Manitoba provincial parks are saying thank-you to Manitobans by waiving their entrance fees for 2009/10.

In a news release from the province, Minister of Conservation Stan Struthers said he wanted to “provide more opportunities for Manitobans to take advantage of the province’s great outdoors.”

Elizabeth Ostrop, manager of recreation and education services for Manitoba provincial parks, said this is possible due to healthy attendance, and a desire to keep interest during economic instability.

Normal fees for camping spots still apply.

The success of the parks is largely due to the online reservation service for camping. Since its launch in 2005, the online service has proven an effective draw.

“When it first started, the number of reservations doubled,” said Ostrop.

Since online booking began, the number of reservations has doubled 2005 figures with 55,298 campsites booked in 2008.

Booking opened for the ’09 season on April 6, and a record 11,461 reservations came in on that day alone. This is up from 10,365 last year.

Not only are the parks free to enter, but continuing improvements are making them more attractive than ever.

New shower structures are being built in four parks, including Bird’s Hill and Grand Beach. New campsites are being built in Wellman Lake and Hnausa Park.

Published in Volume 63, Number 28 of The Uniter (June 18, 2009)