The rebirth of Roche Percee Park took another step forward on September 18, with a grand reopening ceremony that featured several activities.

“What today really is all about is to celebrate all those that offered helping hands,” master of ceremonies Mike Smeltzer said to the dozens of people who gathered for the event.

Members of the Southeast Saskatchewan Tours and Trails committee – who spearheaded the park's resurrection – and the recently formed Roche Percee Park management board were recognized during opening ceremonies. Smeltzer also paid tribute to the First Nations history in the area.

Amanda McEachran, a local First Nations woman, provided music at the ceremony.

Smeltzer noted that the management board has been presented with several parameters. The park must be accessible to the general public, including the elderly and the disabled. It also has to be a place that encourages healthy lifestyles.

“Part of the vision behind the park is also to see school groups using this again for outdoor education activities; for cross-country skiing; for snow shoeing; for kayaking and orienteering and canoeing; and for learning some of the lifestyles of the land that are so healthy for exercise and for an understanding of our history,” said Smeltzer.

The health of the wildlife within the park must be preserved, Smeltzer said. Natural plants must continue to be protected, and use of the property must not jeopardize the quality of water on the Souris River.

There is so much that can be done with a place like Roche Percee Park, Smeltzer said.

Tourism, Parks and Culture has been to the park several times. They are supportive of the vision, he said, and they have been encouraged by the restoration efforts.

Smeltzer also announced that the Métis society has made an initial donation of $12,500 for the establishment of an interpretive centre that will recognize the history of First Nations people in the region.

Other highlights from the grand reopening included a barbecue, children's activities and tours of the park, which allowed people to see all the work that has been completed in the last few months.

Efforts to restore Roche Percee Park began earlier this year. One campground, which has 14 sites, opened for wilderness camping earlier this year. Volunteers helped prepare the sites by removing and burning dead trees and bushes. The access road for the park was restored.