COEUR d'ALENE - He spent more than two decades turning an old airstrip into one of the top tourist destinations in the Northwest, and on Thursday he was recognized for his perseverance.

Gary Norton, the visionary owner of Silverwood Theme Park, was honored for his Outstanding Individual Achievement in Recreation and Tourism at the annual Take Pride in Idaho awards at the Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism in Boise.

"Silverwood is famous and a very huge driver of the economy," Lt. Gov. Brad Little told The Press late Thursday. "The state has a very good reason to recognize his contribution"

Take Pride in Idaho awards are given annually to organizations and individuals for their outstanding efforts to promote and preserve Idaho's tourism and recreation resources. Winners were selected by a panel of judges from the governor's office, National Arts Commission, Idaho Historical Society and Preservation Idaho, Idaho Recreation and Tourism Initiative, Idaho RV Campgrounds Association.

Norton was nominated by several individuals and organizations.

"Since opening in 1988, not only has Gary's ambitious vision of Silverwood surpassed all expectations, it now draws over a half million visitors from out of state to North Idaho," said the nomination from the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce. "Silverwood is a generous benefactor and partner with all of the communities in the Panhandle, contributing to our new Visitor Center in Post Falls and dedicating staff to serve on tourism committees and in leadership capacities."

John Geddes, owner, and Mike Murphy, general manager of Triple Play in Hayden, also submitted a nomination.

"Mr. Norton invested millions of dollars during the first 10 years of Silverwood's existence with little or no return," they said. "Gary is a proud Idahoan who had faith in North Idaho's tourism industry and against multiple odds continues to invest in Idaho. Because of these investments, he has put North Idaho on the map and in doing so he has encouraged others to invest in Idaho's future by building hotels, restaurants and other attractions."

Norton, whose son Paul sits on the Idaho Travel Council, said their persistence in upgrading the park's attractions over the years has made Silverwood a success, and he was grateful for the award.

"We worked really hard," he said. "I am pleased to be recognized for what we're doing. I'm more than happy."

Little, sitting in for Gov. Butch Otter at the presentation, said he has visited Silverwood and was impressed with it, but Thursday was only the second time he met Norton.

"Given the way the economy has been, I would say he is tenacious," Little said.

Other North Idaho awards included Outstanding Visitor Information Center Award, presented to the Bonners Ferry Gateway Visitors Center, and the Outstanding Visitor Information Center Volunteer, Salinda Holderman, Bonners Ferry Gateway Visitors Center.