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Turtle Mountain tribe to build indoor waterpark

Submitted Photo A rendering shows a view of the proposed Turtle Island Waterpark.

BELCOURT – Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians has partnered with American Resort Management to create a one-of-a-kind waterpark design that will emanate the tribe’s Native American culture and history.

The indoor waterpark will be open year-round and will feature a 23,000-square-foot regional entertainment complex, adventure slides, a lazy river, a climbing wall, rope swings and children’s aquatic play structure.

“This new project is incredibly special to our tribe,” said Tribal 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,” said Mike Laverdure, principal architect at DSGW Architects and member 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.”

American Resort Management, a nationwide indoor waterpark expert, led the pre-opening scope of services, operations training, marketing, and provided general management, as well as the development of ongoing park operations.

“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 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.

The project will be constructed by Woodstone Inc., a Native American-owned construction firm specializing in the gaming and hospitality industry.

Pre-work will begin this fall. The foundation work will begin in the spring, with projected completion by the end of 2021. Community presentations will be conducted by DSGW Architecture as the project begins to take hold. People also can follow “Turtle Island Water Park” on Facebook.

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