Major Improvements coming to Manning Park Resort – updated photos!

Click here to see current photo album.

Five New Cabins and Fresh Pavement (2017)

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.”

Plans for the new cabins will be coming soon! Please see our Operation Notes regarding the renovations and upgrades here: https://manningpark.com/renovations-and-upgrades-operation-notes/

Come up to check out the progress throughout the summer!

Plans designed by:

Raymond S. Bonter, Designer Ltd.
www.raymondbonterdesigner.ca
“Trusted Leader in Home Design for Over Half a Century”

June 23, 2017
June 23, 2017
June 23, 2017

 

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New SUP Lessons & Evening Excursion!

We are excited to introduce some new activities and options available for stand-up paddleboard (SUP) enthusiasts!

A special new program…

Stand-up Paddleboard Evening Excursion

Experience this incredibly unique evening adventure! Join our certified paddleboard instructor for a guided SUP tour on Lightning Lake at dusk.

August 12: 8:30pm-10:30pm -Special Meteor Shower Trip!

August 26: 7-9pm

Meet at the Boathouse on Lightning Lake at 6:45pm.

$40 – includes SUP rental

$20 – excludes SUP rental

 

Cruise placidly on Lightning Lake with your certified paddleboard instructor who can help you hone the basics of SUP and discover life on the water at twilight.

Listen for evening birdsong, see sunset mountain views from the water and possibly even find a beaver!

 

Space is limited for this unique excursion! Max. 8 SUP rentals, please enquire for availability if you have your own paddleboard.

Registration is in advance by filling out the following form: https://manningpark.com/sup-evening-excursion-registration/

 

SUP Lessons

Stand-Up Paddleboard Lessons are now available!

Sundays 10:30am

1.5hr lesson with 2hr SUP rental

Private lesson: $70 – includes 2hr SUP rental

Group lesson (2 or more people): $50 – includes 2hr SUP rental

Pre-registration is recommended but not required.

Lessons may be requested outside of this time, but are based on availability.

 

Dock Talk

Learn the ins-and-outs of stand-up paddleboarding from a certified SUP instructor! This quick 15min run-down will set you up for success on your first SUP adventure for a mere $5.

Available Saturday, Monday & Tuesday at 10:30am or by request, subject to availability.

Recommended for beginners and anyone who wants to increase their confidence and efficiency.

 

My Manning Memory Contest Winners!

Thank you for all your contributions to the My Manning Memory Photo + Story Contest. We had a really hard time to choose amongst all the wonderful stories.

Here are your grand prize winners!

Angela Painter, “Golden Arches” wins: Mt. Waddington’s $100 gift certificate, Mt. Waddington’s T-shirt & Leave a Leaf hiking pole baskets

Joan Davidson, Manning Park Song wins: Valhalla Pure backpack, water bottle, buff  & Leave a Leaf hiking pole baskets

Kate Jonas, I like to Fish wins: Valhalla Pure backpack, water bottle, buff  & Leave a Leaf hiking pole baskets

Wendy Boehm (Dale), Skyline Hike wins: Hope Mountain Centre program & Leave a Leaf hiking pole baskets

Nikolas George Steven, View of the Stars wins: Manning Park Resort accommodation + groomer ride

Sam Koenig, Sunset from the Orange Chair wins: Coleman inflatable 1 person raft

Joanne Bergen, Walking through Alpine wins: BC Parks print, 75th commemorative T-shirt & & Leave a Leaf hiking pole baskets.

Congratulations! Please contact marketing@manningpark.com to receive your prize!

 

See the photos + stories here: http://summer.manningpark.com/my-manning-memory/

 

This Day in History: Dedication of E.C. Manning Park (Sept. 14, 1941)

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This day in history Sept. 14, 1941: “Elaborate celebrations planned for the dedication of the Ernest C. Manning Park.
Nearly 100 People Attend Despite Inclement Weather; Addresses Delivered by Notables”

“Among the visitors present were: Mrs. E.C. Manning, the Hon. the Minister of Lands, Mr. Wells Gray, C.D. Orchard, who succeeded Mr. Manning as the Chief Forester, C.H. Upper, MLA, W.E. McArthur and J. G. Acres, of Greenwood, E.C. Menninger, MLA; R. McLean and L.A. Mansfield of Grand Forks; A.C. Mackenzie, Thos. Daly and D. Miller of Penticton.

