, the program is lending out regional parks passes, not provincial parks passes at this time. If patrons express an interest in having provincial parks be part of the program in future years, encourage them to contact Sask Parks. 

What is the process for borrowing?  

• Library branches will lend out pass according to existing library practices 
• Sign up patron for library card if they don’t have one 
• Ensure patron understands borrowing guidelines  
• Provide Regional Park Pass Guide with each pass 
• When pass is returned, provide borrower with information about online survey, opportunity to win a 2026 Regional Park Pass Track circulation and new card signups 

What are Regional Park Pass Guides?  

The SRPA produces a Regional Parks Guide every year that details all the parks including their location and amenities. Guides are available for participating libraries at no charge. We have allotted a given number of boxes to each participating region/city. If you would like to receive more guides, contact info@saskregionalparks.ca or (306) 975-0857 with your address and number of guides requested.
 

Regional Parks-Related Questions 

What are regional parks? The regional park system is unique to Saskatchewan. These parks were developed by volunteers surrounding each park’s location. Today, there are regional parks across the province – some next to a village or town, some in the furthest reaches of rural areas and many are in the forested areas waiting for you to choose your summer home. Each regional park is a different size, and each offers differing choices of activities for you and your family. Amenities include camping, swimming, fishing, sports grounds, golf courses, all levels of food services and more. 

How many regional parks are there in Saskatchewan? There are nearly 100 regional parks in Saskatchewan!  

How do I learn more about each park? Visit the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association website to see maps, photos, and descriptions of the amenities found at each regional park.  

How many parks are participating in the program? All of them! The park pass provides access to all the province’s regional parks.  

When is the best time to visit a regional park? Many parks host special events throughout the summer. Call ahead or visit the park’s website (if they have one) to learn more about when they are busiest throughout the summer. Remember that parks are always busier on holidays and weekends. Be sure to plan ahead so you know what to expect.  

It’s later in the year, how do I know which parks are still open? The program runs between May 17 and September 15. Each regional park closes for the season at a different time. Call ahead to ensure the park you want to visit is still open. Contact information for each regional park can be found on the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association website.  

If I have more parks-related questions, who should I ask?  Please direct your regional parks-related questions to the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association, info@saskregionalparks.ca or (306) 975-0857.