Welcome to Marine Park’s first annual President’s New Year’s Message. The purpose of this message is to give our campers insight into significant plans or changes for Marine Park, for the upcoming year. 

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The challenge we set for ourselves heading into 2025 was to find a way to provide our campers with more amenities and activities, without increasing prices.  This was a difficult task given the significant increases in operating expenses that we incur every year.

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After much contemplation and analysis, we have determined that the best way to meet this challenge is to not re-sign with the Jellystone Park franchise when our initial 7-year franchise agreement expires at the end of this month.  

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While this decision may come as a disappointment for some of you, particularly many of our younger guests, we truly believe that this will lead to a better overall camping experience for our guests. 

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By returning to our status as an independent campground - as we were for more than 20 years prior to joining Jellystone  -  the funds that would otherwise be sent to the franchisor in United States are going to be re-invested directly into Marine Park, allowing us to make the following commitments:

 

• No general price increase for existing Marine park campers for the 2025 season.

 

• In 2025 we will start the design, planning and procurement process for a major commercial play structure at the main beach.   We hope to start site preparation in the fall of 2025, in order to have the structure open by the start of the 2026 camping season. 

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• In 2025 we will start the design, planning and procurement process for a custom- built, concrete mini-golf course.   We hope to start site preparation in the fall of 2025, at the same time as the play structure, in order to have the course open by the start of the 2026 camping season. 

 

• The recreation (Rec) program run by Jesse and his team will continue and will be enhanced.

 

• The Rec team will use the time savings from not having bear appearances to at least double the amount of time that the jump pad is scheduled to open (subject to weather), and to re-introduce pedal boat rentals at the main beach. Details will be forthcoming when Jesse releases the 2025 Rec schedule.

 

• The Rec team will also be re-opening the beach Snack Shack on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in the summer.  The exact hours of operation and menu will be released closer to the summer. The renovated Snack Shack will have cashless kiosk food ordering, similar to the Costco, to provide faster service and reduce your time in line.

 

• We are currently working with Newfoundland Power to complete a power line extension that will bring electricity to Bert’s Lookout, allowing for more community events at that location. 

 

• This coming spring we will be installing new neighbourhood play sets in several locations, including Edward’s Place and Lloyd’s Lane  (near the intersection with Carrigan’s Lane).

 

• In the summer of 2025 we will be opening a community space with incredible views, called Fred’s Lookout, named after our late father, Frederick D. Snow.  Fred’s Lookout will be the heartbeat of the new campsite development on Solsbury Hill, where Bert’s Lookout is located. Stay tuned for more information on the Solsbury Hill development in early 2025. 

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In closing, I would like to thank you for choosing to be part of the Marine Park community, and I hope that you are as excited about these upcoming changes as we are.  

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On behalf of the management and staff of Marine Park and Parkside RV, I would like to wish you all a wonderful holiday season, and a happy and prosperous New Year. 

 

David B. Snow
President
Lakewood Development Corporation