Winjum Outlines Huge RV Expansion at Izatys Resort To Area Residents

Roy Winjum, the Faribault businessman, who signed a purchase agreement to buy Izatys in mid February presented his 250-site RV Development plan to local residents Saturday afternoon at Izatys Resort. Overall, he received mostly positive reviews from a group that stands to gain or lose from the proposed expansion.

Winjum went on the offensive to explain the details of the development, which is planned for three phases.  The first phase, if his deal closes, will commence next summer with 115 RV sites developed.  These sites are 4,000 square feet and include a concrete pad, power, water and sewer. Winjum stated that he plans to reopen the front nine of Sanctary Golf Course next season as well.

The more than 200 people attending the meeting were local residents who Winjum would like to help endorse his planned development, which has to get over several Mille Lacs County hurdles to become reality. The group asked many questions of Winjum, resort manager Jason Tollette and the engineer who is handling the project.

The first hurdle is getting a feasible sewer addition to the current Izatys Resort system or a stand alone system that can handle and disperse effluent.  This needs county and state approval.  Winjum explained that local residents can expect to receive notice from the county soon for a town meeting regarding the expansion.

His proposal includes placing the 250 sites on the former back nine of Sanctuary Golf Course.  His in-road will come off 85th Avenue just to the west of the current Zappa Management building.  His out road drew some concern from residents who say 92nd avenue isn't large enough to accomodate RVs on a narrow road.  Winjum said that the outroad would be used for emergency only and maybe a small cart path for golf carts so that they can get to BayView Bar and Grill.

Other local resident hot buttons were:  Security and how to patrol the expanded area, including penalties for violators.  Winjum owns three other RV Parks in LeCenter, Faribualt and Howard Lake and said he deals with repeated problems by ejecting problem tenants from the premises.

Several Izatys Townhouse Association members asked questions.  One asked what his plan was to prevent joy riding golf carters and pedestrians from trampling across the backyards of the ITA property along the lake. "That will happen only once," Winjum said. "They'll get the word that that is not allowed."

Another resident voiced concerns about increased boat trailering traffic on Par 5 Drive and bottlenecks at the marina.  Winjum said that all RV site campers will be required to move their cars and trailers once they have launched.  He also said that township and county rules apply to speeds along the newly-tarred road.

For the most part, the audience was cordial and many seemed happy with what Winjum was telling them.  Time will tell as to how this group will receive the new development.  Local business owners seemed to be in unanimious support.  They will benefit for more than 1,000 additional vacationers once the RV Park is filled to capacity.

Winjum said that he expects the park to employ from 16-25 people full-time when is enters its third phase, adding jobs to the local economy. Winjum is going to speak to Izatys Townhome Association owners on Saturday, April 24th.

Winjum said that for Izatys Resort to be financially viable, a RV Park is the only answer.  He said bars and restaurants, golf courses and hotels were largely money-losing ventures as has been proven with previous Izatys regimes.

Blackbrook Golf Course opens this Friday.  Club 19 and the Links Lodge are open for business on weekends in April and will open full-time in May through the end of the October season.  Jason and Sherry Tollette are operating the resort for Winjum this season.  Steve Tideman and his son, Tony, will operate Walleye World and operate the launch service with Lady of the Lake.

For more information on lodging, golf or marina rentals, contact 320-532-4574.