Echo Valley’s “Skate the Park” returns this week

Starting this week, “Skate the Park” is back at Echo Valley Provincial Park.

The project is part of Sask Park’s goal of providing COVID-19 safe winter activities.

Jennifer Johnson with Sask Parks says they decided to expand the skating trail after seeing a boost in park attendance during the summer.

“Even as early as this summer, we started thinking about winter activities in our parks, and what we could again offer to people that would allow them to get out, enjoy the fresh air, but still maintain lots of distance from other groups,” said Johnson. “We thought there would be lots of interest, and we wanted to accommodate as many people as possible, and so we expanded a lot of out trail offerings including Skate the Park.”

Skate the Park allows people to lace up their skates and take a lap through the park’s Aspen Campground.

Johnson says the trail expansion has made it easier for them to maintain social distancing and other COVID-19 protocols.

“We have a number of safety protocols in place, and we’re constantly reviewing what current public health orders are, and updating our signage, and updating anything else that needs to be updated,” said Johnson. “Of course masks are mandatory indoors as well, so if anyone needs to go in the visitor reception centre, they must wear a mask.”

Johnson says Skate the Park gives people an opportunity to explore and enjoy the park in a way they never have before.

“We think it’s a unique way to experience the park. People have the option to explore a trail in a different way through the park,” said Johnson. “In addition to Skate the Park, it would be great if people also wanted to come out and try cross county skiing, or try snowshoeing, we have lots of trails out at Echo Valley.”

Skate the Park’s hours are as follows: