Everything is Open in Wakamow; Here is What you Need to Know

Robert Thomas

After a long, hard Winter, Moose Jaw's own urban park oasis is ready and open for visitors. But as with Provincial Parks, there is a fire ban.

"Enjoy the park and get in touch with nature. There is nothing better for your well being then to get in touch with Nature," said Margaret Moran CEO of the Wakamow Valley Authority.

The amenities within the park are now officially open. The public washrooms, which were closed during the winter are now all open, as well.

The public washroom facilities are located at Lions, Kiwanis, Rotary and Kinsmen Welsley Parks
The washroom at Kiwanis Park is open all year round, as it is in a heated building. New this year is a seasonal washroom facility, located in Rotary Park, directly across from the Burger Cabin, with flush toilets and running water. The other washroom facilities are chemical.

During the week and during office hours, Wakamow will also allow visitors to use the washrooms at their main office located in the Sportsman's Centre.

Having already seen four fires at the park and with the dry conditions, there is currently a fire ban for wood fires at the park.

"Even with this rain it is not enough to alleviate what is dry out there. With four fires already we just can't take a chance of a spark flying off and starting something" Moran said.

People are, however, allowed to use briquettes in the barbecue boxes in the park as they do not give off sparks. The actual barbecues in the park are designed for briquettes only.

This weekend, the 60 spot campground officially opens. Unlike Buffalo Pound Provincial Park, there are still a few camping sites available.

The campground sees an assortment of users from city residents to people from all over the world.

"It's really a great place to stay. It's really a great place for a staycation," Moran said.

"This is also the time when we start seeing lots of cross country travellers. People from Germany will rent RVs and drive from Toronto to Vancouver and stop at the campground on their trip."
Many local residents also stay in the campground; for some its just to check out a new trailer they just bought and for others it's to be close to home and camping.

For many, staying at the campground they can simply walk downtown to take in events around the city.

An added feature of urban park camping is that many local restaurants offer delivery to the campground.

Although the water in the Moose Jaw River is not yet at the optimal level, Moran said the rain should bring it up shortly

Kayak and canoes are available to rent from Moose Jaw River and Adventure Tours, right across from the Kiwanis building. Call 306 630-7525 for more information.

The Burger Cabin is also open.

"Every weekend since the weather has been nice its been very busy in the Park. With a lot of people coming out," she said.

Asked about ticks, she said they were in the park and advised certain precautions to avoid them. Wear light coloured clothing, stay out of taller grass and check yourself and pets for ticks afterwards.

One way to get rid of ticks is to take a nice long warm bath or shower because ticks do not like the heat and will drop off.

Wakamow does sell tick removers at the campground office,

Moran said the tick problem in the park is "not any worse than other years."

She said she hoped people came out and enjoyed the park.

"The Victoria Day weekend is the first official passage into Summer. In light of the Winter we just came through we deserve a very good summer."