Belcourt, North Dakota — September 17th, 2020 – Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians partners with American Resort Management (ARM) to create a one-of-a-kind waterpark design built to emanate the Tribe’s Native American culture and history.
“This new project is incredibly special to our Tribe,” shared Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians Chairman, Jamie Azure, “We aim to create a world-class community asset that will stimulate cultural awareness and education for our local community.”
The vision for the waterpark was brought to life by Minnesota based architectural firm, DSGW Architects. “We partnered with tribal leadership to develop a unique complex that blends the water park with our cultural story.” States Mike Laverdure, principal architect at DSGW Architects and Citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. “It was important for us to promote the story of the Great Flood and the creation of Turtle Island through the use of art, signage and architecture, all while incorporating elements that resemble the outdoors into the final design”.
The Tribe brought on American Resort Management (ARM), a nationwide indoor waterpark expert, to lead the pre-opening scope of services, operations training, marketing, and to provide general management, as well as the development of ongoing park operations. The waterpark will be open year-round and will feature a 23,000 sq. ft. regional entertainment complex, adventure slides, a lazy river, a climbing wall, rope swings, a kid’s aquatic play structure, and so much more.
“This project is one the local community will be proud and excited to enjoy,” said Richard Coleman, CEO and Co-Founder of ARM. “It will shine a light on the values and tradition of the tribe, all while being an inviting destination for people of all ages.”
On top of family friendly food and beverage service at the park, the facility will also showcase private party rooms, exclusive cabana rentals, a seasonal outdoor multi-purpose sun deck, and a sports bar on the second level. The sports bar will be designed to acknowledge and recognize the significant accomplishments and pride of the local community by featuring local schools, local athletic programs and significant individual, team, and community awards and championships.
“With over 25 years of experience partnering with tribes and casinos, this is a unique project I am especially excited to help The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians bring to the greater community,” said Frank Pracukowski, ARM’s Senior VP of Business Development.
The project will be constructed by Woodstone Inc., a Native American owned construction firm, specializing in the gaming and hospitality industry. “Woodstone Inc. is excited to begin construction on this project for Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.” states Tom Ollman, Project Director.
Pre-work will begin this fall, the foundation work will begin in the spring of 2021 with the hopes of the project being complete by the end of the year. Community presentations will be conducted by DSGW Architecture as the project begins to take hold. Follow “Turtle Island Water Park” on Facebook, or contact Mike Laverdure (mlaverdure@dsgw.com) directly to hear about the design aspects of this project.
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About American Resort Management:
American Resort Management, LLC (ARM) is a rapidly growing full-service, national hospitality management & hotel development company. ARM’s concentration is on the development and the long-term management of select and full-service hotels, indoor waterpark resorts, outdoor waterparks, family entertainment centers and franchised & independent restaurant concepts. ARM achieves positive results from a “hands-on” management style that focuses on the guest experience. Driven by success, ARM’s focus is providing excellence at every level resulting in measurably higher returns.
“We operate our projects to the highest standards in the hospitality industry. Our aim is clear: to establish strong, profitable operations by providing well-maintained facilities staffed by friendly, highly trained individuals who embrace our commitment to exceeding our guests’ expectations each visit”, states Richard Coleman.
ARM has offices in Erie, Pennsylvania and Grand Prairie, Texas, and is currently engaged in signature projects in Austin, TX; Oklahoma City, OK; Foley, AL; Long Island, NY; Chicago; North Dakota; and Tucson, Arizona. To learn more about ARM, visit their website, https://www.americanresortmanagement.com/.
About DSGW Architecture:
DSGW Architecture is a Minnesota-based firm, registered in 40+ states, with offices in Duluth, Twin Cities and Virginia. Since 1938, it has attracted clients who are active in their communities and proactive in determining how their communities are built. Known for thoughtful, cultural design, DSGW prides itself on sustainable design that enriches communities. Learn more at www.DSGW.com.
About Woodstone Inc. (Construction Manager):
Woodstone Inc. is a Native American Owned Construction company based in Brooklyn Park, MN. Paul Meyer (CEO) of Woodstone Inc. is an enrolled member of the White Earth Nation. Woodstone is led by Doug Niesen (President) specializing in Gaming, Hospitality, Healthcare, and Community work. Primarily working across upper Midwest in over 15 states. Woodstone, Inc. strives to be the best Native American-owned construction company in the country delivering on its commitment to provide exceptional service and results, and a high-quality product while truly giving back to the Native American communities they serve.