·         GFP Seeks Proposals for Operation and Expansion of Spring Creek Resort

·         Upcoming S.D. State Park Programs Provide Family Recreation and Education

 

GFP Seeks Proposals for Operation and Expansion of Spring Creek Resort


PIERRE, S.D. – According to the South Dakota Game, Fish and Park officials, entrepreneurs interested in operating and expanding the largest marina on Lake Oahe can now begin submitting their proposals.

 

"Spring Creek Resort has been a key access point and recreation center for lower Lake Oahe for decades,” said Doug Hofer, director of the Division of Parks and Recreation. "Perhaps the most exciting element of this opportunity is to be a part of developing and growing a new deep-water marina at this site."

 

Part of the prospectus lays out the requirements for the establishment of a new deep-water marina that will provide quality access to a large number of marina slips through the widest range of reservoir levels possible.  “That way,” said Hofer, “boaters and recreational users will have a facility that they know they can count on from one year to the next.”

 

The prospectus for the operation of Spring Creek Resort is now available online and through the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. The prospectus details the terms and conditions under which interested operators may submit a proposal for consideration. It also includes a detailed business opportunity, the requirements necessary to submit a proposal and a draft concession agreement for a term of ten to twenty years. Required services include a marina, food, beverage, lodging, cabin rental, retail goods and boat fuel. Proposals must be submitted by September 17, 2007, at 3 p.m. Central Daylight Time.

 

Lake Oahe is South Dakota’s largest body of water with over 300,000 acres, and extends 230 miles north from near Pierre to Bismarck, N.D.  Its endless beauty, water, shoreline and central location make this one of South Dakota’s most extraordinary recreational resources.

 

A copy of the prospectus is available by contacting the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, Division of Parks and Recreation at 523 East Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501 or at 605-773-3391. Printable versions of the prospectus are also available for free download from the Game, Fish and Parks website at www.sdgfp.info/SpringCreekResort.htm.

 

Spring Creek Recreation Area is located approximately 20 miles north of Pierre, off Highway 1804.

-GFP-

 

Upcoming S.D. State Park Programs Provide Family Recreation and Education

 

PIERRE, S.D. - Educational and recreational programming in South Dakota's state parks is increasing in the busy summer camping season. On July 14, several parks will offer programs that allow visitors to join a guided hike, learn how to cook in a Dutch oven or just enjoy a day on the beach.

 

·        Sacajawea's Story Walk in the Park, Lewis and Clark Recreation Area near Yankton, 9:30 a.m. Learn the story of the woman who traveled with Lewis and Clark, how she survived, what she did and why they relied on her. Info: (605) 668-2985

·        Yankton Trilogy Disc Golf Tournament, Yankton, S.D., 9:00 a.m. Tournament participants will compete on three different courses including Memorial Park in Yankton, Cottonwood Campground Day Use Area and Gavins Point Day Use Area. Prizes will be awarded for different divisions and skill levels. Registration is $10 through July 13 or $15 the day of the tournament. Registration fees will be used towards prizes.  Contact Lewis and Clark Recreation Area to register or for information: (605) 668-2985

·        Lake Herman Family Jubilee/Beach Bash, Lake Herman State Park near Madison, 10:30 a.m. Come for a day of sun and sand. Make sand candles, have floater races and participate in a number of other beach activities. Info: (605) 256-5003

·        Family Fun Day, Farm Island Recreation Area near Pierre, 1 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of family fun in the park. There will be a variety of fun and games for the entire family. Info: (605) 773-2885

·        Starlight Star Bright Walk in the Park, Farm Island Recreation Area near Pierre, 10 p.m. On this night walk on Farm Island, participants will learn what goes on after the sun sets - how animals see, what noises they make, where they live and what they do. Info: (605) 773-2885

·        5th Annual Dutch Oven Gathering, Big Sioux Recreation Area near Brandon, 3 p.m. Experts, beginners and tasters alike are invited to learn tips and recipes from fellow Dutch oven cooks. How to cook various foods using Dutch ovens will be demonstrated. Visitors can ask questions, talk with the cooks and get tips. At 6:30 p.m. a potluck will be held. Visitors should bring a dish to share and will get to try the food made throughout the day. If you are interested in cooking at the event or would like more information, please contact the park office: (605) 594-3824

 

All programs, except the Yankton Trilogy Disc Golf Tournament are free to participate in. A park entrance license is required to enter the parks. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. These programs are in addition to the regular programming held at the state parks and recreation areas.

 

The Walk in the Park programs are part of a series of educational, guided hikes held throughout the year in South Dakota state parks, recreation areas and nature preserves. Park staff and volunteers lead the programs, which are co-sponsored by the S.D. Departments of Health.

 

For more information on activities in the S.D. state parks, visit www.SDparks.info, contact the individual park office or call (605) 773-3391.

 

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