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The Whitecourt Woodlands Winter Recreation Park Society (often abbreviated as WWWRPS or referred to as the Whitecourt Woodlands Winter Rec Park Society) is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization based in Whitecourt, Alberta, Canada. It operates Eastlink Park (originally known as the Whitecourt Woodlands Winter Recreation Park), a community-focused winter recreation facility.

History and Background

Whitecourt and nearby Woodlands County have a long tradition of winter sports, dating back to early ski clubs and a former hill on Whitecourt Mountain (about 20 km southwest of town) that closed due to access issues, high costs, and inconsistent weather.

In the early 2010s, a group of dedicated volunteers formed a committee to revive affordable local winter recreation. They gathered public input, developed a business plan, and chose to redevelop an old in-town ski hill site (near the TriCan shop and water reservoir) for better accessibility.The society officially formed and, with support from the Town of Whitecourt, Woodlands County, provincial grants, sponsors, and community partners, built the facility. It opened for the 2015/2016 season as a family-oriented winter park.

What They Do: Eastlink Park

The society manages and operates Eastlink Park, located at 100 Roszko Lane in Whitecourt’s Hilltop Industrial Area. This affordable, community hill targets beginners and families, offering:

  • Skiing and snowboarding runs
  • A terrain park for more advanced users
  • Dedicated snow tubing lanes
  • Lessons, rentals, and a lodge

The park spans about 40 acres  and emphasizes fun, low-cost access without long lineups. It attracts visitors from surrounding areas (e.g., Sherwood Park, Slave Lake, Swan Hills) especially in years with poor snow elsewhere, thanks to on-site snowmaking capabilities.

Operations and Community Role

  • The society is governed by a small board (around 10 members historically) and relies heavily on volunteers.
  • As of 2024, the park was in its ninth full operational season, with ongoing improvements like potential expansions, new programs (e.g., competitive training two days a week), and equipment upgrades.

The official park website is eastlinkpark.com, where you can find current hours, rates, rules, and updates.

This society plays a key role in promoting active, outdoor winter lifestyles for families, youth, and residents in the Whitecourt/Woodlands area, filling a gap left by the closure of previous local hills. If you’re interested in visiting, volunteering, or more details, checking the Eastlink Park site or contacting the Town of Whitecourt recreation department would be the best next step!

Contact: President@eastlinkpark.com for more info.