CPW turns over operation of North Shore Marina to Colorado Springs Vendor
Release Date: 11/22/2022
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has agreed to turn over operations of the North Shore Marina at Lake Pueblo State Park to a Colorado Springs company that will run it on an interim basis while a long-term contract is negotiated.
The O’Neil Group Co. has taken control of the 700-slip marina and has begun reaching out to boat owners who rented slips from the previous vendor.
CPW took possession of the marina on Nov. 1 after the previous vendor signed a settlement agreement essentially turning over the business to the state agency.
For months, CPW has been soliciting a new vendor to operate the marina for the next 20 years or so. The O’Neil Group Co. agreed to operate it on a 9-month contract, giving the two sides time to negotiate and sign a formal, long-term contract.
Since acquiring the marina Nov. 1, CPW has invested more than $135,000 in its failing infrastructure.
A key improvement was a patch to the electric wiring that will allow the operation of a bubbler system that prevents ice from forming in the marina and allows boats to remain docked all winter. The agency also performed emergency repairs to marina sewage pumps and its anchor system.
“Our hope is to work out a long-term operating contract with the O’Neil Group so work can begin to overhaul the marina facilities and restore it to a first-class facility,” said Joe Stadterman, Lake Pueblo Park Manager. “To show CPW’s commitment to the project, we invested in the facility to allow current renters to keep their boats in the marina all winter.”
The O’Neil Group is moving quickly and intends to reopen the marina store and sell fuel as soon as possible.
“We share CPW’s commitment to maintaining and upgrading the marina for the long-term use of the people of Southern Colorado and the state,” O’Neil said. “The CPW team has been highly responsive and we look forward to a great partnership with them in providing a first-class experience for the users.”
Update on the North Shore Marina
Release Date: 10/14/2022 Approximately 2:00PM
The current operator of North Shore Marina contracted with an electrician to restore power to a limited portion of the North Shore Marina. The power will be restored to the store and wastewater systems. This will allow slip renters to pump out and the restrooms should be operational. All the electrical work has passed inspection by a state electrical inspector. This change will not power any of the slips and power will likely not be restored to slips in the foreseeable future.
To All Boat Owners Using North Shore Marina, Lake Pueblo State Park
Release Date: 10/11/2022
The North Shore Marina is owned and operated by Colorado Marine and Boatworks, Inc. (‘Boatworks’), a private company that has a concession contract with CPW to operate the marina. CPW manages the park, but not the day-to-day operations of the marina. Boatworks owns and operates the docks and marina infrastructure, not CPW.
CPW hired an independent electrical engineer to do a safety review of the electrical service at the marina. The engineer determined the marina is out of compliance with applicable codes. CPW has disabled electrical service to the entire North Shore Marina as a result of the engineer’s report. Electrical service to all of the docks at the North Shore Marina was terminated at approximately 4 pm on September 28, 2022. There is no estimated timeframe when electrical service may be restored.
The concession contract between CPW and Boatworks expires on December 31, 2022. Please take notice that the North Shore Marina at Lake Pueblo State Park will be closing on December 31, 2022 with no immediate plan for reopening. No boats will be allowed to remain in the marina beginning January 1, 2023.
It is important that you immediately take whatever action is necessary to protect your boat from damage due to the lack of electrical service. Additionally, you must make plans to permanently remove your boat from marina waters on or before December 31, 2022.
To coordinate removal of your boat from the marina, or if you have questions about payment for marina services or refunds, please contact Boatworks at:
Colorado Marine & Boatworks, Inc. PO BOX 7436
Pueblo West, CO 81007-0436
Phone: 719-547-3880
Fax: 719-547-2312
email: manager@nsmpueblo.com
CPW regrets any inconvenience or hardship caused by the marina’s electrical issues and permanent closure. If you have any questions concerning this letter, please contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife at (719) 561-9320.
If you would like to be included in future communications related to North Shore Marina, please fill out this Google form: North Shore Marina Customer Information.
CPW Requests North Shore Marina Customer Information
Release Date: 10/01/2022
CPW is looking for information from North Shore Marina slip renters. If you are a NSM slip renter please use the Google Form link below to help us build a contact list. This information will help us pass along updates. North Shore Marina Customer Information
CPW Questions & Answers Regarding North Shore Marina
Release Date: 09/29/2022
Colorado Parks and Wildlife ordered Black Hills Energy to shut off power to the North Shore Marina at Lake Pueblo State Park at 4 p.m. on Sept. 29, 2022, as an emergency measure after being alerted by electrical consultant the marina electric circuits were dangerously deficient and out of compliance with national safety codes.
CPW could not risk death of serious injury from electric shock by allowing the situation to continue after learning the marina circuits lacked Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter breakers which protect people from serious electric shock and death by electrocution.
CPW recognizes that slip renters have questions about this process, and have concerns for their boats. While there is limited information at this time, there is some information CPW can provide now.
Q: Can I remove my boat from the North Shore Marina?
A: CPW did not close the marina and slip renters have access to their vessels. CPW simply ordered the power shut off to the marina until deficiencies are corrected.
Q: On what timeline can the electrical issues at the marina be fixed?
A: CPW expects to have a completed electrical assessment by the end of October. Once this assessment is complete CPW will have a better understanding of what it would take to fix the electrical system at North Shore Marina. Those repairs are the responsibility of the vendor who operates North Shore Marina. For the past 20 years, the marina business has been owned and operated by Colorado Marine and Boat Works whose principal agent is Connie Jack: 1 N Marina Road, Pueblo, CO, 81007, 719-547-3880 Website: North Shore Marina
Q: Will slip rent be discounted while the power is shut off?
A: Slip renters have private rental contracts with the North Shore Marina. This is an issue that will need to be worked out through the slip renter and North Shore Marina. CPW has no involvement in those contracts.
Q: If I have a non power seasonal slip through October can I keep my boat through the end of October?
A: CPW has not requested or demanded that any boats be removed from their slips. Your slip rental contract would dictate if you have the ability to keep your boat in the marina.
Q: Why did the power get shut off Wednesday?
A: Once CPW was notified that there was an issue that is a danger to public safety, we immediately took action to protect people.
Q: What will happen to my boat and to the marina after the end of the current concession contract (12/31/2022)
A: This is an issue that we do not have the answer to at this time. CPW is exploring all of its options moving forward.
Q: Why is the marina not being fixed now?
A: As part of the process of soliciting a new vendor to run the marina, CPW hired an electrical engineer to do an assessment of the electrical system at North Shore Marina. CPW expects to have a completed electrical assessment by the end of October. Once this assessment is complete CPW will have a better understanding of what it would take to fix the electrical system at North Shore Marina. A timeline for repairs is unknown. First, CPW must better understand all deficiencies. It is the responsibility of the vendor to repair any deficiencies.
Q: Will the boat ramp or Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) inspection station be closed?
A: No. The ANS facilities are CPW owned and operated facilities that remain unaffected by the power issue at the North Shore Marina. These facilities will maintain normal operation and hours.
CPW Cuts Off Power to North Shore Marina
Release Date: 09/28/2022
CPW hired an independent electrical engineer to do a safety review of the electrical service at the marina. The engineer determined the marina is out of compliance with applicable codes. CPW has disabled electrical service to the entire North Shore Marina as a result of the engineer's report. Electrical service to all of the docks at the North Shore Marina was terminated at approximately 4 pm on September 28, 2022. There is no estimated timeframe when electrical service may be restored.
