(Okoboji)– Some popular attractions in the Iowa Great Lakes under the umbrella of Parks Marina are changing hands. Debbie and Butch Parks have announced several of their properties have been sold. Debbie Parks tells KUOO news the decision wasn’t made lightly…
“With heavy hearts and some excitement, we’re announcing the transition of ownership of many of our properties: The Central Emporium over in Arnolds Park will switch hands; all of the property at Okoboji Boat Works including the residential area will change hands, O’Farrell Sisters will change hands. Now the things that will remain the same is we’re happy to announce that the Central Emporium will continue on as it is under new ownership; O’Farrell Sisters will still be there. The future of the Okoboji Boat Works property is likely unknown but I do not believe it will continue as a marina facility. It will change the landscape in Okoboji some and none with more thought put into it than Butch and I. We were so proud to own it for 23 years. I think we were the longest owners in the history of the property.”
Parks says they’re especially proud of what they were able to accomplish over the years at Okoboji Boat Works, or OBW…
“We’ve overcome a lot. You know that property was surrounded by drama when we first purchased it. I think a lot of people had opinions on what should be done there. We overcame a lot and persevered and I couldn’t be prouder of the team at Parks Marina and Okoboji Boat Works and everything we’ve accomplished over there and things do change. It’s sad but it will definitely further strengthen the Parks Marina team over at the East Lake location and the future couldn’t be brighter. We’re going to be able to do some capital improvements we’ve been wanting to do and move most of our services over to Parks Marina. That would be a goal. I’m excited for the employees of Parks Marina and what the future looks like for us over there.”
She adds she and Butch have mixed emotions over the decision, but she says the timing was right…
“I’m sad to see the landscape change in Okoboji as far as Smith’s Bay goes, but at this time period for our family it was a choice that, kind of one of those things that was a really, really difficult decision to make. We’ve had time to digest it. I know that probably the people of Okoboji are probably a little surprised, and I’m sad to see it change but it was just one of those things that the timing was right for us.”
Employees of the affected properties were informed of the changes on Friday. The changes in ownership go into effect January 31st, 2025.
