“It’s not an obligation or duty; it is just how we were raised. Slawson values our partnership with the Van Hook Park community, and greatly appreciates their patience and support while we continue to develop North Dakota’s oil and gas resources. We live in this community, fish on the lake, and enjoy everything North Dakota has to offer. We love its beauty, the friendly local hospitality, and we want to make it better for everyone,” Slawson said.

This is a sentiment often heard in the oil field but rarely backed. In this case, Slawson Exploration put its money where its mouth is, and with the funding in place, ground recently was broken for the picnic shelter. Construction will be completed this fall. The 60-foot by 100-foot facility will have a poured concrete floor and a natural, minimalistic design that will highlight the natural beauty of Lake Sakakawea in the background.

Slawson’s donation may seem like a huge donation for a relatively small recreation area, but Dawn Ritts, Van Hook Recreation Area park manager, points out that the partnership between Slawson Exploration and Van Hook Recreation Area has been long running and very beneficial.

In recounting the relationship, Ritts said, “We were all nervous when the well pads were marked, but through the years Slawson has proved to be an exceptional neighbor. They have helped fund many park projects, including our rural water kiosk, ADA loading station, playground equipment, new fish cleaning station and swimming docks. Slawson has consistently supported our community. Still, we are totally blown away by the generosity of this donation.”

Submitted Photo The first dirt to be moved is shown in the location of the picnic pavilion. The exact location is at the Van Hook Recreation Area boat launch.

The picnic shelter project is being spearheaded by the Van Hook Association (VHA), a volunteer group of dedicated outdoor enthusiasts committed to enhancing recreation opportunities at Van Hook Resort, located on the Van Hook Arm of Lake Sakakawea. As the busiest recreation area in northwest North Dakota, Van Hook Resort hosts thousands of guests annually for fishing, camping and summer fun.

“Every project that the VHA works on is with the future in mind,” VHA President Steve Littlefield said. “The board discussed the idea of building a picnic shelter at the boat launch and we decided it was a project that would benefit the Van Hook Rec Area and the surrounding communities for years to come.”

As this is a large and multi-phase project, the VHA is still actively seeking donations to fund project completion as well as welcoming in-kind service donations.

Submitted Art This is a rendering of what the finished building will look like once complete. The design shown in the picture is very close to what the finished product will look like.