Owners of a recreational campground located four kilometres west of Sundre say they are working towards building a “family playground” that would attract people to the area.
“My dream for this place is to see people that can't wait to come out here every weekend,” said Sundre River Resort owner Ryan McCool.
“Basically a family playground is what we're after here.”
After three years of planning, officials are starting the first phase of development, and say in five years the place will be booming with campers.
McCool said it will take roughly two years to complete Phase 1 and fully service 71 lots on the 160-acre property owned by his family.
Officials are planning on building amenities at the resort, including a clubhouse with a pub and snack window, a spray water park, horseshoe pits and walking trails.
There will also be a place for horseback riding and for people to corral their horses if they are heading out west and looking for a place to stay.
The resort is located along the Bearberry Creek and the property attracts a variety of wildlife.
“The way we're different is our huge lots compared to other resorts,” he said. “We've tried to space it out and go back to nature with camping.”
The owners were looking to purchase a place in the Water Valley area and came across the current location, which they thought would be perfect for a resort.
“This one came up and we thought it was perfect because we didn't have to disturb anything that's here,” he said.
“All the trees stayed. We didn't have to move any trees; we didn't have to move any earth. It was a perfect setup. Basically it was a dream come true.”
He believes the resort will benefit the area, and specifically the town of Sundre.
“I think it really benefits the area, obviously this town (Sundre). Because we bring all these people in over the summer and they're going to use all the amenities in town, like Home Hardware and Sobeys (IGA) and all the small-town businesses as well,” he said.
Officials are also planning on building a soccer and baseball pitch, which will be open for use by the community.
“We want to be with the community.”
For more information, visit www.sundreriverresort.com.
