Earlier today our friends at White Pines Resort in White Pines State Park made the announcement that they will be closing their doors after 80 years of service. Beth George, the concessionaire for 31 years has decided that she is not able to continue absorbing expenses with no definitive date of re-opening. This news has left us heartbroken. Beth and I have been friends for 20 years, in fact she helped me come to Starved Rock. We have shared all the joys and tribulations of operating a business in a state park and I know that this was the toughest decision she has ever had to make.
With that being said, we want to assure you that Starved Rock Lodge is still here. We are fighting the fight. We are making adjustments, re-working our budget and taking advantage of all the resources we can. We have been supported by the government with a PPP Loan and by our bank with assurances of assistance. Mostly we have been supported by you, our faithful guests. You continue to make reservations, are willing to reschedule your weddings and just as important, continue to give us your words of hope and encouragement.
Our park superintendent has worked with the Lodge to create a plan of action for re-opening which we have shared with the Department of Natural Resources. We want to be open, serving you and getting our staff back to work. We want to do it in a safe and positive way that will assure wellbeing for all of us.
We ask that you please continue to support us. If you can take a gift card instead of a refund that is more helpful than you can know. If you can reschedule a wedding, a meeting or family outing that gives us hope for the future.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the historic Starved Rock Lodge.
Yours in travel,
Amy and Karl Trimble
Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center
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