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Okoboji Magazine Feature, Debbie Parks

  • 4 days ago
  • 3 min read

Parks Marina has been part of the Iowa Great Lakes for many years. Tell us a bit about how it all began.


Butch’s path to Parks Marina was anything but ordinary. Before buying the marina in 1983, he worked as a hog farmer, milkman, Fuller Brush salesman, and at John Morrell. After losing his leg in 1976, he was determined to build something new and borrowed money from his mother to purchase Parks Marina. When I met Butch he suggested I should come to work here, and after months of persistence, I joined Parks Marina in 2000. I started in the office, getting to know customers and helping families create memories on the water. What began as a job became a passion, and together we grew Parks Marina into one of the Iowa Great Lakes’ best-known destinations.


What is one memory that perfectly captures what Parks Marina is all about?


Seeing former employees travel from across the country for Butch’s funeral this January perfectly captured what Parks Marina means. Many started as seasonal staff but became family. Their stories, laughter, and tears reminded me we built more than a marina—we built lasting relationships. Employees returned year after year, friendships formed, and even marriages began. Taking care of our people has always been the heart of Parks Marina.


What do you believe has been the key to Parks Marina’s success and the trust you’ve built with generations of customers?


Our success has always come from putting people first. Butch believed in hard work, treating customers fairly, and always improving the experience. We wanted everyone to feel welcome, no matter what boat they owned. We also valued our employees and created an environment where they enjoyed returning each season. Strong relationships with both customers and staff built the trust that has kept families coming back for generations.


Looking back over the years, what accomplishment or milestone are you most proud of?


Creating the Barefoot Bar is one of my proudest accomplishments. What began as a small tiki hut in 2002 grew into one of the Iowa Great Lakes’ most recognizable destinations. More important than its success are the memories it has created. Families return year after year, and many employees have built lifelong friendships. Creating a place where people make lasting memories is what means the most.


What does it mean to you and your family to be part of the Iowa Great Lakes community?


The Iowa Great Lakes has meant everything to our family. We’ve been fortunate to create jobs, welcome visitors, and contribute to the local community. What I treasure most are the relationships we’ve built with returning families and employees who have grown up here. The support our family received after Butch’s passing reminded me just how special this community is. It’s not only where we built our business—it’s where we built our lives.


What excites you most about the future of Parks Marina?


I believe Parks Marina has unlimited potential. Butch and I always believed in looking forward, learning from mistakes, and continuing to grow. That mindset will guide our future. We have a great team, opportunities to improve the property and technology, and a strong foundation to build on. We’ll honor Butch’s legacy while embracing new ideas and creating even more memorable experiences for families visiting the Iowa Great Lakes.





 
 
 

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