It's been a whirlwind year since we took the helm at one of Oklahoma's finest gems, Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park, back in December 2023. Half our team arrived just in time for the holiday season, with the rest joining in the following months. We rolled up our sleeves and got to work alongside the outgoing crew to grasp the ins and outs of managing these 311 acres.
First Up: The Sewer Situation
For those of us who've been campers here for years, the sewer was always the elephant in the room. From backups in the restrooms to the less-than-pleasant aroma of septic system maintenance, it was a notorious issue. One unforgettable night, our very own team member, let's call him Jake, was woken up at 2 AM by a knock at his door. Jake, still groggy, opened it to find a camper with a look of sheer horror. "My wife has poo on her feet," he said, his voice a mix of disbelief and urgency. It turned out they had arrived late, set up camp, and decided to enjoy a shower. But instead of relaxation, they found themselves in a scene straight out of a horror movie when the sewer backed up into their shower. That night, amidst the laughter and the groans of "only at Red Rock," we knew what our first major project would be. We dove into the muck, literally, restoring the lift stations, updating pumps, expanding the lagoons, and turning a nightmare into a non-issue. And those quarter showers? Gone, replaced with modern, clean and FREE amenities.
Lodging Reimagined
The old cabins and kitchen space were lost to fire long ago, but the vision of new lodging experiences was already on the horizon. We took the glamping concept and ran with it, transforming simple tents into luxurious, four-season havens complete with climate control, mini-fridges, coffee stations, and even hot tubs. The cabin by the pool? It's getting a new life as a cozy retreat with 4 queen beds, and all the amenities you could ask for, while the snack shack moves into the pool house. Picture this: where there were once tents on the ground with extension cords sprawling in every direction, now there are sturdy wooden platforms for each glamping tent with conduit and electrical outlets installed proper, ensuring a stable, comfortable stay. We've thought of everything - from the cold of winter to the heat of summer, with mini splits installed for perfect climate control. Each tent now boasts interior and exterior lighting, making night-time adventures or just finding your way back after a day of exploration a breeze. And for those looking for that extra touch of luxury, some of our glamping setups now include hot tubs for a soak under the stars.
Coyote Ridge Overland Area
We've introduced a whole new way to experience the beauty of Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park with the addition of "Coyote Ridge." This area allows campers with 4x4 vehicles to venture into an unexplored section of the park, setting up camp on the ridge itself. This is something that's never been offered before at Red Rock Canyon, providing adventurers with stunning views and a unique camping experience right under the Oklahoma sky.
Propane Services
This year, we've expanded our offerings to include propane services at Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park. Now, you can fill any and all propane tanks right here, at an unbeatable price of just $3.28 per gallon, making it the cheapest around. Whether you're camping, RVing, or just need a refill, we've got you covered with convenience and affordability.
UPS Authorized Service Provider
Recognizing a gap in local services, we've become an authorized UPS service provider at Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park. Although this doesn't generate income for the park, it provides immense convenience for Hinton and the surrounding areas. Previously, shipping and receiving required trips to El Reno or even further into OKC. Now, with our low, competitive pricing, Red Rock has brought these services closer to home, simplifying life for our community and visitors alike.
Reclaiming Nature
The park's motto seemed to lean towards "let nature take over," which was beautiful but problematic with the spread of sand burs, poison oak, and ivy. Picture this: you're walking through what should be a serene trail, only to find your socks full of stickers or your skin itching from an accidental brush with poison oak. We decided it was time to say, "Enough!" With determination, we embarked on a mission to reclaim the park from these intruders. Day after day, our team worked, clearing paths, pulling out plants, and watching as the creek, once hidden by overgrowth, revealed itself again. Now, it's not just accessible; we've added a new dam that creates a natural swimming hole, a spot where kids laugh and dogs splash, a place where nature and human touch harmoniously coexist.
Tree Care and Safety
Trees are the silent giants of our park, offering shade, beauty, and a home to countless creatures. But they can also be a hazard if not cared for. We called in an arborist, a tree whisperer if you will, who walked with us through the park, pointing out the trees that whispered danger or were in their silent decline. With each tree we addressed, whether by pruning or removal, we weren't just ensuring safety; we were making room for new life, for new stories to grow within our park's narrative.
Summer in Style
Imagine your first summer managing an Olympic-sized pool. The days were long, filled with the sun's relentless beat down, but also with the joy of laughter echoing across the water. We filled it, cleaned it, and kept it sparkling all season long, turning it into a cool retreat from the Oklahoma heat. It wasn't just maintenance; it was creating memories. From the first kid who cannonballed into the water to the last family barbecue by the poolside, we were part of the summer story at Red Rock.
A Digital Overhaul
Right after taking the reins, we knew our digital presence needed an update as much as our physical spaces. We launched a new website to better reflect the adventure and beauty of Red Rock Canyon. But we didn't stop there. Recently, we unveiled an even better, more intuitive website, designed with you, our campers, in mind. The crown jewel of these updates? An interactive map, coming shortly, that will guide you through our trails, campsites, and attractions like never before. Alongside this, we introduced new booking software that integrates our Red Rock'n rewards points. With an Annual Pass, you start earning points on every visit, simplifying your experience while introducing exciting possibilities. Imagine those points stacking up, leading to a free night's stay or unlocking amenities that would otherwise be out of reach. We're all about making your adventures here more rewarding and seamless.
Looking Forward
Each project this year was a labor of love, with careful planning and execution. We're not just maintaining; we're enhancing. With new campsites, expanded trails, and exciting adventure courses on the horizon, Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park is evolving into an even more cherished destination for all who visit this hidden jewel of Oklahoma.
Here's to an incredible 2024, and to many more adventures ahead!
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