In the community

Hopes of gold mine opening trigger construction of 122-space RV park in Vale

VALE – Developers plan to open a 122-space RV park on the western edge of Vale just off the corner of Graham Boulevard and Ash Street by June 1.

Work is underway on the $3.1 million project, which will include a clubhouse with a workout facility, a laundry room, a bathroom and shower complex and a dog park. A pond stocked with fish will also be built at the site, said Alexander Heap.

Heap and Guy Guymon, both from the Boise area, are the developers.

“I am trying to build something that people can appreciate and they would be honored to have a place,” said Heap.

Heap said a crucial incentive to his project is the plan to build a gold and silver mine complex southwest of Vale. Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. intends to mine three claims on Grassy Mountain. The company is going through a lengthy state permitting process.

He said he met with Paramount Gold officials about the prospects for the mining operation and decided an RV park would be a good investment.

The mine, he said, will generate a lot of jobs fast and those workers will need a place to live.

“I figured with 122 spots I could help out with that,” he said.

Heap said if the mine gets approved, he expects mine workers “will lock up most of the spots.”
“Even if they don’t, I already have had 157 phone calls asking if there are spots available,” said Heap.

Ontario’s Warrington Construction has laid sewer lines to the facility and will soon connect water, said Todd Fuller, Vale city manager.

“It’s nice to have something happening in Vale, some growth,” said Fuller.

Fuller said the 19-acre lot was rezoned and annexed into the city last year.

“It provides another location for travelers coming through Vale. It should also look aesthetically pleasing. There will be as nice white vinyl fence around the whole place,” said Fuller.

Heap said the project is his first RV park. However, he said, he has spearheaded aviation projects in Wyoming and Oregon, including hangars at the Ontario Municipal Airport.

He has plans for 10 hangars at the Ontario airfield and six are already built.

Heap said long-term quality will be a key theme.

“We are going to build something that is nicer than Ontario but it’s in Vale,” he said.

News tip? Contact reporter Pat Caldwell at [email protected]

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