2024-2025
Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association
As Long as the Sun Shines, the Grass Grows, and the River Flows
The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association’s programs, services, and support reach lands covered by Treaties 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10, the traditional territories of the Cree, Dakota, Dene, Lakota, Nakota, and Saulteaux peoples and homeland of the Métis.
This land was part of the lives of Indigenous peoples long before our organization existed and continues to be now and into the future. We extend our gratitude to the generations of people who have called this ancestral land home, and whose histories, languages, and cultures continue to influence our communities.
We respect and honour the Treaties, reaffirm our relationships with one another, and move forward together in the spirit of truth, reconciliation, and collaboration.
We are all Treaty people.
About SPRA
Funded by Sask Lotteries, SPRA is a non-profit, dedicated to connecting, educating, and inspiring parks and recreation providers to create parks and recreation spaces for the benefit of everyone.
Vision – A Saskatchewan where all people experience a better quality of life through parks and recreation.
Mission – To connect, educate, and inspire parks and recreation providers.
Outcomes
• A Saskatchewan that values and invests in parks and recreation.
• A Saskatchewan where health and well-being are connected to parks and recreation.
• A Saskatchewan where all people have access to parks and recreation.
Board of Directors
Darcy McLeod
President
Connor Tessier
Director for the North
Derek Blais
Director for Cities
Chelsea Corrigan
Director for Towns
Josh Davidson
Director for Villages
Heidi Carl
Director at Large
Larry Hall
Director at Large
Skylar Antoniuk
Director at Large
Michael Ulriksen
Director at Large
President’s Message
2024-25 marked the start of a pivotal new chapter for SPRA. With our 2024-2034 Strategic Direction in place, we’ve set the course for the next decade of transformative growth and innovation.
This strategic direction is anchored in clear values and a compelling vision for our province – one where recreation flourishes and both communities and nature thrive together. We are driven by our shared commitment to improving quality of life in Saskatchewan, through parks and recreation. You have influenced and helped shape this future, and I am extremely
proud to highlight the progress we’ve made in our first year.
At the heart of it all are relationships. We’ve had the opportunity to connect with so many communities, organizations, and various federal, provincial, and municipal leaders this past year. Some of this work has been consultative, where our staff have been offering training or shared their industry experience and expertise for the betterment of a community or organization.
Other conversations have led to renewed agreements, like the one between Saskatchewan Health Authority and SPRA in offering
Forever...in motion. The renewal of this agreement shows that parks and recreation are essential to the health and wellbeing of Saskatchewan.
With access so deeply connected to health and wellbeing, SPRA reviewed and expanded eligibility to our member grants this year.
We know that parks and recreation don’t just happen within a community services department; they happen in schools, newcomer centres, friendship centres, and libraries, among so many other places. Building capacity and removing barriers to parks and recreation experiences is progress towards a “Saskatchewan where all people have access to parks and recreation.”
We are fortunate and grateful to have a strong and supportive partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan, which shares our interest in a better quality of life. SPRA has become a trusted ally to our Government, and we are excited to expand our grant delivery to include the new School Playground Equipment Grant.
Thanks to a long-standing agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan, we play an important role alongside our partners at Sask Sport and SaskCulture in directing proceeds from the sale of lottery products back to sport, culture, and recreation organizations across the province. This support brings recreation and parks to life.
On the ground, know that recreation and parks come to life because of each of you.
You are catalysts and connectors in your communities and organizations. You are advocates and ambassadors for a better quality of life through parks and recreation.
Let’s embrace these strengths and continue to animate our vision together.
Darcy McLeod
President,
Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association
SPRA President Darcy McLeod (pictured right) walks with delegates at the Canadian Inclusive Green Spaces Symposium in Saskatoon, SK.
20 Years of Parks and Facilities Training
The Spring Training Symposium celebrated 20 years of training excellence in 2025. This professional training event was first offered in 2005. We are grateful for the strong partnership we have with the City of Humboldt, which has proudly hosted this event since its inception.
Thousands of front-line parks and recreation staff and volunteers have received industry leading training during this 20-year run. This hands-on training equips communities across our province with the necessary skills to maintain and operate the parks and recreation we all enjoy.
HIGH
FIVE® to Our Involvement!
HIGH FIVE® is a quality assurance standard for children's recreation and sport across Canada, developed by Parks and Recreation Ontario in 1994. SPRA became a proud authorized provider of the program in Saskatchewan in 2010.
In January 2025, the HIGH FIVE® program transitioned to be coordinated nationally through Parks and Recreation Ontario. While SPRA is no longer the authorized provider in Saskatchewan, enthusiasm for this training was shared by many, including: Sport, Culture, and Recreation Districts, high schools and post-secondary institutions, Provincial Recreation Associations, Municipalities, non-profit organizations, cultural groups, museums, libraries, Tribal Councils, First Nations, newcomer centres and many more!
