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Resort needs to survive
Published Wednesday, June 25, 2008
It is certainly unfortunate that the bank which loaned $13 million to the owners of Thumper Pond needed to file a foreclosure notice.
Let’s hope that, after the smoke clears, Thumper Pond continues to operate as a golf course and resort.
When the golf course was built in 2001 and the hotel in 2005, it was the hope that Thumper Pond would become a tourist destination, similar to large-scale resorts in Alexandria and Brainerd. Whether it was a result of a bad economic timing, or the fact that Otter Tail County’s lakes area will not support a large resort the way the Alexandria and Brainerd markets do, it is likely too early to tell.
Let’s hope it is a matter of timing. Between the jobs it creates and the visitors it can potentially attract, Thumper Pond can be a vital cog in terms of economic development for our area.
While permanent lake residents are nice to have in Otter Tail County, visitors are equally, if not more, important.
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by tsy86h (anonymous) on June 25, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OJ Simpson is golfing at Thumper Pond right now.
Posted by antiquesforsale (anonymous) on June 25, 2008 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We had a family reunion at Thumper last July - we loved it! They were very accommodating to us. However - it would have been nice to have the lake accessible right "out front" like the Alex and Brainerd resorts - we had to pack up and drive down 3 miles to the wayside rest (which was well kept)and have our games/pictures/catered meal. Although the lake was many steps down from the wayside, and the older folks couldn't get down there to sit by it - we did have a great view!
Just heard that Carlson Companies is laying off hundreds of workers too - they are in the same business. If they can't make a go of it - then a smaller venue like Thumper surely would have a tough time.
I hope things can be worked out as the facility is wonderful.
Posted by eripsni (anonymous) on June 27, 2008 at 6:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Carlson is in a just a few other businesses as well...
Posted by JeffS (anonymous) on June 28, 2008 at 3:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The big problem with Thumperpond was stated above. No lake right out the front door. If someone lives in Fargo or Minneapolis there are a few options for golf resorts that do have lake access. The Brainerd area has some beautiful courses that are on the Lake (ie. Madden's/ Cragun's, etc.). Fair Hills is closer to Fargo and is also home to two golf courses.
Thumperpond is a great golf course that also has a hotel attached. Unfortunately it will never compete with a resort that has Lake front property. One more point, Izaty's in Mille Lacs recently was foreclosed on/bankrupt as well (I'm not certain as to the specifics, but they had financial trouble). The resort business is tough and the price of gas won't help any.
Posted by codei (anonymous) on June 30, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
was any research even done during the planning of this facility? who exactly did they think would be packing the parking lots every weekend and selling out all the rooms?
"duuuuur, lets open a golf course by ot lake cuz thatz where all duh mini apple uz millyunairz r! uh hur hur hur!"
"if you build it, they will come"
why do i think that was the thought behind the foolish decision to proceed with this failed escapade? sounds like logic similar to the bed wetters who wanted to blindly spend a mountain of money on a new school.
don't take any money in? push a ton out the door? yeah, this is what happens.
"it was hoped...". that's nice, hope all you want. as thumper pond is about to discover, hope and good intentions don't pay bills and
the midwest is one of the last bastions of common sense. please do not cast it aside in favor of this luxury nonsense for which there is no market.
Posted by richan (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)
having only been to the restaurant at Thumper Pond once, and since I don't play golf. the presence of this resort is of small matter to Me. on a personal level. however the area needs badly some form of destination point. with banquet capacity for up to 600 people. so perhaps some thought could be given to growing the Fair Hills facility to that end. and develope thumper pond into a very high class golf venue. that in itself could be a marketable destination. these ideas all being contingent on getting gas prices back to pre 2003 levels. so perhaps it is all a dream.
Posted by pilsnerurquel (anonymous) on July 2, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thumper Pond is nice but 1) the lake isn't close enough and there isn't a beach right out the front door, 2) there aren't enough retail stores and restaurants near by to draw people who want the "whole experience" of shopping, relaxing by the water and fine dining and 3) Ottertail City just simply isn't well known enough or large enough population wise to compete with the likes of Alexandria, Brainerd, Detroit Lakes, etc.
Thumper Pond was a diaster waiting to happen.
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