Eagle Lake Resort grows through time

Times Contributor

 

In a historical perspective, Leslie Pringle, operator of Eagle Lake Resort, updated Wheatland Council on developments made to the county owned resort.

The resort was started in 1992 and now has 139 sites with new sites forecast for development.

“We wanted a park that was family centred and fun and that is what we have achieved,” said Pringle, who has managed the park for 21 years.

Eagle Lake is one of the largest lakes in Southern Alberta and is known for its walleye fishing. The lake covers 3,000 acres of land. Pringle said along with small boat fishing, there have been increased personal watercraft, kayak and canoe use and kite-ski activities on the lake. It is a shallow lake, so safe wading and swimming areas are set out for campers.

She wanted the resort to be family friendly while keeping child safety in mind. Through the years, she has increased creative activities for family involvement. The park has a giant chess set that children play. She said parents have told her it has given their children an interest in the game. There are educational agricultural activities such as helping with farm chores, which include the fun component of hayrides. Eagle Lake celebrates special holidays like Canada Day with theatre productions put on by the campers. There is a mini golf course. There is also an extensive nature interpretation and environmental appreciation program run, to familiarize campers with the native wildlife and flora and fauna. The lake has algae that bloom in July and August.

“We have no control over it and it would take a massive operation to change it,” said Pringle.

Instead of looking at it as a negative event, Pringle includes it in the environmental program showing the cycle of bird, plant and insect life involved. There is also a butterfly lot along a variety of hiking trails around the lake. There is a fenced tot lot and a memorial lot dedicated to Alexandre, a regular three-year-old camper that died of cancer. Other campers have listed their loved ones at the site as well. They hope to include an under three lot in new developments. There is also a dog play yard.

The Resort is estimated to bring in approximately $2 million of business to the local area. Pringle said she encourages the campers to get out and explore the neighbouring attractions. The Resort was recognized in 2010 as one of the top 100 places to camp by GO RV Canada and received the Strathmore Chamber of Commerce Award.

She said the staff has increased to 11 and she hopes to expand the office building including the artisan gallery that displays and sells arts and craft work. There are staff trained in first aid and emergency preparedness and the park has an evacuation plan in place if ever needed.

She said that camping has changed over the years.

“It’s not crawling out of your tent, dirty and sticky,” said Pringle. 

She has developed the camp to accommodate the ever growing RV and Motorhome campers, supplying electric, plumbing and sewage to the sites. 

There is one thing that Pringle will not develop and that is campground streetlights.

“It is so important to slow down and sit back and check out the stars,” said Pringle.

Councillor Ben Armstrong and Councillor Ken Sauve commended Pringle for the work she has done with the resort.

“When you first started, we wondered if it would work. You have done a fantastic job,” said Armstrong.

“We are very proud of what you have done,” said Sauve.