Desert Troon Companies Named 25-Year Concessionaire Of Scorpion Bay Marina

Desert Troon Companies, a Scottsdale-based real estate development and investment firm, is pleased to announce that the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has approved the transfer of the Concessionaire Management Agreement for Scorpion Bay Marina at Lake Pleasant Regional Park from Skipper Marine to Desert Troon Companies. The agreement names Desert Troon Companies as a concessionaire until 2040, and marks the next phase of development for the popular marina.

"Scorpion Bay Marina is a distinct project with tremendous potential for growth and development," said Daniel Smith, CEO of Desert Troon Companies. "The lake – an integral component of Central Arizona Project, its location – centerpiece of 23,662 acres owned by the Bureau of Reclamation, and accessibility – 4 million individuals live in close proximity, combine to make Scorpion Bay Marina an ideal project to apply our depth of lifestyle and master plan development experience."

Opportunity To Invest

The agreement involves approximately 200 acres of lake and land surrounding Scorpion Bay Marina, 300 existing wet slips, a restaurant, ship store and various other administrative buildings and structures. As part of the agreement, Desert Troon Companies will have the opportunity to invest in necessary physical improvements, expand services, and amenities for the park's approximately 800,000 annual visitors.

"Maricopa County's regional parks offer exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities, and are also a significant part of the economic engine of our county," said Maricopa County District 4 Supervisor Clint Hickman. "The partnership with Desert Troon Companies offers Maricopa County, and the City of Peoria, the opportunity to capitalize on the increased economic and tourism activity occurring in the West Valley."

As population growth surrounding the project in Peoria, New River, Anthem and other Northwest Valley cities continues to increase, and with the completion of State Route 303, additional economic opportunities should materialize for the region.

Timing Is Ideal

"Timing for the next phase of Scorpion Bay Marina's development is ideal," explains Gary S. Elbogen, executive vice president of Desert Troon Companies. "Recent population, transportation and employment advances in neighboring municipalities means now is the time to create a world-class recreation destination that will draw locals and tourists, create additional revenue streams for Maricopa County Parks and Recreation and further stimulate the Northwest Valley economy."

Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department, one of the largest regional park systems in the nation, depends on user fees, and other self-generating revenue sources, to operate and maintain the 10 regional parks in the system. The opportunity to enhance revenue, while providing additional amenities to locals and tourists, is a win-win for the county.

"With a diverse portfolio of recreation and lifestyle venues around the Valley and the country, Desert Troon Companies is an established and quality brand. We are excited to see how their expertise will impact tourism in the surrounding cities and enhance the offerings at Lake Pleasant Regional Park," said R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Director.

Specifics Available In Early 2016

Desert Troon Companies is vetting opportunities as part of its larger master planning process and plans to unveil specifics in early 2016. Under the terms of the concession, Desert Troon Companies will also operate existing and propose future amenities and offerings for Lake Pleasant Regional Park.

Lake Pleasant encompasses 23,662 acres of land, and approximately 10,000 surface acres of water owned by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and managed by Maricopa County's Parks and Recreation Department. This important reservoir is overseen by Central Arizona Project (CAP) and provides water to local businesses and residents. To learn more about Desert Troon Companies, or for corporate or leasing information, please call 480-563-5247.

About Maricopa County Parks & Recreation

From hiking on a barrier-free trail, to horseback riding along a creek, Maricopa County Parks offer visitors the best of the Sonoran Desert. At approximately 120,000 acres, Maricopa County is home to one of the largest regional park systems in the United States.

All trails within the Maricopa County Park System are for non-motorized use only. The ten parks in the system circle the metropolitan area and all are within a 45-minute drive from downtown Phoenix. For more information on the park system, visit http://www.maricopa.gov/parks or phone (602) 506-2930.