Some of Alberta’s provincial parks will get upgrades over the next five years using $239 million in funding announced by the provincial government Aug. 12.
Funds will be used to improve campsites, hiking trails, showers, playgrounds, parking lots and day use areas, among other projects.
An Alberta Environment and Parks news release indicated the funds will support a move toward “a diversified economy through increased tourism.”
They will also support directives in the two regional plans that have now been completed.
Minister Shannon Phillips said parks have suffered from decades of neglect by the previous government.
More than 100 provincial parks will benefit from the recently announced funding. Some projects are already under way, while others are in the design and planning stage. The bulk of the funds, some $16.22 million, will go to maintenance, and another $10 million is earmarked for commitments in the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan.
