Threat to remove vital Arizona asset

The Lake Pleasant Regional Park is a large outdoors recreation area northwest of Phoenix, Arizona. There is a massive 10,000-acre water reservoir that serves as a premier destination for boating, and has been the home of Tiller & Kites, Arizona’s largest sailing operation.

However, the Lake Pleasant Harbor Marina has pulled their lease and effectively shuttered organized sailing in AZ. The reason was alleged late payments, though owner Victor Felice claims to have receipts proving years of on-time payments.

The marina and RV resort’s general manager has also departed, making answers even harder to obtain. After a nine-year presence, Felice says this could effectively end organized sailing instruction and programs in Arizona. A letter from State Senator Janae Shamp to Maricopa Water District, which controls the marina, seeks answers. Standing by.

While not the first activity that comes to mind for this desert region, sailing may not soon come to mind at all.