09/02/2026
The dream of blessing others is becoming a reality! Concrete has been poured for David's Refuge. WE are so thankful!
David’s Refuge
In the early 1980’s, our parents, grandparents and great grandparents, David and Louise Maas, had so many dreams about developing a beautiful and special property named Pleasant Valley. They had recently purchased this wooded valley, and we (Steve and Sharon Maas) moved back to this area to live and to help them with their dreams.
For many years we as a extended family, developed and maintained Pleasant Valley as a Cross-Country Ski Resort and Retreat Center with lodging and trails, as a year-around facility for families and groups. The skiing facet was set aside many years ago, but the lodging business has continued for over 48 years. Louise passed away in 2006 and David passed away in 2015, but their dream lives on in different ways with Pleasant Valley, as we have never stopped hosting people for lodging, reflection, and the soulful enjoyment of the valley’s natural and varied beauty and solitude.
One of David and Louise’s great aspirations and ours’ as a family, was and is to share this place with as many people as possible, as a place to appreciate God’s beauty and connect with Him in some way. Our family, now in its fourth generation of involvement with Pleasant Valley, all share this same dream.
We have had for many years had cabins in the wooded valley available for lodging for individuals, couples and families. Yet, one aspect of our dreams remains unfulfilled. A basic rustic cabin, available for any person or persons, without any charge, if they are desiring and searching for a deeper relationship with God or needing a place of refuge or a place for refreshment for their soul. This idea is ancient, but also current, in the idea of a hermitage retreat for the soul. Our current dream and desire is to build a rustic cabin called “David’s Refuge” which will be a simple one room cabin with, books, a bed and a chair and a desk. The cabin’s name comes both from the legacy of David in the Bible, who sought the Lord and His peace in the “green pastures and quiet waters” and David our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who found refuge and peace at Pleasant Valley. The cabin will be very basic, simple, and dedicated as a place to come and find a refreshing of the soul. All guests will be asked to refrain from using electronic devices, to allow their soul be be nourished by the beauty and ambience of Pleasant Valley.
David’s Refuge Cabin will be open for three seasons, Spring, Summer and Fall.
Any help in building David's Refuge, would be greatly appreciated if you see this new cabin, as a something of value and importance. We, as family and friends of Pleasant Valley, thank you for any monetary donations, material donations and help in the construction this small cabin (130 – 150 square foot). Bathroom facilities are accessed by an outside door on the nearby Brookside Cabin.
We are a small family business and not a non-profit entity, so any monetary gifts, will not be tax deductible. Still, this is our promise … Every single dollar donated will be used to build and maintain David’s Refuge, and not one single dollar will be used for any other purpose. If you are moved in your heart to support us in helping us build and establish the “David’s Refuge” cabin, it will be much appreciated by our family. Your support will encourage others and may help someone find their way in a broken world. Special thanks to the many who have given donations directly to us or given through our David's Refuge, “Go Fund Me” page.
The Maas Family, Pleasant Valley, 18278 SD Hwy 22, Gary, SD 57237 – 605-881-9024
For over 48 years, Pleasant Valley has been a place of welcome, reflection, an… Steve Maas needs your support for Help Build David’s Refuge at Pleasant Valley
