Repairs at Roman Nose hinge on vision for park
Tourism: Commission is committed to updating and maintaining area
$1 million is approved for repairs, but upgrades may cost millions more.
Roman Nose repairs hinge on vision for park's future

By Julie Bisbee

Published: June 27, 2008

WATONGA — Roman Nose could be the next state park to get a major upgrade.

Earlier this month, the state Tourism Commission approved $1 million in funds for repairs at the park near Watonga. But first, commissioners must decide the future of the park and the improvements there.

Featured Gallery

 

Advertisement

It could take nearly $3.5 million to $4 million to upgrade the park, including its deteriorating lodge, and make it competitive, said Hardy Watkins, executive director of the state Tourism and Recreation Department.

Last summer, a storm caused damage to the south wing of the lodge. In the process of making repairs, workers found mold and severe erosion. Since then, the wing's 27 rooms have been out of use, and the park is operating with 20 lodge rooms and 10 cabins, Watkins said.

Members of the Tourism Commission are expected to tour the lodge and meet with community members at the state park, one of Oklahoma's original five state parks.

"We've presented the information to the commission, and we need to visit with them about the findings and make some recommendations for forward progress,” Watkins said. "I think there will be strong opinions and a lot of discussion.”

The golf course at the park, which features canyons and varied terrain, is a popular destination for many Oklahomans, Watkins said.

While the degree of changes is undecided, Watkins said the state is committed to updating the park and maintaining it. The lodge needs upgrades to draw the modern traveler, Watkins said.

To address some of the problems, the Tourism Department had looked to private developers.

The area that once made up Lake Texoma State Park has been sold to a private developer who plans a residential-resort development. At Lake Murray, the Tourism Department is leasing the lodge to the Ardmore Tourism Authority, which plans to build a resort-style hotel and update the cabins on the lake.

At Roman Nose, the solution might be different.

"Roman Nose gives up the opportunity to go in and create what the park was originally intended to be with a state lodge facility,” Watkins said. "It doesn't need a huge capacity, but it gives us an opportunity to have a vision of what it could be.”

Watkins said he expects a master plan for development at Roman Nose to emerge in the 60 to 90 days after meetings with commission members, legislators and the public.

The commission's July meeting will be at the lodge at Roman Nose.

Your thoughts!