Dan Keller to retire

But that's not going to happen because he's the new COO.

CP Bound is partially right. But, there is more to it than that.

I don't have recent information but, to my knowledge, the on-point laundry facility hasn't seen much expansion over the years yet rooms have been added like weeds.

Seasonals are still living in Cedars and Gold Dorms, buildings that should have been torn down years, if not decades ago.

The HR/Purchasing offices are deficient.

What I am getting at is that Kinzel loved the big, new, shiny toys but infrastructure is just as important long term.

And yes, for what hotel guests pay the amenities they receive could be considerably better, particularly when it comes to POS.

Lots of teams report today and tomorrow Pete.
*** Edited 2/15/2005 9:51:28 PM UTC by Fastball84***

I'm going with what Jeff is saying. I'm not big on this subject, but it sounds somewhat right on how some of the departments are lacking. Wahoo said the staff housing and the laundry facilities, those are mainly behind the scenes and what doesn't directly effect the guest is secondary, or that's what I'd think.

The resort amenities could use a bit of an upgrade. Looking at the prices and the amount of things you get aren't good. Disney has set the best example in the business standard in the industry. They've built value and luxury hotels that offer many different types of amenities. CP has Breakers Hotel, but for the price for a room that has nothing special about it what's so ever is not worth it.

I am not down on Breakers, or Sandcastle for that matter. But, for what they pay, guests deserve more "resort" style services. Paying on room cards/keys, admission with the card, advance reservations at restaurants, etc.

And, laundry facilities directly effect the hotel guests if they can't get clean linens in a timely manner. Unhappy employees can effect the guests and if that discontent is due to housing issues it is something that should be fixed.

Kinzel was entralled with the next thing and seldom worried about the existing things. Someone like Monty who has a better understanding of maintenance issues certainly couldn't hurt.

Oh, and one more thing: When did Craig Krenzel work at the Point? I thought he was going into the NFL. J/k
*** Edited 2/15/2005 9:20:55 PM UTC by Chief Wahoo***

Kinzel was entralled with the next thing and seldom worried about the existing things

This is certainly true with respect to themeing. WWL's caves. TTD'S back end (though the capacity increase was cool) All of DT. Calypso.

I'm right there with Wahoo on the resorts side. The hotels are reasonable hotels (though Sandcastle and the original breakers building are awfully worn). But, they certainly are not resorts---the food options are mediocre at best, the quality of the furnishings and in-room amenities are "clean motel 6", the decore can charitably be described as "minimalist", and there are precious few things to do that don't involve entering one of the parks. LP is a step in the right direction in terms of physical plant and furnishings, but ony a step.

If they had to do it over again I suspect Sandcastle would have been much better built. At the time I don't think they were entirely convinced it would take off the way it did. Thus, the building was built on the cheap.

Breakers East and the Tower were built much better in large part because of the success of Sandcastle. If casino gambling is ever approved in Ohio I wouldn't be surprised to see Sandcastle torn down and replaced with a very modern structure. Even without gambling I think Sandcastle's life expectancy is short.

I suppose you could make a case for tearing down some of the on-point dorms and put the seasonals in Sandcastle. That might make room for a hotel where Cedars now stands or expansion of Breakers to where Gold Dorms stands.

But, that piece of property Sandcastle sits on is the best on the peninsula. A large tower that takes full advantage of the bay and lake views is what should go in its place.

Kinzel was/is a strong leader but there are some things he could have done better and maintenance of infrastructure was a part of it. Not replacing the employee rec center for several years was another mistake. I think that had a direct impact on hiring for those years when there was no outlet for staff. In fact, I know it did.

But, aren't things like themeing, maintenance of physical plant, etc. part of the responsibilities of the park's general manager, not Kinzel?

I can certainly see why Kinzel would be looking towards the next thing, his job is to grow the company. Existing lower managers should be responsible for maintenance and operation of the infrastructure.

piece of property Sandcastle sits on is the best on the peninsula

Does anyone know if there are any plans to make that beach usable again? Is it just a matter of too-low lake levels, or is there something else? If sandcastle had a functional beach, I'd consider staying there again, even given the condition of the rooms.

I think it is low water levels combined with the location of the jetty. I don't know if it is a park issue or a State of Ohio issue...or even the Army Corps of Engineers.