Bass Lake Beach and Campground Operator Plans Repairs, Amid Questions from Park Board

Posted on May 24, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

The operators of the Bass Lake Beach and Campground say they’re making some updates to the facility, after several repairs were suggested during a recent inspection. Lessee Richard Callahan, his attorney Dave Wallsmith, and assistant manager Larry Clarich met with the Starke County Park Board Tuesday to address those concerns.

Repairs to the guardrail surrounding the beach house patio are underway, according to Wallsmith. The inspection report noted concrete damage, causing the railing to become loose.

However, County Attorney Marty Lucas took issue with some parts of Callahan’s written response to the report. “You think repairing the railing is a capital improvement?” Lucas asked. “That’s what it says, ‘Any permanent repair would constitute a capital improvement.’ So when a railing goes out, that’s a capital improvement. Seriously? I mean, I’ve got to tell you, I would really appreciate some good faith cooperation on this.”

While the inspection report said that a section of railing was missing, Wallsmith and Clarich explained that there had never been a railing there. In the end, they agreed that repairing the existing railing was not in and of itself a capital improvement.

Park Board President Debbie Mix noted that Callahan made several improvements to the property when he first began operating it nearly 10 years ago. But she was concerned that a lack of use has caused the beach house to deteriorate since then. “How is there a hole in the ceiling?” she asked. “It’s this big. It’s a whole panel big, and then you can see the sky straight up.”

Clarich responded that they were aware of the problem and were already planning repairs at the time of the inspection. As for how that hole got there in the first place, no one’s entirely sure. Clarich pointed out that the inspector found no water damage to the roof, but animals may have damaged the ceiling tiles. In any case, Clarich said the ceiling tiles have been replaced.

Meanwhile, Callahan said the beach and campground still look as good as they did when he first opened them in 2008, after making his initial improvements. “Other than new paint that it needs, pretty much,: he said. “Maybe better.” Mix disagreed.

Several electrical issues were also noted in the inspection report. Many junction boxes in the beach house attic are missing their covers. While it’s not in a public area, Clarich said it could be a fire hazard and plans to fix the issue. Other electrical repairs are also planned.

But when it comes to many of the upgrades, Wallsmith pointed out that the buildings are old and never had many of the features common in new construction. “The duty, as I see it, in order to receive the benefits of an antiquity and the maintenance of it, is maintaining it at the style and character as it was when it was created,” he said.

Lucas was not so sure. “Well that’s creative. I’ll give you that,” he responded. “But you’re not going to find that in the lease anywhere.”

For now, various members of the park board are planning at least a couple of site visits in the coming weeks, to monitor the progress.