W. D. Seaman, President of the Princeton Board of Trade, was in charge of the proceedings, and after all present had joined in singing “O Canada”, he extended a cordial welcome to all who had come to honour the memory of the late Chief Forester.
Thereafter the band played, then E. E. Burr spoke on half of all the old-timers of Similkameen who had dreamed of such a park, and who had lived to see their dream come true.”

Special thanks to Kelley Cook Friends of Manning Park for providing this article.

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75 Anniversary Celebration – July 16, 2016

75th - Volunteer Recognition
Left to right: Murray Phillips, Michael of Canadian Ski Patrol, Kelley Cook, Tom Moore, Mark Weston (BC Parks), Heather MacDonald, Michele Drummond, Roger Bean, Mike Barker (Manning Park Resort)

This past Saturday, July 16th marked Canada’s Parks Day, and was the date chosen to celebrate the 75th anniversary of EC Manning Provincial Park.

Despite being in the middle of summer, the weather resembled the initial ceremony that was held on an overcast, chilly September 12, 1941.

An enthusiastic crowd turned out to visit the community booths, which held excellent displays of Manning history, local hiking and conservation groups and represented the Hope, Princeton and Chilliwack communities. Many past and present staff from BC Parks were at the event. To the delight of kids, Jerry the Moose also made an appearance.

Dignitaries who spoke of the heritage and continuing conservation of the park included Mark Weston, BC Parks and Protected Areas Section Head of the Okanagan, Kevin Demers, owner of Manning Park Resort, and Tom Moore, former BC Parks District Manager from 1963-1973.

Mayors of Princeton, Hope and Chilliwack graced the ceremony. The honourable Frank Armitage (Princeton), Wilfried Vicktor (Hope), and Sharon Gaetz (Chilliwack) spoke of the influence of the Park on their communities, as well as their personal experiences and memories.

The Honourable Mayor Frank Armitage presented Manning Park with a special photo of the band that played at the opening ceremony in 1941. It will hang in a place of honour in Manning Park.

A number of volunteers were recognized for their ongoing commitment to maintain trails in the park, as well as supporting the programs and activities that make Manning a special place. They were given the gift of the 75th commemorative painting for their efforts.

Those recognized for their volunteer efforts:

Tom Moore, former BC Parks District Manager and longtime Friends of Manning Park

Kelley Cook, Friends of Manning Park and Heritage Trails

Rose Schroeder, Backcountry Horsemen of BC (not pictured)

Heather MacDonald, Fat Dog 120 organizer

Roger Bean, longtime Friend of Manning Park

Jim Hilton, longtime BC Parks employee with 3 generations (his dad, Joe, then son, Jamie) working in Manning Park (not pictured)

Kelly Pearce & Hope Mountain Centre (represented by Michele Drummond)

Canadian Ski Patrol – Manning Park Team

Jo Hughes, Park interpreter and Manning Park Resort employee (not pictured)

 

There are many more that could and should be recognized for their continuing dedication to make Manning Park the incredible place that it is. Thank you to these individuals and all those they represent within their organizations and others who work to conserve and protect EC Manning Provincial Park.

 

Murray Phillips unveiled his commemorative painting – “On the Way to Three Brothers – Manning Park.” He spoke lovingly of the park that he grew up in, and of his honour to memorialize it with his beautiful painting depicting the Heather Trail, looking towards the Three Brothers ridge in the alpine meadows of Manning Park.

All who attended were welcome to get a poster of his painting, and he signed over 250 copies.

Posters are available from Manning Park Visitor Centre. The 75th commemorative painting is also available as art prints and giclée canvas for purchase in the Country Store. Profits go towards the interpretive programs that run in the park throughout the summer.

Thank you for joining us to celebrate this remarkable milestone! Here’s to another 75 years!

 

75th Anniversary Commemorative Painting

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75th Anniversary Commemorative Painting

Murray Phillips created this special painting, showcasing the iconic Three Brothers ridge viewed from the Alpine Meadows to commemorate the 75th anniversary of EC Manning Park. Murray has generously donated this painting to Manning Park to hang in perpetuity and inspire park visitors.

“Manning Park has a special place in my heart because my father served as a volunteer naturalist there and showed some of the summer slide shows many years ago. It is a stunningly beautiful park that is sometimes overlooked by people on the coast. It is one of my favourite places and part of my summer has been spent painting on location there. “

Murray also held a Painting Workshop here and endeavours to plan more in the future.

