Copyright M Live Michigan
COMSTOCK TWP., MI — It’s a sunny, 65 degree day in Kalamazoo on Friday, Oct. 17. Sarah Avink sits on a bridge overlooking grassy toboggan runs at Echo Valley, 8495 E. H Ave. Below, her husband Hank Avink installs a skating rink. The couple purchased the nearly 100-year old winter sports complex for $350,000 in October, Hank said. Weather permitting, Hank wants to open the rink and a few sled runs by Thanksgiving, Sarah said. It’s already crunch time. They’ve been on site for a week, cleaning out the lodge and reclaiming the steep toboggan runs from weeds and grass. “We have to walk the fine line between the tradition of the property and making updates,” Sarah said. “But there is a lot of potential.” They’ve combed through reviews to address the biggest fixes first, she said, like long lines for toboggan rides. Their goal is to make all of the toboggan runs operational and extend hours with the help of repaired snow-making machines, Sarah said. The new 3,150-square-foot refrigerated ice rink will operate below 50 degrees. Cosmetic improvements to the lodge and grounds are already underway, she said. They’ll be updating the cash-only ticketing system to accept credit cards, online waivers and online purchases. The Avinks are teaming up with Floyd Latham, a former Gull Lake teacher and owner of Great Grounds Coffee in Richland, to make better use of the complex on weekdays. Latham will help coordinate visits for school field trips, church groups, special events and more, Sarah said. The excited new business owners are full of ideas. “Obviously we’re not sure what all is going to be implemented by the time of opening,” Sarah said with a laugh. Sarah and Hank both grew up in the Kalamazoo area, met after college and decided to stay near family. The couple has three kids — the oldest a freshman at Michigan State, and the younger two in 10th and 6th grade. “It kind of felt like a good time to take something else on,” Sarah said. Hank is an entrepreneur with a background in real estate and development, she said. Sarah worked at the Sherman Lake YMCA before transitioning into a career in psychology. “We’ve known Melody, who is the former owner, for a long time,” she said. “Hank had watched the property for a while, and one day (said) let’s maybe make a move.” Echo Valley’s opening date is weather dependent, but guests can expect to see it up and running by December, Sarah said. Updated pricing and hours are still in the works, Sarah said. Previously, Echo Valley welcomed customers 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. A day pass for tubing and tobogganing cost $20.
