“If you build it, they will come.” This famous line from the motion picture Field of Dreams applies just as much to the new bent grass fairways nestled along Rathbun Lake’s shoreline as it does to the fictional Dyersville baseball diamond that was portrayed in the 1989 hit movie. The links-style course near Moravia is attracting golfers from every corner of Iowa and, more importantly, from surrounding states.

According to Darin Fisher, The Preserve’s PGA Professional, the positive economic impact resulting from the influx of visitors to Honey Creek Resort State Park is just

beginning. Designed by renowned architect Kevin Norby, The Preserve is quickly becoming a favorite among golfers of all skill levels and was recently recognized as one of the best new public courses in the United States by several leading golf publications. The honors include runner-up status as Development of the Year from Golf, Inc.; honorable mention as one of the nation’s top new courses from Golf Magazine; and a top 10 ranking from Golf Digest in its January 2010 edition.

“Although we encountered some construction delays prior to opening due to weather conditions, the word is quickly spreading that we have a world-class facility right here in southern Iowa,” Fisher said.” Judging by the license plates of cars in the parking lot last summer, we’re drawing visitors from across the Midwest.”

Fisher points out that all 18 holes of The Preserve stay true to its name because the course was carefully designed and built to maximize the unique southern Iowa terrain and beautiful lake views while maintaining an eco-friendly balance.

“The Iowa Department of Natural Resources knows the importance of sustainability. That’s why every inch of this course is designed to incorporate as much of the existing landscape as possible with little to no adverse effects on the surrounding environment,” Fisher said. “In fact, fewer than 200,000 cubic yards of dirt was moved during the construction phase.” Course Superintendent Erik Hansen and the grounds keeping staff are currently working to achieve Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary

Program certification which recognizes practices that limit the potentially harmful impacts of golf course operations. “At the end of the day, our goal is to be good stewards of the land,” added Fisher.

Because Iowa ranks among the highest for number of golf courses per capita, competition for customers is fierce. That’s why Fisher directs his staff to provide a level of service that is second to none. “Earning repeat business starts with great employees delivering extraordinary service,” Fisher said. “We strive to give each guest a ‘country club’ experience at a value price.” Golfers recognize the extra service the moment they arrive at the clubhouse. Cart attendants meet each guest in the parking lot to assist in unloading clubs and gear. “First impressions set the tone for the day,” Fisher said. At the end of a round, players are greeted on the 18th green and enjoy convenient cart return and free club cleaning prior to heading home.

A key factor in the growing success of the course and resort complex is the financial support received from the local community. Peoples State Bank is the official sponsor of Hole #1 and a sponsor of the golf cart GPS system. “The generous support provided by Peoples State Bank has been instrumental in turning the dream of The Preserve into reality,” Fisher said. With all of the challenges Fisher faced to launch The Preserve to a successful first full season, he still found time to organize a boys and girls golf team at Moravia High School in 2009 - the first in the school’s history. He also successfully coordinated a series of “9 and Wine” couples events that featured the products of nearby Iowa wineries. More special events are in the works for the 2010 season, including corporate outings and amateur tournaments.

So what’s a golf pro to do during the cold and snowy Iowa winter months? Plenty, according to Fisher. He’s busy refining the clubhouse food and apparel offerings, as well as attending industry trade shows to attract out-of-state players and help build a steady stream of corporate customers. His ultimate goal is to transform The Preserve into one of the Midwest’s top golf destinations. A native of Nashua, Iowa, Fisher is a 1997 graduate of Central College. He and his wife, Jeni, live in Albia and have three children, ages 6, 4 and 2. His previous professional experience includes positions at golf courses in Missouri, Des Moines, the Amana Colonies and Pella.

Residents in the five-county area surrounding The Preserve can receive discounted rates during the 2010 season by presenting valid identification.

For more information and to reserve tee times, call (641) 724-1400 or visit www.honeycreekresort.com and click on “The Preserve” link.

Wedding Show Individual Booth Space Pricing

Sunday, January 24, 2010
11:00am to 3:00pm

PREMIUM SPACE -$125

1-8’x2’ table, topped, skirted and 2 chairs
Electrical power is an additional fee of $25
Vendors may sell directly to the public at the show

PLATINUM SPACE -$200

1-8’x2’ table, topped, skirted in premium high traffic locations near runway – limited quantity. Includes 2 chairs
Electrical power is an additional fee of $25
Vendors may sell directly to the public at the show

Booth and tables are rented on a first come basis to all vendors. Booths and tables are not confirmed until full payment has been received. Honey Creek Resort will be giving away prizes. Vendors may choose to participate in giveaways to gain additional exposure and marketing opportunities. Prizes will be awarded on stage. The giveaways will begin at 11:00 am and end with the last drawing at 3:00 pm.

