The proposed boundary of the park is in two blocks (West Block and East Block) that covers more the 921 square kilometers. Currently, more than 571 square kilometers has been acquired by Parks Canada. Over these are the skies, which – with the support of the surrounding communities and landowners – will form Canada’s largest and darkest Dark Sky Preserve.

Grasslands National Park of Canada worked in partnership with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada - Saskatoon - Saskatchewan centre for the park’s designation as a Dark Sky Preserve. The Dark Sky preserve designation is awarded by the national office of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Parks Canada and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada recognize the importance of Grassland National Park’s rich natural and cultural heritage associated with dark skies. As well, Parks Canada recognizes the importance of regional conservation of the dark sky resource and supports the creation of opportunities for Canadians and international visitors to experience the night skies at their best.

With this dark sky preserve designation, Grasslands National Park will join the growing list of other national parks and national historic sites where Parks Canada continues to provide leadership in mitigating the potential impact of excessive artificial lighting on the night environment and the need to prevent that impact while enhancing its visitor service infrastructure.

Grasslands National Park will follow best practices for its facilities as outlined in Best Practices and Specifications for Outdoor Lighting at Parks Canada, Real Property and Ecological Integrity Branches, Parks Canada, March 2009. The guidelines are tailored to protect ecosystems, reduce energy consumption and maintain dark skies. Preserving the dark sky will also preserve the billion-year old natural day-night cycle for the flora and fauna of the park, preserving healthy natural hunting, foraging and reproductive behaviors.

The park’s administrative offices are located in the village of Val Marie. The village has expressed interest in supporting Grassland National Park’s dark sky strategy. Further, the regional stakeholder group, the Grasslands National Park Advisory Committee has indicated ongoing support and interest in a dark sky preserve. Grasslands National Park anticipates delivering dark sky programs and hosting special events featuring the amazing dark sky natural and cultural heritage stories and resources. The Grassland National Park partner, the Prairie Learning Centre, will develop educational program strategies to reach secondary school audiences through their landscape-based workshops.

Grasslands National Park of Canada is part of a national system of parks and historic sites that celebrate the national and cultural heritage of this land. Grasslands National Park is the only national park to celebrate the wide open northern mixed grass prairie ecosystem.