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By Justine Kelsie

Nitehawk eyeing expansion opportunities

Mar 14, 2018 | 3:32 PM

Nitehawk Year-round Adventure Park is looking at what they can do to expand some services and upgrade others. 

Over the last four years, the facility has been working with municipalities to keep snowmaking equipment and groomers up to date. 

“It has made a huge difference because we would have if the weather had been on our side, been done making snow on the first of December. That is unheard of for us,” said General Manager Duane Stevenson following a presentation at a city committee meeting. 

“The groomers make a huge difference for the quality of snow for the riders as well.”

Stevenson says they will be looking to purchase a new groomer in the fall which will cost approximately $325,000. The last groomer they purchased was in 2015 and, according to the GM, the municipalities usually help cover the cost. 

Improvements are expected this summer as the hill will be getting LED lighting installed to improve the safety of night skiing. The GM also says the possible further expansion of the lower chalet building has become a priority for the park.

“That is why we are working on our master plan and looking at our footprint on the Wapiti River. We have some ideas, but the timing has to be right as well,” said Stevenson. 

The lower chalet and toddler lane were recently added to the Tube Zone. 

“We could double the lower chalet and have more runs for tubing. Our master plan author is recommending that we double the number of tube lanes that we have which means we would have to double our holding capacity. When we have birthday parties and such, the public still needs room and vice-versa.”

The natural luge track isn’t currently being used, but there are plans to change this.

“There is erosion that is happening because, as I was saying in the meeting, we are a very steep hill. We need to do something about the erosion.”

Stevenson says they have been approached by local ski-cross and boarder-cross teams to use the facility. He says the hill is also used for mountain biking in the summer. 

“If we invest back in the luge track, we will benefit our guests going forward, there is no question. It has been on our mind and it is just that we are revisiting our master plan. It has become a higher priority.”

There are also plans to increase access to the water slide that was at the park as a trial in the summer of 2017. Stevenson says with sponsors and additional funding, they would like to add more lanes. 

Nitehawk took over the Bear Paw Par Three Golf Course and R.V. Park last year and management is calling the take-over a success.

“We were very happy with how many families came out. It was very common for the whole family to come out.”

Stevenson says it melds very well with Nitehawk’s culture and they are hoping to continue their relationship with the city through this facility.

Assistant General Manager Johnathan Clarkson was also at the committee meeting. 

“With Grande Prairie being the young community that it is, it is only natural we continue to focus on family, youth, and young professionals,” said Clarkson. 

The park rebranded in the 2015/2016 season to gear their programs and facilities towards families.

“It is way bigger than we expected. It’s not like it brings more money in because under five is free and that’s okay. They get hooked on outdoor recreation and that’s our focus. They get hooked on being with mom and dad,” said Stevenson. 

The management team is also hoping to work with the South Peace Ball Association and the city to get year-round food services in the recently renovated pavilion located at South Bear Creek ball diamonds. 

Stevenson says there are many opportunities there and Nitehawk would like to be a part of them. 

by Justine Kelsie