Starke County now has its own park superintendent. The appointment of Marc Vendl to this position was made during Thursday’s special county park board meeting. According to the park board, Vendl was previously the park administrator for Logansport. He also managed many campgrounds and beaches throughout Texas.
One of his primary responsibilities in Starke County will be the Bass Lake Beach & Campground. He shared his plans for the facility with campers during Thursday’s meeting but wanted to hear their feedback before sharing them, a report said.
Vendl stated, “I drove through this park and thought, ‘This is a dump.’ There are cars parked there. Trailers are scattered all over the park, including boat trailers and other similar items. There is no park organization. We have to do better.”
He also stated that he wants seasonal campers who are ready to “take ownership” of the campground. However, he also wants overnight visitors. He stated, “You cannot market something that isn’t marketable. We are not yet marketable, but we will.”
He plans to meet campers at the Bass Lake Beach House on Sunday, September 4, at noon, as a next step.
Vendl stated that he isn’t new to the area as his family has owned property at the lake for over 40 years. He will be the county park superintendent. However, Bruce Wakeland, Starke County Forest manager, will continue to be involved in its management. At the conclusion of Thursday’s meeting, heated discussion raged over whether Vendl would be allowed to extend his authority to Koontz Lake.
Richard Ballard, President of Park Board, said Vendl was among two “excellent” candidates who were interviewed for the job. Kathy Norem, a Board Member, said that Vendl will be paid the highest salary in the range. He will be starting his official duties on September 13, the report added.
