(Pictured from Left to Right: Darcy McLeod, SPRA President, Alana Ross, Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport, Todd Shafer, SPRA CEO)
I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this new chapter, as Todd Shafer, SPRA CEO and I had the opportunity to meet the Honourable Alana Ross, Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport in February.
Our goal in this meeting was to share information about SPRA and the entire recreation and parks industry, and welcome Minister Ross to our strong and engaged network of parks and recreation providers.
We discussed where we see alignments and shared interests between the Government’s Growth Plan and the opportunities for recreation and parks to contribute to their achievement. In particular, our industry can assist in meeting the Government’s goals related to quality of life, our skilled labour force and tourism. These synergies can continue to be the foundation for which we explore (and expand) our partnerships with the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport and the Government of Saskatchewan
We initiated a conversation about the challenges of our ageing infrastructure for recreation and parks, natural and built alike, and the sustainability of these vital assets for community wellbeing. We also spoke about the human infrastructure needs, the skilled and sometimes underappreciated recreation and parks workforce that exists in communities. These people behind the scenes are committed to the maintenance, access, safety and sustainability of operating recreation and parks spaces, and delivering programs and services for all to enjoy in their leisure time. We shared examples of the realities the industry is facing, the difficulties finding qualified and trained staff and supporting their continued growth and development, and highlighted the ripple effect impact these challenges have on residents and families.
Minister Ross and her staff were engaged and curious throughout the meeting. I left feeling confident that we had been seen and heard. There will be opportunities for SPRA and our entire network to be engaged further as catalysts, supporters and contributors towards increasing our impact on a better quality of life through parks and recreation.