The show will give each bride or groom a registration card. Name, address, phone number, e-mail, and wedding date must be filled out. All of this information is required in order to be eligible for the prize drawings to be held on January 24 2010, need not be present to win.

The show will do special advertising to promote prizes.

Package Includes:
Extensive advertisement of the bridal show in newspapers and radio, posters, etc.
Listing on our website.

Sponsorship
We would like to offer the opportunity for vendors to be sponsors of “The Hidden Gem Bridal Show.”

The sponsorship fee is $250 in addition to your booth fee.

Sponsorship includes:
Your business name on radio announcements
Special recognition during the bridal show
Your business name on print ads

Booth information please  contact  Mallory Downs at 641.724.1433

• Golf Digest has named The Preserve in the “Top 10 Best New Public Courses 2009.”

• Golf magazine selected The Preserve as an Honorable Mention for “Best New Courses You Can Play 2009,”

• Golf Inc. magazine chose the course as runner-up for “Development of the Year for U.S. Courses” in 2009.

The 18-hole golf course is nestled on an 800-acre campus on the north shore of Rathbun Lake in Appanoose County, about 95 miles south of Des Moines. The course features carefully designed hole and fairway placements to enhance the natural landscapes of prairie and oak savanna, while taking full advantage of beautiful lake vistas.

“This course offers something for every golfer in a very unique setting,” said Director of Golf Darin Fisher. “With multiple tee locations, we can challenge the low handicapper and allow novices to enjoy themselves and achieve success, all on the same day.”

According to Fisher, the bent grass tees and fairways are elements of a prestigious golf course while the modest green fees ensure affordability.

“We are extremely proud of the course and see it as a great value for Iowa golfers,” said Fisher. “We are grateful for the accolades that have come our way and will continue the hard work to continually maintain and improve the quality of the course.”

The Preserve was designed by architect Kevin Norby of Herfort-Norby Golf Course Architects, Chaska, Minn., and built by Duininck Golf of Prinsburg, Minn.

The Preserve offers a driving range, putting green and Club Car golf carts equipped with the latest GPS technology. Visitors to Honey Creek Resort State Park can take advantage of several golf packages or make reservations by visiting the website www.honeycreekresort.com or calling (877) 677-3344.

MORAVIA - The Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers, a group of over 100 outdoor/travel media members, has selected Honey Creek Resort State Park as the destination of the annual AGLOW conference in late September of 2011.

Members of Honey Creek Resort State Park recently attended the 2009 AGLOW Conference in Gaylord, MI, bidding against Convention and Visitor’s Bureaus from Osh Kosh, WI and LaPorte County, IN.  At the completion of the conference, Honey Creek Resort was named the selection for the 2011 event.

“We’re very excited and honored to be chosen by the AGLOW members and board as the destination for the 2011 conference,” commented Honey Creek Resort State Park General Manager Jeremie Slagle.  “Not only is the week-long event great for Honey Creek Resort, but each writer will contribute an average of five outdoor articles to some of the top publications in the midwest and the United States, which will benefit the entire south central Iowa area.”

Board members of the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers will be traveling to Honey Creek Resort in mid-October for a site visit and to begin planning for the 2011 event.

For more information regarding Honey Creek Resort State Park, visit www.honeycreekresort.com
For more information on AGLOW, visit www.aglow.info

MORAVIA - Honey Creek Resort State Park, located on Rathbun Lake, will be hosting cooking classes every other week beginning Saturday, Oct. 17.

Conducted by Honey Creek Resort Executive Chef Patrick Koffman.

Koffman will be recreating some of the Lakeshore Grille’s signature dishes, and there is no charge to attend the classes.

For more information, or to register, contact Honey Creek Resort Activities Director Mallory Downs at 641-724-1433.

Moravia, Iowa - The team from The Preserve on Rathbun Lake has advanced to the national finals after beating out eighteen teams at the Iowa Section’s PGA McGladrey Team Championship, held at The Tournament Club of Iowa in Polk City, IA. The National Championships will be held at Pinehurst Resort and Spa in North Carolina October 26-28, 2009.

