DAVIS – Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge has closed for two months. The lodge is closed from March 1, 2015 through April 30, 2015. The lodge is schedule to and is taking reservations for its re-opening on May 1, 2015.
The lodge building which is over 50 years old was formally opened in 1957. Once known as the “Lodge in the Sky”, it is undergoing extensive water line and electrical system replacement. All lodge rooms, the restaurant, and the pool area are closed at this time. The park itself remains open as do the cabins, the front desk, gift shop, restrooms, and administrative offices.
Park Superintendent Rob Gilligan said that the park is using the time to do deep cleaning of the facilities and work that they wouldn’t normally be able to do. He mentioned painting, hot tub repair, carpets, etc. all being cleaned and refreshed. When asked about the effect this would have on employee hours, Gilligan stated that there had been very little impact from normal because this time of year’s rentals are slow anyway.
Water lines original to the lodge structure are being replaced and while the walls and ceilings are open it was thought to be the perfect time to upgrade the electrical system.
“Electrical upgrades are part of the project,” Gilligan said. “Guest rooms share electrical circuits with each other. In the 50’s (when the lodge was built) blow dryers, curling irons and other items were not available and who would have ever thought? The circuit upgrades are to prevent them from being overloaded and tripping circuit breakers.”
Closed also is the lodge’s restaurant. Gilligan said that their partner in the restaurant, US Hotels and Resorts, is using the time for a deep cleaning and new training opportunities for the staff. He said the company plans on remaking the dining experience, offering new and appetizing menus and services. US Hotels and Resorts are planning a grand re-opening around the beginning of May to showcase the changes.
The park encourages people to not let the improvements at the lodge stop them from calling or coming by to enjoy all things that can be found at Blackwater Falls.
With all of these extensive infrastructure repairs one can only hope that the state will place value on some aesthetic renovations in the near future for one of Tucker County’s most venerable landmarks. After more than fifty years of standing guard over the falls and welcoming honeymooners and families alike, she certainly has earned it.
