Rotary Club hears from owners of At Ease Campground & Marina

Published 9:22 am Wednesday, May 31, 2023

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The Bainbridge Rotary Club met at the Kirbo Center on Tuesday for their weekly lunch meeting. This week’s guest speakers were Don and Patti Fabian, owners of At Ease Campground and Marina, formerly Wingate’s Lunker Lodge.

The couple spoke about what the facility offers under their ownership, which includes full RV hook-ups, cabins, tent sites, a bar and restaurant. The marina is still under renovation. “We’re still rebuilding and remodeling,” Don said, “it’d dilapidated quite a bit over the last 20 years… so half of my boat docks do not have water and electric, the other half does.” The docks are however equipped with a pump system for house boats to pump their septic systems. At Ease also offers kayaks, canoes and paddleboats for rent, as well as several fishing docks and hiking trails.

Don also discussed the history of the campground property before it was owned by Jack Wingate, at one point being near Fort Scott, with historic cemeteries located on the property.

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However, the Fabians see the campground as more than just a business opportunity. “We bought this place with the intent of providing veterans with an outdoor recreational opportunity to recoup, connect and move on,” Don said. He told the audience about Operation At Ease, their non-profit organization, as well as their veteran’s meet-and-greet events.

The couple concluded by taking questions from the audience. For more information about At Ease Campground and marina and the various services they offer, they can be reached at 229-246-0658.