$20 Million Marina Facility Planned At Lake Pleasant

AZBW NEWS SERVICE — Construction is expected to begin this summer on a new $20 million marina facility at Lake Pleasant.

Skipper Marine Development Inc., of Winthrop Harbor, Ill., a firm that owns or operates 24 marine-related facilities throughout the Midwest, plans to begin construction in July of the Scorpion Bay Marina and Yacht Club — a 200-acre project located within the boundaries of the Lake Pleasant Regional Park on the lake’s west shoreline, said Mark Ellerbrock of Skipper Marina Development.

The project, which was approved by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in December, grants Lake Pleasant Marina Partners LLC — consisting of local marine dealer Dennis Gorney, Skipper Marine Development principal Mike Pretasky Sr., and marine-industry veteran Dave Pretasky — a 35-year concession to build and operate the marina, which is expected to open in January 2007.

Both Pretaskys are from Wisconsin. Gorney has owned the Sun Country Marine boat dealership in Phoenix for 25 years.

"Our plan is to develop a family friendly marina with all the amenities the boating public would find at any world-class lakeside facility," said Ellerbrock.

"Scorpion Bay will have a park-like setting with slips, boat storage availability, a tram system for easy access to the marina, fuel docks, boat rentals, launch ramp, restrooms, store, deli, and state-of-the art decking."

According to Bill Scalzo, director of the Maricopa County Parks Department, the new marina will be located just north of the park department’s operations center and will be a financial boon to the county with $4 million expected in revenues. The revenues will be reinvested in the park.

"We expect to see an additional 200,000 boaters annually at Lake Pleasant, and Scorpion Bay will play a large part in serving those people," Scalzo said. "The new marina will serve in an economical manner all boaters, ranging from those with small fishing boats to huge cruisers."

Rates for 2007 will range from $335 per month for an uncovered 30-foot slip to $810 per month for a covered 50-foot slip. End ties and boat and trailer storage ashore will also be available.

Slips can be reserved for the 2007 season with a $500 non-refundable deposit, said Ellerbrock.

For more information about Scorpion Bay Marina and Yacht Club or to reserve a slip, call 1-800-636-BOAT (2628) or visit www.skipperbuds.com.