You’ll enjoy the great outdoors with more improvements at some provincial parks in Cape Breton.

Park upgrades at Whycocomagh, West Mabou, Trout Brook, Port Hood, Lake O’Law and Mabou will continue this summer.

A significant increase in the capital budget was approved last year.

In a release, Inverness MLA and Deputy Premier Allan MacMaster says, “Our parks are valuable resources in Inverness County.”

“These improvements will mean a more enjoyable park experience for visitors and residents alike.”

The province says Whycocomagh will be getting a new dump station for RVs, and paving that began last year will be finished this summer. Work began last summer to improve views of the lake and more will be done this summer.  The neighbouring park received gravel, ditching, and a pathway to the lake has been restored.

The trail leading to the scenic look off on Salt Mountain will be improved with new signage added. Options are being considered for the look off area which could include leaving it to have a more natural feel, or to have a platform lookoff.

West Mabou saw roadwork completed and washrooms refurbished last year. This year a permanent access to the beach will be provided to improve safety and accessibility. There is also opportunity to refurbish the trail network which is being explored.

Trout Brook had new washrooms added recently, and improvements to the views of Lake Ainslie are planned for this summer.

Mabou Day Park has received improvements to the road, new picnic tables and restored views overlooking Skye Glen.

MacMaster says he is also working to have wheelchair accessible washrooms installed at Port Hood Day Park.