Developer Plans Spa At Ponds Lodge

Developers of the proposed Crooked Creek health spa and resort have dropped plans to build on scenic Henry’s Lake Flats and now say they will put a $30 million resort at historic Ponds Lodge.

Crooked Creek developer Linda Halter, Idaho Falls, said Tuesday she has an option to purchase 62-year-old Ponds Lodge from owner Jay Goldman.

Her plan is to move the lodge from just west of Highway 20 in Island Park to about five miles south of the flats. The 93,000-square-foot spa she planned for the flats will be built on the 20-acre site.

She said she will remodel the lodge and 21 guest cabins.

“It’s an excellent location,” Halter said. “We want to get (construction) under way. We don’t want to lose another season.”

Goldman confirmed Halter has a 60-day option but said it’s far from a done deal. He said he plans to operate the lodge at least through the fall.

Plans call for a new 112-room hotel, a 304-seat theater, RV park and other facilities.

Another partner, John Dickey, estimated that the entire project will cost $30 million.

Fremont County planner Rodney Eastvold said he issued Halter a building permit for the development Monday. He said because the property is already used for commercial purposes, the county can’t control the size and scope of the development.

Ponds Lodge in Island Park traces its history to 1923, when Tud Kent and his wife Lindy started a modest stop for tourists, offering overnight accommodations in three tent-frame cabins, a cafe in a small log dwelling and a dance hall in another log building.

There have been a number of fires, rebuilding and ownership changes since Charles Pond bought the lease in 1925 but the name has remained the same.