After 24 years of service, the unique seasonal amusement park, Meadows Golf, will close its doors.

Transitioning from a career building golf courses in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario, Abe Epp dreamed of starting his own attraction in Winkler. Beginning with mini-golf and lawn bowling, the park soon expanded to become a major tourist attraction including a go-kart track, bumper boat pond, bungee trampolines and inflatables.

Epp says his vision for the park has continually grown, even now he says "I would like it bigger... we're at this stage but I think the area could handle more."

However, after nearly a quarter century Epp explains it felt like the right time to retire and spend more time with family.

The popular bumper boats

"But I will miss the interaction with the families, with the kids, the staff... it's been an absolutely incredible thing to run and staff are second to none."

He hopes a new owner can be found to keep the park going, though as part of the land sale to Meridian Manufacturing, all the facilities and assets need to be moved to another site. "We're hoping someone else will buy it and move it somewhere else in the area and set it up again."

Epp notes they continue to attract locals and visitors from across the country, as well as many group rentals from businesses and churches. At the same time, he says locals are still discovering Meadows Golf in their backyard.

"It's just the tip of the iceburg, support is growing stronger and stronger," he says. "This was a good run, it was a real blast."