The McGladrey Team Championship, an event put on by the PGA of America, is comprised of over 20,000 participants spread out over 41 sections.  The format of play is a net 2 man best ball for the team.  The Preserve on Rathbun Lake’s team includes Darin Fisher, PGA, Head Golf Professional and Director of Golf Operations for The Preserve at Honey Creek Resort State Park, Jim Campbell, Joe Bates, and Kevin Pickerell. The team finished with an 18-under-par total of 126, 1 shot ahead of the team from Brown Deer Golf Course in Iowa City.

The Preserve’s 18-hole championship golf course is located at Honey Creek Resort State Park, the newest destination resort in Iowa. The links style course lies along scenic Rathbun Lake. Nestled within the natural setting you will be treated to exciting changes in landscape, bentgrass, greens and fairways, which make the Preserve Iowa’s premiere golf destination.

The Preserve offers a driving range, putting green and Club Car golf carts equipped with the latest GPS technology. Players will enjoy the area’s natural scenery and year-round amenities at the resort.

Take advantage of The Preserve’s fall stay and play packages - with packages that include two rounds of golf, traditional guestrooms or cabins and indoor water park passes. The package is available until October 31^st for $159.00 per night plus tax.

Additional weekday and weekend specials are available through the first of November including the Chili Open Scramble Series. The Chili Open is every Sunday now through November 1^st with a shotgun start at 10am. The event is $40 per person and includes chili lunch. Players will have their name registered for a chance to win a free round of golf and a free 1-night stay at Honey Creek Resort. To register or to make a tee time call 641-724-1400.

Honey Creek Resort has a 105-room lakeside lodge, 28 new cabins, 20 full hook-up RV campsites, 6,500 sq. ft of indoor/outdoor meeting space, a pirate-themed indoor water park, miles of interpretive trails for hiking and biking, and a restaurant with outdoor patio.

For more information visit www.honeycreekresort.com or call 877-677-3344.

• Cargill — $50,000
• Iowa Trust and Savings Bank, Centerville — $50,000
• Peoples State Bank, Albia — $30,000
• First Iowa State Bank, Albia — $30,000
• Roger and Jan Winslow — $30,000
• Mercy Medical Center, Centerville — $30,000
• L and W Quarries/Ideal Ready Mix/Johnson Holding Company — $30,000

“Without the investment by these local residents, Honey Creek Resort State Park would still just be a dream,” said DNR Deputy Director Liz Christiansen. “Their dollars will bring dividends to all Iowans, both in economic development and tourism opportunities, as well as creating a showcase venue for Iowans to enjoy the outdoors.”

The organizations and individuals donating thus far worked with Rathbun Lake Resort, Inc. (RLR), a local fundraising group established by residents in southern Iowa to help bring a destination resort to Rathbun Lake.

In 2004, RLR was able to raise $4 million of in-kind and financial donations to match legislatively appropriated funds for the building of Honey Creek Resort State Park. Of this amount, $2.06 million came from utility infrastructure development by Rathbun Regional Water Association, Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative and Iowa Telecom.

Without the local matching, Honey Creek Resort construction would not have proceeded.

“We have always believed a resort would bring jobs, tourists, residents and improve the quality of life in this region,” said Kevin Kness, president of RLR. “We believe Honey Creek Resort State Park will be counted among Iowa’s greatest assets.”

To recognize contributions, donors have been able to choose name recognition signs throughout the resort, including at meeting and conference rooms, golf holes, cabins and more.

“We see this as just the beginning,” said Kness. “With continued corporate sponsorships and donations, we believe Honey Creek Resort will be one of the best tourism destinations in the Midwest.”

Several other organizations have also made donations, ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. Additional donation opportunities are available through RLR for individuals, companies and organizations that want to be part of the Honey Creek success story, according to Kness.

To learn more about donation opportunities at Honey Creek Resort State Park, contact any of the following RLR officers:

• Kevin Kness at 641-932-7887
• Carol Bradley at 641-437-7206
• Denny Ryan at 641-799-3861
• Bill Duey at 641-647-2464.

Just a 90-minute drive south of Des Moines, this new, year-round destination will ensure visitors a great getaway.

Nestled on the shores of Rathbun Lake in Appanoose County, Honey Creek Resort accommodations offer stunning views of the lake, with two suites featuring cozy fireplaces, transforming a typical hotel stay into a delightful, peaceful retreat.