The prints are available for purchase in the Country Store starting July 16th, with textured high quality art prints of the commemorative painting and also giclée canvas prints of the original painting.

Profits from the sale of the prints go towards Manning Park’s interpretive programs  that are scheduled 7 days a week in the summer.

murray phillips(1mB)

About the Artist:

Murray Phillips is a readily recognizable and well-known Canadian artist. With a long beard and hair, and comfortable attire, he is quiet and thoughtful by nature.

Although he has been painting for almost 45 years, much of Murray’s life has been lived in the halls of academia where he holds graduate degrees in Theology and Cultural Anthropology. For over 20 years, he taught in a variety of colleges and universities. His interests are many, including classical guitar and sailing, but an abiding love has been his desire to paint.

“There is an intense urgency to paint, as if something important needs to be said, and I can only say it with brush and canvas.”

Murray has a strong desire to express the spiritual in his paintings. The primary focus of his work is the Canadian Wilderness, particularly the West. He spends several months each year camping in isolated areas. He paints relatively large canvases on location travelling to several locations in a day and returning in the following days to the site at the same time to capture the same light. He may work on one canvas for several weeks. Murray’s paintings reflect his love for nature.

“ I feel most at home in the wilderness where I spend several months each year. I have a variety of studios, but my favourites are my canoe, sailboat or my tent trailer, which enable me to transport my studio to the painting site.”

Murray is a Signature Member of the Artists for Conservation, which includes 500 members from around the world. Their mission is to support wildlife and habitat conservation and environmental education through art that celebrates nature.

Murray is a well-travelled artist who makes his home in Langley, B.C.

www.murrayphillipsart.com web_mpa_logo

 

Introducing our new Executive Chef and Food and Beverage Manager – Matt Bergin

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Manning Park Resort is proud to introduce Matt Bergin as our new Executive Chef and Food and Beverage Manager.

Matt brings with him over 27 years of experience in Food and Beverage, from Casual Dining to upscale Silver Service Fine Dining. Matt’s previous experience includes Executive Chef at St. Eugene Mission Resort and Casino, Owner and Chef of Cadboro House, Copper Point Golf Resort and most recently the Executive Chef of Frankie’s Italian Kitchen and Bar. In Matt’s experience, he has had the opportunity to cater for some high profile guests including Prime Ministers, Heads of State including Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and Mikhail Gorbachev.

Matt Studied Culinary Arts at SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) and has been a Certified Red Seal Chef for 20 years. Matt is very excited to join the Manning Park Resort Team and looks forward to providing an exceptional guest experience and to contribute to the building of memories with all our guests.

There will be some upcoming menu changes as Chef Matt’s vision for the Pinewoods Restaurant moves towards “selling what we are” and showcasing our beautiful, unique location with fresh, local ingredients and British Columbian products. Stay tuned for more info!

Matt and his partner, Sarah, our new Front of house supervisor, come to Manning with their St. Bernard dog, Bernie. Welcome to all of you and we are very happy to have you aboard!

“My Manning Memory” Photo + Story Contest

2016My Manning Memory Photo Promo

What’s Your Manning Memory?

As Manning Park turns 75 this year, we want to celebrate by sharing stories of My Manning Memory. There is a huge amount of nostalgia and love for Manning that we want to draw out and to showcase your stories.

Let’s reminisce about that time you saw a bear munching grass on your hike, or when you were camping and thought you heard a wolf, your family (mis)adventures of canoeing, or your historical knowledge of the area!

Share 1 photo + 1 story (300 words or less) of your favourite Manning Memory, and get entered into the contest for great prizes!

 

Prizes generously donated by our sponsors include:

Valhalla Pure-Abbotsford -two awesome backpacks to give away- a Tempest and a Talon backpack from Osprey

Leave a Leaf -Maple leaf shaped hiking baskets (We love these!)

Coleman -Coleman inflatable 1 person kayak

Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning – One-day program for one lucky person

Mt. Waddington’s -gift card

Manning Park Resort – 1 night queen room lodge accommodation + groomer ride (Redeemable Winter 2016/17)

BC Parks -75th commemorative painting, t-shirts & more swag

 

 

Contest runs from May 21 to September 4th. Winners will be announced at the Final Interpretive program for summer season – September 4th.

You can see a list of winners after September 4th by visiting summer.manningpark.com/my-manning-memory or check our Facebook.

See full contest details here: http://summer.manningpark.com/my-manning-memory/