PENHOLD - The town's long-awaited RV park is officially open and local leaders are hoping it's a big step for Penhold to become the place to be in the region for high-quality outdoor recreational opportunities.
On Aug. 23, local leaders hosted a grand opening for the 67-lot Penhold RV Park, which was built on a $1.5- million budget and is a big part of a multi-step plan to transform the 80-acre multiplex recreational area into a major destination point for the entire region. The park is located alongside Highway 42 with easy access for visitors exiting off Highway 2.
Penhold mayor Mike Yargeau said the RV park , which opened for campers about five weeks ago, became Phase 1 of the overall plan to get the long-term strategy started, a plan that would also bring in some revenue as well.
He added the town received significant provincial grant support, "roughly" half of the total $1.5-million cost, to get the park built and operational. The town also had the letter-writing support of Red Deer County and Chinook's Edge School Division to get the needed provincial monies for the project.
"The goal here is to make a regional recreational hub. We want tournaments to come here. We want large groups to come here," said Yargeau. "Hopefully we will get some more support from the school (Penhold Crossing Secondary School) and build a track so Chinook's Edge can have track meets here, and make this a recreation hot spot."
As well, the recreational area will ultimately see ball diamonds and the new skatepark. However, Yargeau said a recent recreation survey asking Penholders what their priorities were for the area showed "overwhelmingly" that more trails are the most desired amenity.
"The big ticket was for more trails, more connectivity to get out and be active. I think you are going to see that in our next budget, putting money specifically toward trails around this area," said the mayor. "We have an active transportation plan that connects the whole town via walking paths. The goal is to ultimately have the entire town accessible by walking."
But for now Penholders can celebrate that they finally have an outdoor recreational facility as attractive as any in Central Alberta.
The RV park lots are fully serviced, as is the new wash house behind the multiplex that was designed by retired local entrepreneur Stewart Ford. Yargeau said down the road there will be a children's playground in the facility. "We want to make it friendly for families. That is another thing to come," he said.
The cost for campers is $35 a night, which Yargeau maintains is in line with other fully serviced campgrounds in the region. RV park rates are prepaid and reservations can be made online at https://campreservations.ca/sites/site-details/682
"Easy process, pick your site and just go and camp," said Yargeau of the online booking process. "We can accommodate big RVs, small RVs, anything you have basically and you can set it up."
