March 30, 2010
(Red Deer, Alberta) – The City of Red Deer is pleased to announce that, effective April 1, 2010, Joel Martens of Joel Martens Training Company Inc. will be the new manager of Heritage Ranch.
Martens’ proposal for the future of Heritage Ranch, which included a comprehensive five-year plan, was chosen during a competitive bidding process that sought options for a new model of management for the park.
“We are very pleased to have Joel Martens leading Heritage Ranch in an exciting new direction,” said Kay Kenny, The City’s Recreation Superintendent. “With his extensive experience in the horse industry and his vision for the Ranch’s future, Joel is the right person to help us create a park space that showcases what Red Deer is all about – history, diversity, and future growth.”
The City began considering a new model of operation and management for the park in 2009, when City Council approved the Heritage Ranch Concept Plan as part of the Waskasoo Special Gathering Places Study. The plan identified a number of recommendations to guide the development and improve operations of the park node. As a result of that recommendation, The City advertised an Expression of Interest and subsequent Request for Proposals, during which Martens’ proposal was selected.
Martens, who has spent the last decade training horses, writing articles for horse industry magazines, and producing videos for horse lovers of all disciplines, feels that the untapped potential of Heritage Ranch will be the foundation for the park’s enhancement.
“I think it is the potential of the Ranch that has captured my imagination,” said Martens. “For example, very few people realize there is a stocked fishing pond in the park, meeting rooms available to rent, and ideal facilities in which to host weddings and wedding parties at the park. Heritage Ranch is one of Red Deer’s best kept secrets, and with our new plan in place, we can begin sharing that secret with Central Albertans and tourists alike.”
While Martens admits there is plenty of work to do to prepare the Ranch for a rich array of new programs and services, he is wasting no time in implementing initiatives designed to attract people to the park.
“We have a number of activities in the works that will begin in May, but our first step will be to develop a guided carriage ride through the park. Our elegant horse-drawn carriages, which can carry up to 16 people, will present an excellent opportunity to cater to bus tours, local tour operators, and residents who are looking to enjoy an afternoon or evening ride in the park. A carriage ride for two, complete with a picnic basket, is also in the works.”
Users of the park should experience a smooth transition once Martens steps into his new role on April 1, but anyone who has previously booked events with the past operator of Heritage Ranch is encouraged to call Martens directly at 403-877-3456 to confirm their requests.
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For more information, please contact:
Kay Kenny Joel Martens
Recreation Superintendent Joel Martens Training Company Inc.
The City of Red Deer Heritage Ranch Operations
403-309-8418 403-877-3456
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