In the 1950’s and 60’s, Deep Wood Ski Resort, located seven miles east of Wheeler, was a popular destination for locals. Unfortunately it has been empty and all but forgotten for the past 30 plus years. Meagan and Paul Frank hope to change that. The couple recently purchased the property with plans to transform it into a year-round northwoods getaway.
The Franks have big plans for the new WoodWind Park. They are restoring the ski resort, which will include both cross country and downhill skiing, and adding an area for tubing. This season they plan to be open for winter hiking, snowshoeing, tubing and cross country skiing. Tubes will be available to use this winter, however other equipment will not be available to rent until next season.
They are in the process of renovating the chalet which, in one half, will eventually house a 50’s diner-themed restaurant which will serve burgers, hot dogs, malts, shakes and other grill foods. The other half of the chalet will be used for formal events, including weddings and parties, with a capacity for 250 people.
WoodWind Park will not just be a winter destination. The park will be open year-round, with hiking and biking trails available in the summer. Future plans include outdoor concerts, as the area forms a natural amphitheater, and at some point they hope to include lodging with small cabins or camping pads.
Community support is key to getting this venture off the ground. The Play it Forward Campaign asks the community to get involved in this first year of building the park by donating financially. As time goes on, the Play It Forward Campaign will continue as they donate a portion of their proceeds to worthy causes and nonprofit organizations. “We work and play it forward so countless others will be able to gather and play for decades to come,” Meagan Frank said.
The Franks are passionate about the outdoors and see WoodWind Park as a place for people to find happiness, hope and healing. “We are humbled by the opportunity to open up this space again for the community to use and we are grateful for the support we’ve received so far,” she continued. “We hope the work we do will expand far beyond what we’ve envisioned. We want to leave a purposeful legacy.”
Check the WoodWind Park Facebook page and the WoodWind Park website for more information.