THANK YOU to all those who have participated in training and championed the program over the last 15 years, and for your commitment to creating safe, fun, and inclusive recreation opportunities for children and youth across our province.
Milestones since 2010
• 500+ training courses offered in Saskatchewan
• 7,000+ certificates issued
• Trained and worked with 62 trainers who helped make the program accessible across the province
“I found this program super helpful and really well taught. It gave me lots of tips and ideas for games that I will use right away. Thank you!”
– HIGH FIVE® Principles of
Participant checks ice surface while learning line maintenance at the 2025 Spring Training Symposium.
Participants brainstorm together at the HIGH FIVE Principles of Healthy Child Development training session during SPARKS 2024.
Youth Leadership Consultant Kelsey Michaluk leads the HIGH FIVE Principles of Healthy Child Development training session at SPARKS 2024.
Supporting Young People with Play Leadership
Play is fundamental to child development and we remain committed to supporting safe, quality recreation experiences for children and youth by offering Play Leadership training both in-person and online.
The training equips front-line leaders with the skills to plan and coordinate safe, accessible, and fun play opportunities for children.
“My key takeaway from this course [Play Leadership] is the safety aspect. I know what to look for on the playground to avoid accidents. I know what to look for to see if children are experiencing neglect or any form of abuse at home and how to navigate that. I also learned more about how to make the day more engaging and inclusive for all children."
–– SPRA Play Leader
increase in program uptake over last year.
Celebrating the Parks and Recreation Industry
National Volunteer Week
Across Canada, April 27 to May 3 was celebrated as National Volunteer Week 2025.
During National Volunteer Week, Peggy Willman from Gull Lake, SK was highlighted on the Government of Saskatchewan’s website for her lifetime of volunteerism and commitment to being a positive ambassador for recreation.
More Celebrations!
The celebrations did not stop there! In Spring 2025, the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council recognized the Moosomin Communities in Bloom Committee with a Partnership Award to highlight their excellent work through innovation, collaboration, leadership, and a commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents through environmental stewardship.
“Volunteering in parks and recreation is an important part of my life as it allows us to offer programs and opportunities that keep our small community alive and active. I also enjoy recruiting others as additional volunteers or as participants to get them involved and have found these opportunities are valuable in connecting young and old.”
– Peggy Willman, Volunteer, Gull Lake
Sask Recreation Awards
In 2024, the Sask Recreation Awards were relaunched with new award categories recognizing the outstanding contributions of individuals, organizations, and communities who improved the quality of life of others through recreation. The City of Regina and their Inclusive Support Program received the Community Wellbeing Award, while Val Choo-Foo of Swift Current, SK and Dwight King of Flying Dust First Nation each received Leadership Excellence Awards for their leadership towards improving recreation in their home communities. The Volunteer Champion Award was presented to Keith Wilson of Unity, SK, who spearheaded the creation of a fivekilometre trail that runs through the community to ensure everyone can get out and enjoy the outdoors safely.
“My long-term career goal is to advocate for public health by promoting active lifestyles through strategic interventions in social and physical environments. I aim to implement evidence-based policies integrating physical activity into everyday life, such as advocating for active transportation infrastructure, expanding community recreation programs with associations like SPRA, and collaborating with local governments to create accessible green spaces."
4 Saskatchewan Recreation Award Winners
Awards Communities in Bloom Provincial Winners
12 Future Leaders Scholarships Awarded
Communities in Bloom Special Recognition and Photo Contest Winners
3 Nominations From the Parks and Recreation Industry Submitted to Other Provincial and National Award Programs
Play Leadership training with City of Weyburn
Dwight King of Flying Dust First Nation Keith Wilson of Unity, SK
Val Choo-Foo of Swift Current, SK
Community Wellbeing Award winners, Courtney Domoney and Alynn Skalicky from the City of Regina.
A Blooming Success for Sturgeon Lake First Nation!
Community: Sturgeon Lake First Nation
Involved Since: 2024
Chief Christine Longjohn’s travels have taken her to many places throughout Saskatchewan, and she noticed Communities in Bloom (CiB) flags in communities all over the province. She saw Communities in Bloom as part of a vision for Sturgeon Lake First Nation’s holistic approach to wellness for community members and community spirit, and the Bloomers began to grow! The Bloomers were the volunteer group behind Sturgeon Lake First Nation’s first year in the CiB program. They wanted to
grow pride in their community, while showcasing it to visitors, the province, and the rest of Canada. With teamwork, perseverance, and Chief Longjohn’s vision, the dream is being realized. Naming themselves the Bloomers are the volunteers at the heart of Sturgeon Lake First Nation’s Communities in Bloom projects. Along with staff and summer students, the Bloomers have dedicated hours of sweat equity to turn the community into a beautiful sight to see.
