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June 12, 1997
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

More provincial and privatized parks opening for season Sandra Kelly, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today announced that privatization arrangements have been concluded on three more parks to open in the upcoming weeks. The minister also announced that the remaining five of the province's 13 camping parks will open on Friday, June 13 for the 1997 summer season.

"This privatization initiative has proven extremely effective," Ms. Kelly said. "Government has now successfully privatized 17 of the 21 parks it announced it would offer as business opportunities to the general public."

The newly privatized parks are as listed below with the number of available campsites identified in parentheses.

• Indian River Park, Operator: Eco-Point Inc., Pasadena, (49)
  opening date: June 12, 1997

  Grand Codroy Park, Operator: Downey's Camping Ltd., Doyles, (50)
  opening date: June 20, 1997

  Jipuijijkuei Kuespem (Little River), Operator: Miawpukek Band, Conne River, (21)
  opening date: June 27, 1997

The provincial parks to open this weekend are identified below with the number of available campsites listed in parentheses: Blow Me Down (28); Dildo Run (55); Lockston Path (55); Pinware River (15); and Pistolet Bay (30).

Also this weekend, the remaining five of the province's Natural And Scenic Attraction Parks: Cataracts; Codroy Valley; Deadman's Bay; Dungeon; and Gooseberry Cove, will open for the season.

Ms. Kelly noted that this announcement means that all of the province's 13 camping parks and seven Natural and Scenic Attraction Parks are now open for the 1997 season. The minister wishes all residents and visitors a very safe and enjoyable summer. She also reminded all park users to do their part to protect the environment and clean their camp or picnic site before leaving the park.

This year, the Parks and Natural Areas Division is pleased to be offering two new telephone numbers by which the public may access campsite vacancy and special event information regarding any of the provincially run parks. Persons living in areas covered by the St. John's telephone exchange can access this information by calling (709) 570-7573, while residents outside of this exchange can call, toll-free at 1-800-866-CAMP (2267). These lines will remain in operation until Saturday, August 30, 1997. Information provided on the system will be updated twice daily on Thursdays and Fridays and once on Saturdays.

Contact: Laura Cochrane, Director of Communications, (709) 729- 0928.

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BACKGROUNDER
Provincial Parks Operational Information

The following information refers to provincially run parks:

The fee for unserviced campsites is $9 per night while partially- serviced campsites will cost $11 per night. Unserviced campsites offer access to pit privies and drinking water taps conveniently located throughout the park. Partially-serviced campsites offer flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities.

Discounted camping fees are offered to frequent park users. The fee structure for all campsites includes a 10% weekly, 15% monthly and 20% seasonal discount. Campers wishing to store their camping equipment in a park can do so for a $6 per week/partial week fee.

All day users and visitors wishing to enter a provincial park with a vehicle are reminded that they must have a valid daily or seasonal vehicle entry permit. The fees for these permits are $4 per day and $16 for the season. Campers will not be charged a vehicle entry fee for entry into the park in which they are camping.

Minister Kelly wishes to advise all park users that, in an effort to ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience, special regulations will be enforced during the Victoria Day weekend, May 14 - 19. Any violation of the following regulations will result in an immediate eviction from the park and charges possibly being laid. - Only one piece of camping equipment is permitted per campsite. - Excluding family situations, a maximum of four persons are permitted per campsite. - Persons must be 19 years of age or older to register for a campsite. - Visitors are not permitted to enter the campground area after 9:00 PM. - Visitors to the campground must register at the checkpoint or park office. - Campsites must be kept clean and tidy. If sites are left dirty and littered, the person to whom the site is registered will be charged. - Consumption of alcoholic beverages is restricted to designated campsites or picnic sites. - Quiet time is from 10:00 PM to 9:00 AM. - The cutting of trees and bushes is not permitted.

Minister Kelly also encourages all park users to protect the environment and clean campsites before vacating a Provincial Park.