May Newsletter, 2026

STEPPING INTO SUMMER

Oh the sights and sounds of Okoboji in mid-April. The hammering of dock posts, the birds chirping, the water coming alive. I know exactly how Butch would open this newsletter: “Please be patient with your dock builders, hoist installers, and marinas. It’s a HUGE job that is squeezed into a short amount of time. Thank you to all of the hard work of all the folks that make it happen.” 

We kindly ask that if we are delivering your boat, you keep us informed about when your dock and hoist will be installed so we can avoid unnecessary duplicate trips. For those picking up your boats, we are working as quickly and efficiently as possible to complete your service. Once your boat is ready, please make every effort to pick it up promptly so we can make room in the yard for others. It’s a delicate balancing act! We also have some new team members in the service department (more patience please). We have told them that spring can be a trial by fire!

We all miss Butch. But he is speaking to us every day. He believed in me and the team! I am finding his writings so inspiring. He says in one:

"Each man, woman and child must have a magic marina experience. We will be the place to go. I could say it will be hard work but it won’t, it will be fun work, much easier than you think. Everyone likes to win or be the best and we can rise to another level."

There’s so much more to share with you. I am so grateful to have shared 25 years with him, the fun, and the wisdom and of course, I get Rudy too. 



The Lakes Area lost another local change maker, entrepreneur and icon, Tom Clary. We have been proud to know him and his family for many years and will continue to do business with the Clary family. RIP Tom, and prayers and peace to his entire family and team. 

On to marina happenings. The Barefoot is starting its 25th season! What a journey it’s been, time flies when you are having fun. We have new palm branches ordered for huts that need repaired, palm trees picked for shipment, and all kinds of entertainment lined up for you. We open for the season on Walleye Weekend May 1st. We will also be having in-water test drives on a bit of everything and some unheard of spring cash savings on select models. Now’s the time!

Boat sales are up year-to-date and Cobalt continues to knock out the competition in quality and performance. We are proud to carry only the best in boating. We have a healthy amount of in-stock ready to go units for you to pick from. Pontoons with big motors continue to carry a huge portion of the boating segment. Barletta Pontoons is the best company from the roots up. The fit, style and unique appointments make it worthy to fit in our showroom next to our Cobalts. Only the best. 

We have a great selection for every budget in our pre-owned segment. If you have never boated before, we can get you going and make it EASY! Come join the boating lifestyle and the Parks Family.

Snappers and the Boat Club are open, come experience the views or book your private party in the club room! Add a private cruise to your gathering to top off the fun, we are booking up quickly! Reach out to cruises@parksmarina.com and we will get you taken care of.

We still have our Lilly Pulitzer signature store in the Central Emporium, the most colorful store in Okoboji. Mention this letter and get 10% off your entire purchase! 

Can’t wait to see you and share more Butch stories!

Debbie Parks