LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Steve and Shelley Turk upon the occasion
of their designation as recipients of the Quality of Life Award by Fami-
ly Services on April 21, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Steve and Shelley Turk upon the occasion of their designation as recipi-
ents of the Quality of Life Award by Family Services, to be celebrated
at its Family of the Year Awards Event on Thursday, April 21, 2016, at
the Grandview, Poughkeepsie, New York; and
WHEREAS, Steve and Shelley Turk own and operate the Rocking Horse
Ranch Resort and SplashDown Beach Waterpark under their management
group, Turk Hospitality; and
WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, Turk Hospitality Group invokes
a warm, safe, nostalgic feeling in parents and a sensation of wonderment
and delight in children; and
WHEREAS, Rocking Horse Ranch Resort, an all-inclusive family destina-
tion in Highland, has consistently earned the prestigious 3 Diamond
rating in addition to receiving local accolades for the property's award
winning landscape and facility design; Trip Advisor has rated Rocking
Horse Ranch as the number one, all-inclusive resort in America; and
WHEREAS, In 2004, the Turks purchased SplashDown Park in Fishkill,
renamed it SplashDown Beach, and immediately added the Monster Wave Pool
and the Humunga Halfpipe tube ride; upon the completion of its first
season, the park earned Dutchess County Economic Development Corpo-
ration's Newcomer Business Award; and
WHEREAS, Since that time, the Turks have invested substantial funds in
new rides and attractions including the most recent Arctic Mammoth, one
of the longest family raft rides in the Northeast; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Steve and Shelley Turk, Rock-
ing Horse Ranch and SplashDown Beach were both recognized by the Hudson
Valley Pattern for Progress with an award for their development as two
regional tourism destinations which bring hundreds of thousands of visi-
tors to the Hudson River Valley annually; and
WHEREAS, Steve Turk attended the University of Miami School of Busi-
ness and received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in
International Marketing and Management; in 1987, he became a shareholder
and Vice President of the Rocking Horse Ranch Resort; in the fall of
2001, he and Shelley purchased the balance of the company and Steve now
serves as President/CEO; and
WHEREAS, With more than 35 years of experience, Steve Turk has culti-
vated a strong management team at Turk Hospitality who are committed to
the science of truly understanding what each guest experiences during
every moment of their stay; and
WHEREAS, Vice President at both Rocking Horse Ranch and SplashDown
Beach, Shelley Turk also works in the Finance and Accounting Depart-
ments; prior to serving in this capacity she was employed by KeyCorp as
an Auditor and American Capital as a Financial Analyst and registered
Stockbroker; and
WHEREAS, Shelley Turk received her Bachelor of Science degree in
Finance and Economics from SUNY New Paltz in 1986; and

WHEREAS, Working closely together, and married for 29 years, Steve and
Shelley Turk are a formidable team; whether it's adding features and
refurbishments at the Ranch, constructing new rides at the Waterpark, or
building a brand new "Family Exploration and Adventure Destination" in
New Paltz, Steve and Shelley continue to bring the very best in family
entertainment to the Hudson River Valley; and
WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to the greater
Hudson Valley community, Steve and Shelley Turk generously give of their
time and energy to support education and the arts, as well as health
initiatives and regional coalitions; countless boards and local commit-
tees have benefited from their service and gracious contributions; and
WHEREAS, With them throughout have been their two beautiful daughters,
Samantha and Stefanie, both of whom feel privileged to be a part of
their lives and rejoice in their achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Steve and Shelley Turk have
displayed throughout their lives; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Steve and Shelley Turk upon the occasion of their designation as
recipients of the Quality of Life Award by Family Services on April 21,
2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Steve and Shelley Turk.