The Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association (SRPA) began in the early 1960s. Mr. George Rathwell, who is considered by many to be the Creator/Founder of the Association, was one of the key individuals who attended these formative meetings. The participants at the original meetings and the discussions they had are best captured in the written words of Mr. Rathwell...

"The origin of your Association could be traced to an exchange of letters between Mr. Leo Piché, then Secretary of Thomson Lake Regional Park Authority, to myself as Supervisor of the Regional Park program suggesting the formation of an Association of Park Authorities. Mr. Piché’s letter was followed by a suggestion that an initial meeting be held in Regina to further explore the possibility of the formation of an Association of Saskatchewan Regional Parks. The meeting was called for February 28, 1962, at the D.N.R. Boardroom.

The February 28, 1962, meeting was chaired by Leo Piché of Gravelbourgh. Those present included a delegation of six from Thomson Lake Regional Park, Dr. Mainprize, Moosomin, Canwood and Shamrock Regional Parks. As I recall, there were eleven Regional Park Representatives at the meeting representing four established Regional Parks and two persons who were interested in joining once their pending applications were approved as Regional Parks.

The main accomplishment of the February 28th meeting was to consider and adopt a Constitution. Of interest were the objectives set out in the Constitution, which were:

• To provide a forum to discuss common problems of Park authorities.
• To act as a liaison with Government and Municipalities in questions of policy and administration.
• To provide a uniform policy for operators and administrators of Regional Park authorities.

In my opinion the objectives of 25 years ago are valid and applicable today.

The first meeting or Convention of your established Regional Park Association was again held in Regina October 20, 1962 at the Saskatchewan Hotel. The topics discussed at the meeting proved to be timely and were the subject of concern for future years and of concern today. Mr. Leo Piché was selected to the President’s position. Mr. George Molberg of the Dr. Mainprize Regional Park was elected as a Director, and the first Secretary of the Association.

In reviewing the SRPA’s history, I could not help but notice the real contribution of many people, who served the Association as well as their own Park Authority. Their service was usually gratis and often at a considerable personal expense of time and dollars. The list of people would be a long one, which space will not permit. It is those people who served your Association who made it all possible. Over the years the majority of Executives and Delegates saw the Association as an effective liaison with Provincial and Municipal Governments, as well as the member Park Authorities.”

George Rathwell

Program Director

1960-1967 to 1971-1984

The original 11 participants could not have imagined the extent to which their original Association would grow. The board, members, stakeholders, and staff view the SRPA as the major governing and marketing body of and for member Regional Parks. The Association’s members and staff continue to work hard to achieve the fullest potential of its member Regional Parks.

Information on this website will provide you with an overview of the diversity of our Regional Park System and what we have to offer.