Guests can meander through wilderness trails surrounding the resort, or relax in overstuffed arts-and-crafts chairs in the sunny great lodge, which is graced with a massive mosaic fireplace.
The resort’s Rathbun Lakeshore Grille serves up classic American fare and has picturesque views of the lake; a warm fire is always burning. Starters include walleye fingers and baked mozzarella bruschetta, while main dishes range from applewood smoked turkey sandwiches to gooseberry broiled salmon.

Guests looking to experience excitement as the weather turns colder can head to the Buccaneer Bay Indoor Water Park.  Float on the relaxing lazy river, slip down the body slide, dance under a watery geyser or stand guard on the interactive pirate ship.  If you get hungry, guests can grab a treat from the snack bar and play all the latest video games in the arcade.

If golf is your game, there’s still time this season to enjoy the 18-hole championship Preserve golf course designed for the novice and experienced golfer. It is nestled in the prairie just north of the main lodge with bent grass tees, greens and fairways. The course has a full driving range, putting green and Club Car golf carts equipped with GPS.

The natural setting is sure to inspire both business and leisure guests alike, with a restful lake resort that boasts beautiful amenities and accommodations, in a natural setting.

Thoughtful staff will help guests connect with DNR naturalists, letting them experience everything from stargazing on an evening hike to lingering over a bonfire. An abundance of outdoor activities await year-round at the new outdoor destination, so prepare to enjoy every moment at Honey Creek Resort State Park.

For more information visit www.honeycreekresort.com or call 877-677-3344.

We are pleased to be opening the doors of Honey Creek Resort State Park this Saturday, September 20. The last few weeks have been a flurry of activity as carpenters, furniture installers and the staff of Central Group Companies put the finishing touches on the lodge. Words can hardly describe how beautiful the lodge is going to be, with an emphasis on Arts and Crafts design, beautiful woodwork, warm lighting, inviting furniture and gorgeous views of the outdoors.

The special artwork throughout the resort is spectacular. The fireplaces in both the great room and restaurant feature mosaic tiles and inlays designed to reflect Iowa’s natural landscape of prairies and waters. Additionally, stained glass windows in the bar/restaurant were specially designed for the space and reflect the Arts and Crafts theme of the lodge.

The golf course is ready to go and will be open for play on Saturday. Darin Fisher, the Director of Golf, and Erik Hanson, Golf Course Superintendent, along with their staff, have done an exceptional job readying the course for guests. While only nine holes are currently playable due to the high water experienced this summer, golfers will thoroughly enjoy the quality of the greens and fairways.

We are still working on the outdoor landscaping of the lodge. The rainy summer weather held back our ability to plant grass, bushes and flowers, but now planting is in full force. We are excited for the immediate grounds around the resort to reflect the beauty of the indoors in the very near future.

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to sample some of the food offerings of Chef Patrick Koffman. Walleye fingers and Steak de Burgo are just a few of the menu offerings visitors will enjoy. We can’t wait for you to come and experience the excellent menu in this beautiful setting.

Thanks to all the partners, community members, contractors and staff who have helped make Honey Creek Resort State Park happen.

 

A sunny August has helped construction crews and the hotel, golf and park staff make immense progress toward a mid-September opening for Honey Creek Resort State Park.

Thousands of gallons of water rushed into lodge this past weekend. Fortunately, the occasion was not due to inclement weather, but to the completion of the 15,000-square foot indoor water park. The water park has all of its water features installed, including a lazy river, two slides, lily pads and other fun features for the entire family.

The paving and sidewalks around the lodge have been completed, which made the moving of the furniture and materials into the lodge much easier. While the third and second floors of the lodge were being furnished with furniture, lighting and artwork, Wisconsin artist Brad Kaspari began installing commissioned art pieces within the lodge. The glass mosaics and art featuring Iowa fish and wildlife are spectacular.

Approximately 70 new electric golf carts have made their initial run on the 18-hole golf course and await for the course to be open for play. While unprecedented high water has caused challenges, the golf superintendent and his staff are working diligently to make the course a beautiful destination for this fall and next season.

Construction of 28 cabins at Honey Creek Resort State Park is well underway.  Veico Development and Construction, Inc. of St. Joseph, MO started the $5.06 million project in July and are slated for completion in the spring of 2009.