Communities in Bloom Program Highlights
“This has been a wonderful experience for our First Nation. The Bloomers that consisted of youth, members and staff all worked together to make Communities in Bloom possible in our community. In the end, we have beautiful landscape to enjoy. We are looking forward to next year and planting even more!"
– Chief Christine Longjohn, Sturgeon Lake First Nation
Advocating for Recreation
We believe in creating a better quality of life through parks and recreation! This passion has brought us to build new connections and allies, and strengthened existing partnerships provincially, nationally, and globally.
As your advocate and voice, we’ve been listening, learning, and exploring new ideas on critical topics like infrastructure, inclusion, staffing, health, and wellbeing. These connections and the conversations we have together have positioned parks and recreation as a pillar to stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities.
Kept the impact of parks and recreation top of mind with Saskatchewan’s municipal leaders
Engaged with federal ministers and MP’s at CPRA’s Day on the Hill
Introduced and welcomed the Honourable Alana Ross, Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport to Saskatchewan's parks and recreation industry
Proudly represented Saskatchewan at the World Trails Conference in Ottawa
Curling with Newcomers in Eastend
To encourage belonging and combat winter isolation, the Town of Eastend and the Eastend Curling Club collaborated to offer a curling clinic for newcomers. The program was at risk of not going forward due to issues with their ice plant.
Rather than give up on the program, volunteers drove the participants to the neighbouring town of Frontier, 50 kilometres away. With resilience and creative thinking, and assistance from SPRA’s Framework in Action Grant, participants from a variety of backgrounds, including Brazil, India, Mexico, New Zealand, and the Philippines, had a great experience.
Explored synergies with the Honourable Eric Schmalz, Minister of Government Relations Cohosted the first-ever Canadian Inclusive Green Spaces Symposium in Saskatoon
Contributed to the Active Canada Action Plan at the National Physical Activity Summit in Ottawa SPRA announced as the delivery partner for the Government of Saskatchewan’s School Playground Equipment Grant Engaged Saskatchewan parks and recreation providers in the renewal of the Framework for Recreation in Canada Parks and Recreation Month proclaimed by the Government of Saskatchewan
“This was my first winter in Saskatchewan, and it was really cool! The drive to the Frontier Curling Club was pretty and it was fun meeting new people. Curling was hard at first, but the instructor and volunteers helped a lot." – Lucas, Brazil
Building a Legacy of Winter Wellness Renewing... Our Partnership!
La Ronge’s Nordic Ski Club is breaking trail – or should we say, building trail? With their impressive 50-kilometre cross-country skiing trail system, equipment loan program, and backing from an engaged community and active volunteers, the club was a first-time applicant and recipient of SPRA’s Framework in Action Grant.
The club is so important to a northern Saskatchewan community like La Ronge, especially as a fun activity for all ages in winter. As Doctors Jeff Irvine and Stephanie Young say:
“No medical treatment can influence as many diseases in a positive manner as physical activity. We have seen firsthand with our patients all the benefits that physical activity can provide. The La Ronge Nordic Ski Club is doing wonderful things to ensure others in the north also have this valuable opportunity.”
In 2024-25, the La Ronge Nordic Ski Club received the Framework in Action Grant and put it towards their Youth Ski Program and trail maintenance.
“I love ski club because you get to race and ski with other kids. If you join it, you might make new buddies! I love skiing – it is sooooo much fun!"
– Eight-year-old Sylvie
500+ 35% 1,000+ volunteer hours dedicated to trail maintenance increase in program participation skiers from 30 surrounding areas came for events
As more people age in Saskatchewan, our healthcare system feels an even greater impact. Forever...in motion (FIM) is a volunteer led physical activity program that exemplifies how parks and recreation can be part of a preventative health strategy.
This year, our partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) was renewed until 2030.
Since 2012, SPRA, the former Saskatoon Health Region and the SHA have partnered to coordinate, manage, and develop the FIM program across the province. SPRA contributes to the success of FIM provincially by coordinating FIM leader training, providing grants and funding opportunities, dedicating staff towards administration, creating partnerships, and providing recognition to local initiatives.
Our collaboration with the SHA has been invaluable in supporting health, wellbeing, and active lifestyles among older adults in urban and rural areas of Saskatchewan.
