There are some exciting updates from BC Parks planned for this year in E.C. Manning Provincial Park. We are happy to share some of the great news that BC Parks has announced:
Hampton Campground continues to get some incredible upgrades to complement the new wash houses that were installed last year. This May, plans are in motion to build a kid’s bike park as well as a playground. Now with expanded views, wash house and more sites, Hampton is proving to be a coveted camping spot!
Lone Duck group facility now has two beautiful, brand new shelters that were built last spring, as well as large wash sinks installed. The final touches will be completed this spring completing this project.
Buckhorn backcountry camp is being looked at for an expansion, with an upgraded shelter, similar to that of the Lone Duck campsite.
BC Parks has also unrolled their Student Ranger Program. This program will bring 6 student rangers to Manning Park to assist with trail maintenance.
Lots of plans are in place for maintaining and renovating trails. We are excited and supportive of the great efforts of BC Parks, as well as the Friends of Manning Park group that volunteers an incredible amount of work in the park!
If you want to get involved and help out with some of the work bees planned for this summer, contact the Friends of Manning Park Facebook page for more information.
Five premium cabins are to be built this summer, with a planned total of 25 new cabins to be constructed over a 5-year period.
Complete road paving will be done around the Resort from the highway exit to the Pinewoods building.
Guests will enjoy the finished renovations and refurbishing of Pinewoods Dining Room and accommodations.
Kevin Demers, owner of Manning Park Resort, announced these major capital improvements scheduled for this spring at Manning Park Resort.
Resort guests have frequently requested more cabin accommodations, particularly in peak seasons; “We turn away a lot of families during our busy seasons,” Demers says referencing both outdoor recreation visitors as well as the growing number of weddings at the Resort. “The ‘cabin market’ is growing more popular every year.”
“Gathering your family or friends to stay in a cabin in a beautiful park is an incredibly Canadian experience and it creates life-long memories,” adds Mike Barker, general manager of Manning Park Resort. “We are delighted to announce the short term plan of 5 new cabins starting immediately, with a longer plan of building 25 in total.”
The new premium cabins will sleep up to 12 people, with 2 complete bathrooms. They will each feature a loft and a large covered deck. Most cabins will be located near Windy Joe’s Hall, with some planned around the existing cabins.
Work begins this week on the premium cabins with the first footings and foundations being poured. Demers plans a phased approach to building the cabins, scheduling 5 cabins to be built per year, over the span of 5 years. By the time all the cabins are finished, the total investment just in that area alone will exceed $2 million.
The anticipated completion date for the first five cabins is the fall of 2017.
The second large project moving forward this month is the paving of the area around the Resort between the highway exits, including around the Alpine Room and Pinewoods building.
This project represents a significant investment of $150 000, but as Mike Barker, the general manager states, “with the huge amount of traffic passing through, we recognized that this is an essential upgrade. Not only will this improve our summer and winter access, but motorcyclists will definitely breathe a sigh of relief when it’s completed!”
These developments come hot on the heels of the recently completed Alpine Room, a 3500 square foot function room addition to the Pinewoods building. With a capacity of 200 people, its main purpose as a function room for weddings, corporate meetings and other group events has been well received.
Further upgrades to infrastructure around the Resort include floor and ceiling refurbishments in the Pinewoods Dining Room, as well as updates and repairs to accommodations and pool facilities.
All Resort facilities will remain open during upgrades. GM, Mike Barker adds, “We are working hard to keep Manning Park Resort your premier destination for year-round fresh air experiences. Thank you for your understanding as we work to improve it!”
When asked about the effect of these significant investments, Kevin Demers commented, “We need to tell the world west of Manning Park that we are here and we have a lot to offer.”
