With legal disputes fading, Iowa officials are optimistic new operators can finally make Honey Creek Resort the success it was meant to be when it opened nearly 20 years ago. State Department of Administrative Services Director Mark Campbell said the property remains full of promise and called its future “the exciting part” of the transition.Campbell said Honey Creek is “one of Iowa’s best kept secrets,” arguing many people still do not understand what the resort offers. He said the state believes the next operators can better capitalize on the destination’s lakeside setting and existing amenities.He also praised the previous concessionaires for their effort but said a change was needed. “Our prior concessionaires really tried and did the best they could, and we thank them for that,” Campbell said. “But I think it’s time we get somebody in here that has the expertise, has the knowledge, and has the ability to really hit the ground running.”On the lodging side, Embergrove Hospitality has taken over resort operations. A company representative said the fit was natural because many of its properties already embrace a rustic waterfront identity.“A lot of our hotels are a cabin-by-the-lake feel, and here we are in a cabin by the lake,” said Mark Creger, Embergrove Hospitality. “We just thought it was the perfect fit for us.”The resort is expected to reopen this summer, with officials hoping for as early as the July 4 holiday weekend. Guest rooms and cabins appear close to ready, but the pool still needs major repairs after the previous operators had proposed replacing it with mini golf. The company that originally installed the pool is expected to restore it for a fall opening.Local tourism leaders said the resort’s closure in late October hurt the regional economy. Delaney Cruzic, executive director of Promoting Appanoose and Centerville Together, said Honey Creek plays an outsized role in local business activity.“I say it’s the key to our local economy thriving versus being just OK,” Cruzic said. “You see it directly in the hotel-motel revenue.”Meanwhile, Maxim Golf Group said the golf course could reopen within days, with the 18-hole course scheduled to open a week from Saturday. Company partner Josh Black said neglected courses are its specialty. The current arrangement is on a short-term contract.Both operators hope to prove they deserve long-term status.
MORAVIA, Iowa —
With legal disputes fading, Iowa officials are optimistic new operators can finally make Honey Creek Resort the success it was meant to be when it opened nearly 20 years ago.
State Department of Administrative Services Director Mark Campbell said the property remains full of promise and called its future “the exciting part” of the transition.
Campbell said Honey Creek is “one of Iowa’s best kept secrets,” arguing many people still do not understand what the resort offers.
He said the state believes the next operators can better capitalize on the destination’s lakeside setting and existing amenities.
He also praised the previous concessionaires for their effort but said a change was needed.
“Our prior concessionaires really tried and did the best they could, and we thank them for that,” Campbell said. “But I think it’s time we get somebody in here that has the expertise, has the knowledge, and has the ability to really hit the ground running.”
On the lodging side, Embergrove Hospitality has taken over resort operations.
A company representative said the fit was natural because many of its properties already embrace a rustic waterfront identity.
“A lot of our hotels are a cabin-by-the-lake feel, and here we are in a cabin by the lake,” said Mark Creger, Embergrove Hospitality. “We just thought it was the perfect fit for us.”
The resort is expected to reopen this summer, with officials hoping for as early as the July 4 holiday weekend.
Guest rooms and cabins appear close to ready, but the pool still needs major repairs after the previous operators had proposed replacing it with mini golf.
The company that originally installed the pool is expected to restore it for a fall opening.
Local tourism leaders said the resort’s closure in late October hurt the regional economy.
Delaney Cruzic, executive director of Promoting Appanoose and Centerville Together, said Honey Creek plays an outsized role in local business activity.
“I say it’s the key to our local economy thriving versus being just OK,” Cruzic said. “You see it directly in the hotel-motel revenue.”
Meanwhile, Maxim Golf Group said the golf course could reopen within days, with the 18-hole course scheduled to open a week from Saturday.
Company partner Josh Black said neglected courses are its specialty.
The current arrangement is on a short-term contract.
Both operators hope to prove they deserve long-term status.