BY LIZ WITBECK
When the Whitehall Marina and RV Park
open this year, each will have new owners.
The marina, previously owned and operated
by Bill Brina of Dragon Enterprises, was sold in
January to Lynn Wagemann, who will operate it
under the name New Whitehall Marina.
Sal Panetta is the new owner of the RV park,
Champs Campgrounds.
Panetta grew up on Long Island and recently
moved to Whitehall.
“Going to campgrounds as a child during the
summer, you get an idea of what kids want and
what adults want,” said Panetta. He is using his personal experiences to run
the RV park, which he renamed Champs Campgrounds
and RV Park. The facility consists of 26
spaces for RVs, as well as two cabins for rent.
All spaces come equipped with water, electricity,
picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, and fire
pits. For those who like to camp with the finer
things in life, Champs Campground also offers
free wireless internet and cable television.
Guests can rent canoes or enjoy a day of
fishing.
Renovations are currently underway at the
park, said Panetta. The team is laying crushed
stone on the campgrounds. A recreation center
is being renovated, which will serve food so that
guests do not have to leave to eat. The campground
is in the process of obtaining a liquor
license so adult guests can purchase beer and
wine on site. Ping pong, horse shoes, and video
games will be available for children.
Panetta said families looking for a quiet,
private, secluded spot to spend their family
vacation should look no further than Champs
Campground. He plans to open for the season
on May 1.
Wagemann, former owner of Hacker Boat Co.,
is an avid speedboat racer who is excited to be
the new owner of the marina. He has several
ideas for New Whitehall Marina.
“I took some time away from working to
spend time with my kids,” said Wagemann.
He came back to the workforce when he saw the marina for sale. “I saw this a unique opportunity.”
The marina has 50 slips to accommodate
boats. The floating docks can be configured for
several types of watercraft. He expects to be the
only marina in Whitehall this summer.
Services offered at the marina will include
gas and diesel fuel, seasonal docking, pumpouts,
marine supplies, repairs, towing services,
storage, and other services.
The marina will have a major new twist.
Wagemann will also operate Tavern at Lock
12, a bar and restaurant at the marina site.
The restaurant will be full-service, open seven
days a week and feature pub food, barbecue
and some European specialties. There will be
live entertainment during the summer months.
Wagemann hopes that the marina will help
to boost the economy of Whitehall. He believes
that there are many transient boaters who
would enjoy the other nearby attractions, such
as golfing, the Adirondack Mountains, fishing,
museums, and more.
“I hope we’re in the early stages of revitalization
of this area,” he said.
Photo by Todd Bissonette – rtbphoto.com