We have some exciting news to share! The Sylvan Lake Boardwalk has officially earned a 2025 Construction Industry Center (CIC) Master Craftsmanship Award.
For those who have walked the refurbished path around Sylvan Lake, you know it’s more than just a walkway; it’s an effort designed to immerse people in nature while limiting the damage so many visitors can cause. We were lucky to design this careful intervention and lucky again to get Kade and Shawn to build it for GFP!
Taking home a Master Craftsmanship Award is a huge nod to the "boots on the ground" effort required to pull off a project in such an iconic, environmentally sensitive location.
I stole this picture from MAC’s post on Facebook.
These guys are people who care about every joint, every beam, and every bolt. We want to give a massive shoutout to the crew who steered this ship at MAC:
Craig Oyler (Project Manager): For the seamless coordination and the occassiona call asking, “What' now?”
Kade McVey and Shawn Klein: For the day-to-day grit and onsite effort that kept everything moving forward. And for not being afraid to crawl under the deck to install a couple extra screws.
So - cheers to you guys. For the exceptional skill and dedication to quality that defines "Master Craftsmanship." This boardwalk looks GOOOOOOD.
Why This Matters to Us:
The Black Hills are our backyard, Custer State Park is our home turf, and Sylvan Lake is arguably its crown jewel. Being tasked with transforming the boardwalk was a responsibility we didn’t take lightly. We’ve spent our lives visiting and enjoying this special place. This award validates our commitment to:
Precision: Building structures that stand the test of time and South Dakota weather.
Quality: Ensuring the design matches the majesty of the surrounding granite spires.
Community: Improving the way locals and visitors experience our natural wonders.
A Wintery View of the Boardwalk.
Congratulations again to Craig, Kade, Shawn, and the entire MAC Construction crew! Next time you’re out at Custer State Park, take a stroll across the award-winning boardwalk and see the craftsmanship for yourself. We couldn’t be prouder of this team!