“I can’t say strongly enough how the FIM program has improved my physical and mental wellbeing. Several health concerns over the last few years have left me weak and out of breath. Now I can physically do things I was not able to before and recognize the social benefit is just as important as the physical." –
Serving Community Partners
The Regional Recreation Practitioner Pilot Program was introduced in 2023 as an opportunity to encourage regional collaboration and showcase the value recreation providers bring to communities.
The program’s extension meant we were able to support the hiring of additional recreation providers and continue to be mentors and resources to the communities and partners involved.
“We’ve been able to retain the staff we hired to fill the pilot program position. A position like this is integral! We have someone who can plan, prepare and deliver free and/or affordable services to not only families with economical barriers but also to people of all ages and abilities without the entire focus being on sports.”
“We believe the initiative will have a long lasting and meaningful impact on our community, enhancing recreational access, engagement, and wellbeing for all ages. The benefits will not only serve our immediate community, but also our surrounding area. This is a significant opportunity for us and our partners and we are grateful to SPRA's support in helping bring this vision to life.”
We’re Here to Help!
Drawing on decades of experience, our extensive professional and technical knowledge and network offers practical, consultative solutions tailored to your needs.
367 57%
SPRA consultations with communities, organizations, and decision-makers across province
Popular Topics
• Funding
• Infrastructure
• Human Resources of SPRA consultations were in-person
– Sharleine Eger, Town Administrator, Town of Willow Bunch
– Lovely Magnaye, Chief Administrative Office Town of Tisdale
Parks and Open Spaces Consultant Andrew Exelby provides mentorship to SPRA Summer Student Melissa Bang.
Recreation Consultant Clint McConnell speaking with delegates at the 2025 Spring Training Symposium.
SPRA's Chief Executive Officer, Todd Shafer (pictured right), listens to delegates at the Canadian Inclusive Green Spaces Symposium.
To reduce even more barriers to participation this year, SPRA began offering Take the Lead!® (TTL!) in-person training at no cost for schools and communities – and engagement in the program has been growing as result.
Organizations, communities, and schools across the province access the program to help foster leadership skills and promote active play.
“Students had more confidence and motivation to take on leadership opportunities around the school. Students absolutely loved sharing their team games with their class. It helped us create a whole phys ed unit on leadership and team games.”
Students at Regina Huda School play while learning about youth leadership.
Students share what they've learned at Regina Huda School.
Inspiring a National Commitment to Inclusive Green Spaces
On June 11–13, 2025, it was SPRA’s honour and privilege to team up with the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association and co-host the first-ever Canadian Inclusive Green Spaces Symposium, right here in our home province.
Over 150 invited delegates from across the country gathered in Saskatoon on Treaty 6 territory to learn together, learn from each other, and build lasting relationships committed to ensuring our parks and green spaces are welcoming and accessible to all across Canada.
150 delegates representing all the provinces and territories 27 speakers 13 sponsors 4 supporting partners
“The connections made, the support felt, and the momentum generated through the symposium has left us more excited than ever for the road ahead. And, truthfully, the support couldn’t come at a more important time.” – Symposium Delegate
Elder Roland Duquette shares his personal connection to the Meewasin Valley at the Canadian Inclusive Green Spaces Symposium.
Delegates from the Canadian Inclusive Green Spaces Symposium pause to celebrate for a group photo.
Beneficiary Spotlight: Lifesaving Society Saskatchewan Branch
Since 1965, the Saskatchewan Branch of the Lifesaving Society has been on a mission to prevent drownings and reduce water-related injuries. For more than 60 years, their dedication has kept Saskatchewan residents and visitors safe in and around pools, lakes, and other bodies of water.
The branch is one of 32 Provincial Recreation Associations that receive annual funding from Sask Lotteries. This support is an investment in public safety and ensures our parks and recreation experiences are memorable for all the right reasons. The stability of this funding strengthens their ability to respond to challenges like national lifeguard shortages, which resulted in a 30 to 40% decline in available lifeguards following the pandemic. As a result, the branch has amplified their outreach, public education, training, and capacity building efforts.
24 life jacket loaner stations available throughout the province
The Ripple Effects: Swim Abilities® program introduced to Saskatchewan to Community Grant Program Dream Brokers Northern Community and School Recreation Coordinator Program
Total Funds Distributed in 2024-2025: $2,831,776
15 new Canadian Water Smart education sessions offered, reaching over 340 newcomers
5 different languages, including Cree, Ukrainian, Farsi, Hindi, and Tagalog public education resources
$1,644,194
$1,440,000 to 576 ice surfaces through the Community Rink Affordability Grant to 32 Provincial Recreation Associations $1,197,830 to seven Sport, Culture, and Recreation Districts
$732,511 to 140 initiatives through SPRA grants
$36,000 to 12 SPRA scholarship recipients