Ian Rolland, receiver for Oakwood, has made a request of the Indiana Finance Authority to explore an opportunity that may result in the state, along with a private partner, in acquiring Oakwood Park to create an additional state recreational area.
The IFA issued a request for proposals from developers interested in entering into such an agreement. Proposals from developers were due at the IFA Nov. 23. According to the time-line posted on the IFA website, the IFA plans to select a respondent later this month. In early December the IFA, along with the successful developer, will submit an offer to the receiver. If accepted it is hoped the purchase of the property will be completed by late December.
 According to the RFP packet, “The state’s primary development objective for Oakwood Park is to create a new state recreational area. It is the intent of the state to update Oakwood Park to its original condition in order for the general public to have access to its campground, boat ramp, trails, athletic facilities, inn, restaurant, conference center ╔ the IFA anticipates the successful developer to partner with the IFA in the acquisition and/or redevelopment of all facilities at Oakwood.”
In a phone interview, Rolland said the state has been involved in the process of resolving the issues at Oakwood for quite some time and it wants to be a positive player. However, the state will not be the only one making proposals about how to redevelop the Oakwood property.
Rolland said he has “been trying to encourage anyone with a different idea to get in the act.” He will be involved in the final selection process for Oakwood’s future. Whoever the potential buyer ends up being, Rolland is sure the property will be open for public use.
“These would be potential buyers that are on their own, an entity themselves, primarily with enough resources to do something,” he explained. “The judge indicated it was not my job to find the highest price (for Oakwood) but to find something close to the dreams of Howard (Brembeck, patron of Oakwood) and others.”
One idea being tossed around is having something similar to the Chautauqua Institution, located near Jamestown, N.Y., offering arts, programming and educational and recreational facilities and activities during the summer. The rest of the year Chautauqua offers educational programming through programs for older adults, Elderhostels and more.
Chautauqua also has a department of religion, which offers a wide variety of worship services and programs expressing its Christian heritage and its interfaith commitment. Lectures and educational programs on contemporary religious and theological ideas are also held.
“Some people think Oakwood would be a perfect place to have something similar (to Chautauqua) in Indiana and the facilities are there. It fits with a lot of people’s dreams (for Oakwood). It’s consistent with what the judge told me was important,” Rolland said.
Any proposed plan must be approved by Judge Duane Huffer, but Rolland thinks something positive can be accomplished. “It’s a good place with a lot of good people. The ingredients are there for something special,” he said about Oakwood, adding he believes it has a positive future.
“The people who live there (in Oakwood Park) are very positive and that’s encouraging. But there are some challenges. I don’t want anyone thinking it’s a done deal, but we’re closer than we were a few months ago,” Rolland said.
Throughout the summer Rolland met with several different groups with an interest in Oakwood’s future. He said while he mainly listened, he found the process helpful and very positive.
“People care about Oakwood. People want to be part of the solution,” he said. He’s met with the Oakwood property owners, people around Oakwood, the attorney general’s people, potential developers, the Town of Syracuse about the idea of annexing Oakwood into the town, the local Lions Club and he will be speaking at the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting and dinner Jan. 25.
During the last few months, Rolland has made two formal reports to Huffer. He expects to make his final report to the court by Dec. 15. |
