There are big changes already in progress at Arizona state parks on the Parker Strip and Lake Havasu through a budget allocation of $2.5 million for the redevelopment of Buckskin Mountain State Park, with Phase 1 happening now, Phase 2 next year and Phase 3 the year after that for a total of approximately $7 million, reports Parker Live Online.
The plans include new RV and cabin sites, electrical service and water upgrades, new shower and restroom facilities, extension of the north day use beach area, revitalization of the parking lot, installation of a new boat ramp and restoration of the ramadas and shoreline.
But the concession at Buckskin, including the restaurant, boutique and arcade, is gone for good and is arousing controversy. The operator, River Island Market, which has had the contract for decades, along with one at River Island State Park, must demolish it in accordance with their agreement.
“The plan for remediation and removal of the facilities is in progress,” Parks Chief of Communications Michelle Thompson told Parker Live. “The space will be incorporated into redevelopment of the park at the appropriate time. Customer service will be at the forefront of our plans. To help with the transition, Parks expanded the offerings at our existing park store.”
A woman with close ties to the company, Penny Younis, posted on Facebook about the closure.
“After 46 years Buckskin Market has closed its doors. The memories I have had here are immeasurable, and I want to thank all the people who have crossed my path along the river; family, friends, customers, rangers, employees and even my former first-graders and Brownie scouts who came on field trips.”
The concession agreement at River Island State Park has also run its course, but a deal to keep it going is underway, according to Thompson.
“The current operator has agreed to an annual contract with a renewal for up to five years,” she said.
La Paz County District 2 Supervisor Duce Minor said the concessions are a part of the river community, and it was very concerning to hear that they may be closing.
“People are disappointed to see the Buckskin Market go away, it’s been there for a very long time,” Minor told Parker Live. “And I heard plenty about River Island Market, people really felt that it would be a big loss if it were to disappear. We met with the Deputy Director of the State Parks, and it sounds like they may have worked something out. People need to remember that this area is its own ecosystem and you can’t just take something like this out of it without it having an effect. It’s an asset in the community.”
River Island Market includes a gas station, convenience store, groceries and a deli offering pizza, burgers and sandwiches.
The whole winter and summer community depends on River Island Market,Parker AZ. It’s a real lifeline the deli is the best, just about anything you need they have in the store so that you don’t have to drive into town to get milk bread and some produce, ice cream, pop, liquor, gas, propane some hardware. it’s a life saver and I really mean that if you have ever driven Hwy 95 in that area you know what I’m talking about not having to drive into Parker or Havasue. Glad someone stepped in and saw its value. ThankYou, you probably saved a life or two.